Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz was at his best during his fifth ODI hundred in the second match of the series against Pakistan today (August 24), hitting Haris Rauf for four boundaries in four balls, all in different directions and with different shots.
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Gurbaz became the third-fastest batter in the history of ODI cricket to reach five centuries during his career-best knock of 151 off 151 balls today (August 24). He displayed the full range of shots and adapted according to the match situation, taking on and respecting bowlers depending on the need of the hour.
He first targeted the leader of the attack Shaheen Afridi, pulling him for a six and two fours in the fifth over of the innings to help kickstart the Afghan innings. Coming on the back of a historic low in the first ODI, Gurbaz combined with Ibrahim Zadran to quickly turn the narrative as the pair crossed one milestone after the other.
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Gurbaz reached his hundred in the 35th over, off 123 balls and teed off after that. Haris Rauf bore the brunt of Gurbaz’s range and genius as he was hit for four fours off consecutive deliveries in the 37th over.
The first was a perfectly executed scoop shot over short fine leg off a ball that was well outside the off-stump. The next ball was chipped over mid-wicket for four. The third was pulled in front of square, and the fourth guided deliberately past the short-third fielder for another boundary.
It was a complete reversal of fortunes for Rauf, who took his maiden ODI five-for in the previous game. Gurbaz was finally dismissed in the 45th over off the bowling of Afridi, having taken Afghanistan to a position of dominance. Gurbaz carried on to make 151 off as many balls, with his knock Afghanistan’s first ODI hundred against Pakistan.
