'Dedicate award to Afghan people sent back by PAK'

Ibrahim Zadran turned out to become the hero for Afghanistan as he made a formidable contribution of 87 runs, in the team's historic win against Pakistan. Chasing 283, Afghanistan batters played risk-free cricket and attained the target on the final ball of the 49th over, with 8 wickets in hand. Following the man, Zadran was adjudged the man of the match and he dedicated his award to the Afghani refugees sent back by Pakistan. Speaking after the match, Zadran expressed his happiness with the victory of Afghanistan, which was their second in the World Cup 2023, and the first ever against Pakistan in the 50-over format. “First of all, I am very thankful to the almighty that I performed well in this kind of big tournament. I wanted to go there and bat longer to score runs for my side. I feel very glad for myself and for my country,” said Zadran. Zabran and Rahmanullah Gurabad added 130 runs for the first wicket, which set the tone for the chase. After the departure of the openers, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi carried the momentum and made sure nothing fancy occurs in the chase. Afghanistan won the match with 6 balls to spare and won the match by 8 wickets. “Many times I and Gurbaz added big partnerships. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator,” Zadran added. Following that, he dedicated the victory to Afghan refugees. “I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those people whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan,” said Zadran after the game