NEW DELHI: Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, expressed his disappointment on Monday, acknowledging that his team's bowling attack fell short of expectations as Afghanistan secured an eight-wicket victory in a World Cup match in Chennai.
Afghanistan successfully chased down a target of 283, with openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz laying a strong foundation for the win. Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also contributed significantly, with unbeaten scores of 77 and 48, respectively.
Afghanistan's impressive performance continued their run of upsets, having previously stunned defending champions England in the tournament. This unexpected loss left Pakistan perilously close to elimination from the competition.
"We had a good total, but in bowling, we were not up to the mark because we weren't taking wickets in the middle overs," Babar said at the post-match presentation.
"In a World Cup, if you are not good even in one department, you lose. We started well while bowling, but we couldn't take wickets."
He gave credit to Afghanistan for the win.
"We are not playing good cricket, (especially) in bowling and fielding," he said.
"The pitch was helping the spinners even in the second innings. There was no pressure on their batsmen."
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said the win "tastes nice".
"The way we chased today was very professional. We have been playing quality cricket for a couple of years. We will try our best to play positive cricket, and do a lot for our country.
"Today, bowling was very good, especially spin bowling. We gave a chance to Noor, and he showed. The game was in our hands from the beginning till the end."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his 87 in Afghanistan's run chase, said he played with a positive intent.
"Thankful that I performed well in this event. I wanted to play with a positive intent," he said.
"Many times Gurbaz and I have done a brilliant partnership together. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country."
Former captain and senior player Mohammad Nabi said the win was a big moment for the whole of Afghanistan, having lost every game that they played against the bitter rivals from 2012.
"We have played eight games against Pakistan, and won in a big event. It's a lovely moment today. We beat England as well, and now Pakistan. The team is confident now.
"(Earlier) in the last moments, we used to lose the game (to Pakistan). We thought it was the same wicket as against New Zealand, but it was totally changed.
"A lot of close games, and this is a fantastic feeling. We shouldn't have lost against Bangladesh. But now half the tournament is gone."
(With PTI inputs)
