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Afghanistan opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz couldn't hide his pride as Pakistan captain Babar Azam gifted him a bat following the 2023 World Cup clash on Monday in Chennai. The right-handed batter took to his official Instagram handle and stated that the spirit of cricket is well and truly alive by posting a picture with the 29-year-old.
The 21-year-old has had a stellar tournament thus far as he followed his swashbuckling innings of 80 against England in Delhi with a pristine 65 on Monday in Chennai. The right-handed batter helped set up the game for Afghanistan, stitching a 130-run partnership with Ibrahim Zadran in pursuit of a stiff 283.
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The youngster took to his official Instagram account and uploaded a photo and a short clip, with the caption:
"A gift from Babar Azam. The spirit of cricket alive and well 🤝Swipe to watch the Pakistan skipper gifting a bat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz."
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi hit the winning runs off a full toss sent down by Shaheen Shah Afridi on the final ball of the 49th over. Notably, it was Afghanistan's first ODI win over Pakistan in 8 attempts.
"We have a good communication while batting" - Ibrahim Zadran on Rahmanullah Gurbaz
After receiving the Player of the Match award for his knock of 87, Ibrahim Zadran recalled his U-16 days and credited them for having a good understanding with the 21-year-old Gurbaz. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
"I would say I wanted to play with a positive intent, with a positive mindset, so that's why I did it. Many times Gurbaz and me, we have done a brilliant partnership together. Few times, not [just] today. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. We have a good communication while batting."
The massive win has lifted Afghanistan to 6th in the points table, but they still have a lot more to do to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
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