In a shocking turn of events, Waqar Younis, the cricketing legend from Pakistan, didn’t hold back as he criticized the Pakistani team’s performance and attitude during their World Cup match against Afghanistan. The Afghanistan team’s impressive victory over Pakistan left Waqar impressed and praising their capabilities.

In a display of cricketing brilliance, Afghanistan successfully chased down a challenging target of 283 runs. The dynamic opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz set the stage with explosive batting. Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi played pivotal innings, both remaining unbeaten with scores of 77 and 48, respectively. This victory marked a significant moment in Afghanistan’s cricket journey, proving their mettle in the tournament.

Waqar Younis’ Candid Assessment of Pakistan’s Attitude

Waqar Younis, known for his straightforward nature, did not mince words in his assessment of Pakistan’s performance. He criticized the team for showing a “zero attitude” and a lack of method during their uninspiring play. Basic skills like fielding and bowling, where Pakistan has traditionally excelled, were executed poorly, leaving fans and experts puzzled by the drastic decline in their standards.

This demoralizing eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan had severe consequences, putting Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in jeopardy. It serves as a wake-up call for the team to reassess their approach, rediscover their lost form, and revive the indomitable spirit that once defined their cricketing legacy.

For Dutch cricket enthusiasts, this triumph goes down in history. It marked their inaugural win against a test-playing nation in the ODI World Cup and their third victory in the tournament’s history.

The Dutch team, batting first, posted a commendable total of 245-8, largely courtesy of their skipper, Scott Edwards. Edwards delivered a captain’s performance, crafting an unbeaten 78 off 69 balls, punctuated by an impressive 10 boundaries and a towering six.

With a target of 246 to chase, South Africa was anticipated to breeze through. However, the Dutch bowlers had different plans. They displayed discipline and seized every opportunity to strike. The Proteas fell short by 38 runs, concluding their innings at 207 all out in 42.5 overs.

As Captain Scott Edwards described it, this historic victory is the result of their ambitious dream to reach the semifinals, a dream that has now materialized.

Scott Edwards’ Winning Formula: Staying at the Crease and Team Support

In the aftermath of this historic win, Scott Edwards unveiled his strategy for success. He stressed the significance of staying at the crease until the end, addressing their previous issue of losing wickets prematurely.

Edwards executed this plan flawlessly, anchoring the innings and receiving vital support from the other end.

“In the past few games, our problem was losing wickets prematurely. So, I decided to stick around and received great support from my teammates,” Edwards explained.

Roelof van der Merwe: The X-Factor in Netherlands’ Historic Triumph

Edwards also shed light on his partnership with Roelof van der Merwe, describing it as “a lot of fun.” Van der Merwe’s unconventional hitting and swift running between the wickets posed a challenge for the South African bowlers.

Their partnership was a joy to watch. Notably, Aryan Dutt, batting at number 10, cleared the ropes with ease.

“Batting with Roelof is enjoyable. He hits the ball into some unusual areas and runs hard between the wickets, which is always challenging. I aimed to get him on strike, and he was consistently sending the ball out of the park. It’s one of the best displays of hitting I’ve seen in a while, especially from a number 10 batsman,” remarked Edwards.

Setting Sights High: Netherlands’ Dream of Reaching the Semifinals Comes True

Scott Edwards concluded by expressing his pride in the team’s performance and their lofty aspirations for the competition. The Dutch team entered the tournament with a clear objective in mind – making it to the semifinals.

To achieve this, they knew they had to overcome formidable opponents, including tournament favorites like South Africa. Their victory against the Proteas represents a significant stride toward their ultimate goal, leaving Edwards and his team overjoyed.

“We are genuinely proud of our team. Our initial goal was to secure a spot in the semifinals. To achieve that, we needed to defeat top teams, and South Africa is undoubtedly a favorite in this tournament. We are thrilled to have crossed that line,” Edwards concluded.

In the midst of Afghanistan’s enduring adversity, marked by decades of conflict, political upheaval, and humanitarian crises, the growth of cricket emerges as a remarkable tale of unwavering determination and hope.

The nation’s tumultuous history, significantly influenced by external forces, particularly the interventions of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, left a lasting impact on Afghanistan. This interference contributed to its arduous journey toward stability and prosperity.

However, amid this backdrop of turmoil and adversity, cricket emerged as a beacon of hope and unity. Afghans embraced cricket as a source of solace from the harsh realities of daily life. Afghan refugees, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Pakistan, played a pivotal role in introducing the sport to their compatriots. In the refugee camps, makeshift cricket matches provided a temporary escape from the harshness of their circumstances.

As Afghanistan grappled with political upheaval and conflict, cricket began to take root. The sport grew organically, propelled by the passion of Afghan youth who saw in it a means to express their resilience and determination.

The Birth of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)

Cricket became a symbol of hope and a source of national pride with the establishment of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in 1995. It represented the aspirations of a war-torn nation striving for a better future.

Afghan Cricket Icons: Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi

The journey of Afghanistan’s national cricket team, ascending from minor leagues to achieving Test status, captured the imagination of the nation. Afghan cricketers like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi became global icons, showcasing their talent and potential in the face of adversity.

