Pakistan’s victory over Afghanistan in the 1st ODI brought several new records. The spotlight was on Haris Rauf, who clinched a five-for, dismissing Afghanistan for just 59 runs. The match showed stellar bowling performances and marked history in multiple ways.
Afghanistan’s total of 59 runs marked their second-lowest ODI score, also being the lowest against Pakistan in ODIs. Pakistan’s bowlers displayed their skills, securing a massive 142-run win. This set a new record for the largest winning margin by any team bowled out for under 205 runs in the first innings, surpassing South Africa’s 2018 record of a 120-run victory against Zimbabwe.
The match also highlighted individual milestones. Pakistan’s pacers mirrored their best bowling start since 2017, leaving Sri Lanka at 20 runs with 5 wickets. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah’s commendable performance of 18 wickets for 4 paved the way for Haris Rauf’s impressive five-wicket haul, his first in international matches. This also marked the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler against Afghanistan.
In another turn, Afghanistan managed to bowl out Pakistan for the first time across any format. This added significance to the competition. Beyond celebrating Pakistan’s bowling brilliance, the match scripted history. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate forthcoming clashes between these cricketing powerhouses.
