Watch: Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz received congratulations from virtually the whole Pakistan team after being dismissed for 151 in the second ODI.
Gurbaz’s knock was notable for several reasons. It was a career best, the highest by a wicketkeeper against Pakistan in ODIs, and made him the third fastest to five ODI centuries in history. It also headlined a remarkable resurgence for Afghanistan, who put up 300-5 after being dismissed for 59 in the first ODI.
This is the first ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and there have been heightened tensions between fans of the two sides in the past. But there are clearly close ties between the sides, as shown by the reaction of several members of the Pakistan side upon Gurbaz’s dismissal.
He began by pulling Shaheen Shah Afridi, Afghanistan’s early destroyer in the first ODI, for six. Haris Rauf claimed five-for in the first ODI too, and he was also dispatched, for four fours in four balls, after Gurbaz had brought up three figures.
After Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for 151 in the second ODI against Pakistan, Babar Azam made sure to congratulate him as he walked off.
A mark of respect 🤝#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/XIrSYPG6IW
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 24, 2023
He had just passed 150, and there was a hint of a tiredness in the stroke, aiming a wafty drive and getting an outside edge off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Mohammad Rizwan claimed the catch, and the pair were the first two to congratulate Gurbaz. He received encouragement from teammate Mohammad Nabi as well, with Pakistan captain Babar Azam the next to offer a handshake. Finally, Shadab Khan offered some kind words just before Gurbaz crossed the boundary rope.
