Indian cricket legend and one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar, lauded his countryman Ajay Jadeja after Afghanistan’s historic eight-wicket win against Pakistan at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India, on Monday.
Tendulkar, who has 100 international centuries to his name, believes that Jadeja’s appointment as the team’s mentor is one of the biggest reasons behind Afghanistan’s all-round and disciplined performances during the World Cup as the Afghans are responsible for two big upsets in the mega event after beating England and Pakistan.
“Afghanistan’s performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding. Their discipline with the bat, the temperament they’ve shown, and aggressive running between the wickets reflects their hard work. It could possibly be due to a certain Mr. Ajay Jadeja’s influence,” Sachin wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“With a formidable bowling lineup, their victories over teams like England and Pakistan indicate the emergence of a new Afghanistan team. The cricket world is taking note. Well done,” he further added.
It must be noted that Ajay Jadeja, who represented India in 211 international matches, was appointed as the Mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team right before the World Cup started.
Earlier, Afghanistan put on a superb batting and bowling display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the Cricket World Cup.
Chasing a 283-run target, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286-2 in 49 overs.
Pakistan had made 282-7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan.
The defeat leaves Pakistan´s World Cup campaign in disarray as they gear up to face a formidable South Africa side on Friday.