In the years that followed, Afghanistan’s cricket team rose from obscurity to international acclaim. It all began in 2007 when, under the leadership of Nawroz Mangal, they were declared joint winners of the inaugural ACC Twenty20 Cup in a nail-biting tied final against Oman.

Their ascent continued in 2009 when they earned prestigious One Day International status and advanced to the Super Eight stage in South Africa. In 2010, they secured a spot in the ICC World T20 after conquering the qualifiers in Dubai, marking their debut in ODI cricket in 2012. Their affiliation was upgraded from Affiliate to Associate Member by the ICC in 2013, solidifying their place on the international cricketing map.

Afghanistan’s Historic Moments in Cricket

A moment of national pride arrived in 2015 when Afghanistan made their mark on the grand stage by winning their first-ever World Cup match against Scotland during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia.

The year 2017 brought another monumental achievement as Afghanistan, along with Ireland, was granted Test status by the ICC, leading to their first Test match against India in 2018.

In 2018, Afghanistan’s tenacity shone again as they secured qualification for the ICC World Cup 2019. During the World Cup, they displayed unwavering spirit against formidable opponents, earning respect and admiration on the world stage.

A Sport That Continues to Evolve

The evolution of Afghanistan cricket is epitomized by players like Mohammad Nabi, who witnessed the gradual growth of Afghan cricket from its beginnings as refugees in Peshawar during the Civil War.

Dā Də Bātorāno Kor: Afghanistan’s Brave Cricket Journey

Afghanistan’s journey in cricket is characterized by bravery, a quality encapsulated in their national anthem, Dā Də Bātorāno Kor, which translates to “This Is the Home of the Brave.” Their fearless approach to the game and their ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles have propelled cricket to new horizons.

A Victory for Afghanistan: Defeating England

Afghanistan’s recent victory against England demonstrates the sport’s continuous evolution through the decades. It affirms their commitment to reaching new heights, showing that they have no intention of slowing down.

Cricket’s Role in Inspiring Hope and Unity in Afghanistan

In the face of a tumultuous history shaped by superpower interventions and ensuing struggles, Afghanistan’s embrace of cricket stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. The sport not only provided a means of escape from the nation’s misery but also symbolized their determination to rise above challenges and chart a new course toward hope, unity, and progress.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently showered accolades on Jasprit Bumrah, hailing him as the preeminent force of lethality in the world of cricket today. As India prepares for a high-stakes showdown with Pakistan in Ahmedabad, Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the ongoing World Cup has thrust him into the spotlight.

Stellar Performance Against Afghanistan Garners Acclaim

Having secured six wickets in 20 overs across two matches, Bumrah’s standout exhibition against Afghanistan, where he scalped four wickets for a mere 39 runs, is now celebrated as one of the most exquisite bowling displays in the early stages of the 2023 World Cup. This remarkable spell played a pivotal role in India’s commanding 8-wicket triumph, earning Bumrah plaudits from fans and cricket pundits alike.

Gambhir’s Praise: Bumrah vs. Shaheen Shah Afridi

As the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash looms, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir accentuated the glaring distinction between Bumrah and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. Gambhir specifically pointed to Bumrah’s dismissals of Mitchell Marsh and Ibrahim Zadran in India’s previous encounters, underscoring the unparalleled influence Bumrah wields in the game.

World Cricket’s Most Lethal Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah

According to Gambhir, “The way he dismissed Mitchell Marsh on that wicket (in the first game against Australia) and the way he dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, if there is a complete and most lethal bowler in world cricket, it is Bumrah.”

He further emphasized the disparity, adding, “We compared Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi earlier; there is a huge difference.”

Unmatched Versatility: Bumrah’s Impact in Every Phase

Gambhir also drew attention to Bumrah’s exceptional adaptability, noting his capacity to make a significant impact during all phases of the game. Whether it’s with the new ball, in the middle overs, or at the death, Bumrah consistently delivers. This versatility sets him apart in a cricketing world often dominated by specialization. In Gambhir’s words, “Tell me one fast bowler who can make such an impact in every phase. Bowlers bowl well either with the new ball or at the death, but Bumrah has the same impact in the middle overs as he has with the new ball or the old ball.”

Anticipation Builds for India-Pakistan Showdown

As the India-Pakistan clash looms closer, cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate another display of Bumrah’s prowess and finesse, further cementing his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the contemporary era.

While the Indian tour of Afghanistan is yet to be confirmed, a formal announcement should be made soon by either of the two boards. This is a big step for Afghanistan cricket and BCCI as the condition of cricket there is not good after Taliban came to power in August 2021.

The Indian board has always supported Afghanistan cricket and the board has provided its stadiums in Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow to the Afghanistan cricket team as their home base. “Yes, the Afghanistan cricket team will undertake a short tour of India in June after the World Test Championship final” a BCCI source told

India will tour the West Indies in July for two Tests, three ODIs and five T20 matches. In March, Afghanistan’s full membership of the International Cricket Council was retained after an ICC Board meeting concluded that the Taliban administration, not the Afghanistan Cricket Board, was responsible for the absence of women’s cricket in that country.

The Taliban are not keen on promoting the women’s game, so ICC board members objected to the matter. Full membership in the ICC requires a one-man executive women’s team.