'Want to Dedicate POTM to People Who Were Sent Back From Pakistan to Afghanistan': Ibrahim Zadran

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran made an explosive statement after receiving the Player of the Match award for his sensational performance against Pakistan on Monday. Zadran scored 87 runs and laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s massive 8-wicket win over Pakistan in the World Cup.

Afghanistan registered their highest-ever run-chase in ODIs to claim their first-ever win over Pakistan in the 50-over format.

PAK vs AFG Highlights ODI World Cup 2023

Zadran dedicated his Player of the Match award to the people who were sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan.

“I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this Player of the Match award to that people who were sent back from Pakistan to back home Afghanistan,” Zadran said in the post-match presentation.

The win is Afghanistan’s first-ever over Pakistan in eight ODIs and came eight days after their stunning victory over defending champions England in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Zadran shared a solid 130-run stand for the first wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the opening wicket which put Pakistan on the backfoot as they failed to bounce back in the game.

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Zadran talked about his partnership with Gurbaz and said that they both have played together since under-16 days which is why there is very clear communication between them while batting.

“I wanted to go out there with a positive mind and positive intent, and I did it. We (Gurbaz and himself) have played a lot of cricket with each other, we have good communication while running between the wickets as we have been playing together since under-16 days,” he said.

Zadran further credited in-form Gurbaz for the support he gave him at the start of the innings.

“The way Gurbaz supported me (in that opening partnership) – that helped me and we got the momentum in our favour. I am feeling great for myself and my country,” he added.

The victory for Afghanistan comes at a time of tense political and diplomatic relations between the two neighbours.

Afghanistan’s campaign is slightly revived with two wins in five matches and struggling Sri Lanka as their next opponents in Pune on Sunday.