Afghanistan’s wins are not upsets anymore: Sachin Tendulkar
Afghanistan’s cricket team has once again demonstrated its growing prowess on the international stage with a thrilling victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy. This win, highlighted by Ibrahim Zadran’s remarkable 177-run innings and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, has solidified Afghanistan’s reputation as a formidable opponent in international cricket.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded their performance, stating, “Afghanistan’s steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can’t term their wins as upsets anymore; they’ve made this a habit now.”
Ibrahim Zadran’s exceptional knock of 177 runs off 146 balls propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total of 325 for 7. In response, England’s chase was thwarted by Azmatullah Omarzai’s impressive bowling figures of 5 for 58, culminating in England being bowled out for 317. This victory not only kept Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive but also marked England’s second consecutive defeat to Afghanistan in ODIs.
The significance of Tendulkar’s praise was not lost on Zadran, who expressed his gratitude on social media: “What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat @sachin_rt. Your words mean a lot to me and to cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir.”
This victory underscores Afghanistan’s consistent rise in international cricket, challenging the notion of their wins being mere upsets. Their performance in the Champions Trophy has been marked by resilience and skill, earning them the respect of cricketing greats and fans worldwide. As they prepare to face Australia in their next match, Afghanistan’s confidence is bolstered by their recent successes and the recognition of their growing stature in the cricketing community.
Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket serves as an inspiration, showcasing how dedication and talent can elevate a team to compete fiercely against established cricketing nations. Their recent performances have redefined expectations and signaled a new era where Afghanistan is regarded as a serious contender on the world stage.
