Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on October 24, 2023
Cricket World Cup: Ibrahim Zadran dedicates player of the match award to Afghan refugees ‘sent back’ by Pakistan
Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran scored 87 and played a pivotal role in his team's first ever win over Pakistan.
Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran plays a shot during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. (PTI)
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Cricket World Cup: Ibrahim Zadran dedicates player of the match award to Afghan refugees ‘sent back’ by Pakistan
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Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, who was adjudged player of the match for hos match-winning 87 against Pakistan has dedicated his award to the “Afghan refugees,” who has been sent back by Pakistan.
Chasing a stiff total of 283, Zadran put on 130 runs for the opening wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) to give Afghanistan a flying start. He forged a 60-run stand for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah (77 not out). The unbeaten 96-run partnership for the third wicket between Rahmat and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48 not out) steered their team home.
Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest stats, like the top scorer and the highest wicket-taker of the current edition, upcoming World Cup fixtures and the points table on the site.
During the player of the match award ceremony, Zadran told the broadcasters: “I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those peoples whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan.”
Zadran, who has not able to convert his starts in the tournament, said he wanted to score big runs. He said: “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.”
Zadran also showered praise on his opening partner Gurbaz, with whom he has opened the batting since their U-16 days.
“I have had added big partnerships with Gurbaz so many times. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country,” he said.
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Afghanistan created history by trouncing Pakistan for the first time in ODIs. They had has earlier defeated defending champions England by 69 runs.
Afghanistan will next face Sri Lanka in Pune on Monday.
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