Having won the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first. Their innings got off to a slow start as opener Fakhar Zaman departed early, scoring 2 runs. However, Imam ul Haq steadied the ship with a solid 61 runs off 94 balls.
The rest of the Pakistani batting line-up struggled to build substantial partnerships, with only Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab Khan (39) making notable contributions. The Afghanistan bowlers, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman‘s excellent spell of 3 wickets for 33 runs, kept the pressure on Pakistan. Eventually, Pakistan were bundled out for 201 runs in 47.1 overs.
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Haris Rauf destroys Afghanistan batting unit with fiery bowling exhibition
Afghanistan faced an uphill battle as they struggled against the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Their innings crumbled under the immense pressure imposed by Pakistan’s bowlers. Apart from Azmatullah Omarzai‘s quickfire 16 runs and Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s patient 18 runs, the Afghan batters failed to put up a fight.
Haris Rauf was the standout performer for the tourists, wreaking havoc with a five-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in his 6.2 overs. Afghanistan was bundled out for a mere 59 runs in 19.2 overs. Pakistan’s dominant performance with both bat and ball secured them a comprehensive victory of 142 runs.
Rauf’s exceptional bowling earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning performance, which played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumph. This convincing win in the 1st ODI provides Pakistan with early momentum in the series, while Afghanistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series in the upcoming matches.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
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in emphatic style
What an incredible bowling performance to win the first ODI by 142 runs!#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/o7Hgslpt31
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 22, 2023
FIRST FIVE-WICKET HAUL IN ODI CRICKET FOR HARIS RAUF
Pakistan have won the match by 142 runs. Alhamdullilah#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/Gl7piGewHs
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 22, 2023
Afghanistan are bowled out for their second-lowest score in ODIs as Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series#AFGvPAK
: https://t.co/bmpFMRZFi4 pic.twitter.com/6AzCNh7ygm
— ICC (@ICC) August 22, 2023
Maiden five-wicket haul for Haris Rauf, 18 for 5 in 6.2 overs. pic.twitter.com/Pm18suj1q2
— Nawaz(@Rnawaz31888) August 22, 2023
Maiden ODI 5-er from Haris Rauf seals the dominant Victory of PCT
A brilliant start to the ODI season#PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/YrwfVmmQxN
— SAAD
Haris Rauf Won The Man of the Match Award for his 5 wicket haul#HarisRauf #PAKvAFG #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/Kb945pxjBd
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy) August 22, 2023
Congratulations to team Pakistan!!!! What a win#AFGvPAK
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 22, 2023
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