In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan in Chennai on Monday, Afghanistan's opening batter, Ibrahim Zadran, achieved the distinction of becoming the quickest player from his country to reach 1,000 career runs in One-Day International cricket.
The right-handed batter surpassed his fellow opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had accomplished this feat in 27 innings earlier in the same World Cup against Bangladesh. Zadran managed to achieve this milestone in just 24 innings, outpacing Gurbaz. He made his ODI debut in 2019 against West Indies in Lucknow.
Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman currently holds the world record for the fastest player to reach 1,000 runs in ODIs, achieving this milestone in just 18 innings. his teammate, Imam-ul-Haq, and India's Shubman Gill are second, both tied at 19 innings.
It must be noted that Afghanistan are in a firm position to win against Pakistan. Their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran posted an opening partnership of 130 in a chase of 283.
Earlier, the coin fell in Babar Azam’s favour and Pakistan opted to bat first in the match. They made a sole change to their playing XI as vice-captain Shadab Khan was back in the team in place of sick Mohammad Nawaz. Afghanistan also made a change to their playing XI as Noor Ahmad replaced Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Pakistan finished on 282/7. Skipper Babar Azam made 74 off 92 balls while opener Abdullah Shafique made 58 off 75.
Shadab Khan (40) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40) gave the final touches, leading Pakistan to a great total.
Afghanistan's 18-year-old spinner Noor Ahmad bagged figures of 3/48 in his debut game of the competition.
