World Cup 2023: Afghanistan's success reminds of Kenya's dream run in 2003 South Africa

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Afghanistan caused another major upset in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the league match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

A spirited Afghanistan side who stunned England earlier in the 10-team extravaganza put up another resilient show to stun Babar Azam-led Pakistan. This is Afganistan's second ICC World Cup and the team is already showing signs of being a force to reckon with in the coming years.

Chasing 283 against old rivals Pakistan, Afghanistan lost just two wickets as three of their batters slammed fifties. The openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87), shared a valuable stand of 130 runs and laid the foundation for the big run chase against a higher-ranked side.

Later, Rahmat Shah (77*) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) helped the team cross the finish line. With this win, Afghanistan have kept themselves in the top four race and also showcased the quality they possess in their ranks.

The Afghans -- who possess some of the best T20 freelancers in their ranks -- are peaking at the right time and opposition should take them lightly at their own peril.

There is also an India connection with this Afghan side as former cricketer Ajay Jadeja is their mentor and batting coach. And the former cricketer's tips are helping them. One can already draw a parallel between Afghanistan's success in India and Kenya's dream run during the World Cup 2003 in South Africa.

In that tournament, former India batter Sandeep Patil was the coach of the Kenyan side that made it to the semis and stunned everyone with their best-ever performance in the multi-nation ICC event.

While Kenya failed to capitalise on the success, attributed to the lack of funds and, political scenario among other reasons, Afghan cricket's future looks dark as well since the Taliban recaptured the war-torn nation last year.

The presence of some talented cricketers like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the team may delay the process but the lack of cricketing infrastructure with the nation in incapable hands is a recipe for disaster.

Sports overall have been on a decline in the nation with the terror outfit abolishing women's sports completely in the nation, followed by football and other sports deemed to bring'western influence.'