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‘Game on at Wankhede!’ – Fans react as Afghanistan post highest ever World Cup score; Australia need record chase to claim semi-final spot 

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Afghanistan vs Australia

The 2023 ODI World Cup has become a historic tournament in the history of Afghanistan. Arriving as underdogs, Afghanistan upset defending champions England, registered a maiden ODI win over Pakistan and now posted their highest-ever World Cup score in the match against Australia. The Asian side has amassed 291 runs against the five-time champions on Tuesday, November 7.

Australia are just one win away from booking their semi-final spot, but they will need to complete a record chase at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have set a competitive target on the board and left it to their bowling unit to help them edge closer to the knockout stage. If they manage to pull off another upset in this World Cup, it will be a great gift for the 21-year-old Ibrahim Zadran, who played a record-breaking knock.

I was feeling like I’d get a hundred in the next 3 matches: Zadran

The Afghan opener Zadran went on to smash an unbeaten 143-ball 129 to take his team to a massive total. The right-hander became the fourth youngest player to score an ODI World Cup hundred. He became the first Afghanistan batter to score a century in the World Cup. Zadran also holds the third-highest WC score by an Afghan player (87 vs PAK, Chennai, 2023). Samiullah Shinwari’s 96 vs Scotland in 2015 is second.

Speaking after the first innings, Zadran said: “Feeling very good to become the first Afghan player to score a 100 against in World Cups. I want to score many more hundreds. I worked very hard for this tournament. Against Pakistan, I missed my ton, so I wanted to make it up in this game. I was feeling like I’d get a hundred in the next 3 matches. I had a good chat with Sachin Tendulkar yesterday, he shared a lot of his experiences that I can’t express. I’m very thankful to him for sharing his experiences and giving me a lot of confidence.”

Zadran was involved in partnerships right through, with the biggest being for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah. The scoring was not at a rapid pace but they had a clear plan to keep wickets in hand and fire towards the end. All seven players contributed their share and some sparkling cameos from Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai provided the much-needed boost. Afghanistan added 96 runs in the last 10 overs – their highest in the World Cup.

Here’s how fans reacted to Afghanistan’s first innings vs Australia: 

 

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Pakistan’s Asia Cup Loss Against India Shook Team Morale

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Pakistan Asia Cup loss to India

Pakistan Asia Cup Loss to India Left Players Devastated! Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2023 profoundly impacted the team, exposing vulnerabilities and sparking internal turmoil. Imam-ul-Haq, a key player, disclosed that the loss shattered team morale, with some players crying and isolating themselves in hotel rooms.

Pakistan Asia Cup loss to India intensified scrutiny, fueling rumors of discord within the squad. Imam acknowledged the psychological toll, explaining how players struggled to recover and maintain confidence in subsequent matches. This setback not only derailed their Asia Cup campaign but also affected their World Cup preparations.

Imam highlighted the immense pressure of high-stakes tournaments, where a single loss can overshadow months of effort and preparation. He described the emotional strain on the players, exacerbated by media speculation about rifts within the team. Such moments underline the mental challenges athletes face while representing their country on a global stage.

The Asia Cup defeat also revealed the importance of strong leadership and mental resilience during challenging times. Imam expressed hope that the team could learn from this experience and rebuild their confidence. He emphasized the need for unity and support within the squad to bounce back stronger.

Pakistan’s journey serves as a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictability and the fine line between victory and defeat. The players’ emotional response reflected their dedication to the game and the weight of expectations from millions of fans.

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PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement

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PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement

Ravichandran Ashwin retirement! Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following his surprising retirement, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Ashwin, known for his skill and innovation, redefined spin bowling and established himself as one of the game’s greats.

During his illustrious 14-year career, Ashwin achieved 537 Test wickets and delivered match-winning performances across all formats. Modi highlighted his consistency, especially his ability to perform under pressure and against world-class opposition. The prime minister praised Ashwin’s commitment, which inspired countless young players to dream big and achieve greatness.

Modi reflected on the unwavering support Ashwin received from his family, acknowledging their sacrifices and vital role in his career. He also appreciated Ashwin’s iconic carrom ball, which revolutionized spin bowling and contributed to numerous memorable victories. Ashwin’s jersey number 99, synonymous with his presence on the field, will be dearly missed by fans and teammates alike.

Encouraging Ashwin to stay connected with cricket, Modi expressed hope that his post-retirement journey would continue to impact the sport positively. Ashwin’s retirement signifies the conclusion of an era but leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations.

The prime minister’s heartfelt tribute emphasized the lasting impression Ashwin made both on and off the field, ensuring his name remains synonymous with greatness.

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Janakpur Bolts Clinch Victory in Inaugural Nepal Premier League Final

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Nepal Premier League Final

Nepal Premier League Final! Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a thrilling final. The Bolts showcased remarkable resilience, chasing down a target of 187 runs with five wickets in hand at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first, set a competitive total of 184 for nine wickets, led by Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a solid 69 runs, while Bhandari added a crucial 41. However, their middle order failed to capitalize on a strong start, succumbing to disciplined bowling from Janakpur’s attack.

Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Mohisin starred with the ball for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 15 runs, including a maiden over. Their efforts restricted Sudurpaschim from posting a more imposing total.

In response, Janakpur’s Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 runs off 49 balls, including six fours and as many sixes. His innings anchored the chase, despite early pressure from Sudurpaschim’s bowlers. Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur captain, played a vital supporting role, ensuring a composed finish.

This victory is a milestone for Nepali cricket, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and its potential to elevate local talent. Fans celebrated the intense final, hopeful for the league’s promising future.

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