New Delhi: Afghanistan have been on a roll ever since beginning of their campaign in 2023 edition of the Cricket World Cup. In last night match, as they thrashed Sri Lanka, yet another World Cup champion team, by 7 wickets former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh broke into dance moves to celebrate the victory of minnows over big guns.
In last evening match i.e. on October 30, Afghanistan stunned the cricketing fraternity again by defeating the stronger rival Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Cup encounter. Lanka scored a modest total, to which the minnows chased the target valiantly and effected a clinical victory over the latter by 7 wickets.
As Afghanistan humbled much stronger & much experienced contender of the tournament, the team has drawn all-round praise for springing a surprise win.
While Afghanistan emerged victorious, it’s the exuberant celebration by former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan & Harbhajan Singh that has drawn everyon’s attention. Former all-rounder Irfan was seen putting on his dancing songs and grooving on some popular song while moments later, the turbantor joins him for celebrations.
Irfan, presently a member of Star Sports commentary channel, rocked the studio floor with his dance moves on a popular Afghan number. He also shared the video from his social media account. Soon after, the video went viral on social media.
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The awe-inspiring performance by Afghanistan team also elicited many reactions from cricket fans.
Afghanistan’s soaring spot in points tally
Cricket experts wouldn’t hesitate to put Afghanistan at the bottom of points tally but team’s sensational performance has taken the cricketing world by storm. With its scintillating performance in the World Cup campaign, the team is rightly poised for a possible slot in the semi-final.
With victory against Sri Lanka, the team has soared past the latter in points tally and is currently positioned at Number 5 spot. Out of 6 matches, it has won 3 while lost 3 matches.
Owing to their super-success World Cup campaign, Hashmatullah Shahidi & Co. have been drawing gushing admiration & appreciation from all quarters.
How Afghanistan stunned World cup champions
Notably, this is not the first big World Cup upset brought about by Afghanistan. Out of four big World Cup upsets, Afghanistan alone has the distinction of springing a surprise in three such matches.
It has handed over crushing defeat to three former World Cup champions till date. They include England, Pakistan and the latest being Sri Lanka.
Also, this is the first world cup in which Afghanistan has won more than 1 matches.
With latest victory against Sri Lanka, they have strengthened their position in the points tally. With 6 points and average of 0.71 run rate, they make for a strong contender to the semi-final and if any of the top teams flounder in their performance, it could well be on its way to script history.
Afghan spinner thanks Pathan for support
As the video of Irfan Pathan grooving for Afghanistan went viral, latter’s spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman also shared it and thanked Pathan for support to the team.
“Once again, @IrfanPathan dancing in celebration of Afghanistan’s victory! @harbhajan_singh Special thanks, once more, for the support,” Mujeeb posted.
Once again,@IrfanPathan dancing in celebration of Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 victory! @harbhajan_singh Special thanks, once more, for the support! pic.twitter.com/XssVbpgfyv
— Muj R 88 (@Mujeeb_R88) October 30, 2023
For the uninitiated, Irfan Pathan has been showering praise on the team and also hoping for its entry in the semi-final spot. Pathan also broke into celebrations when Afghan gave a shock defeat to defending champions England and then thumped Pakistan, for the first time in ODI history, in Chennai. Then also, Pathan had danced with Rashid Khan on the ground.
