Pakistan vs Afghanistan — Full Match Report & Statistical Breakdown
ODI Cricket World Cup • Pakistan won the match by 23 run
Key Match Highlights
1. Match Overview & Context
In this 50-over encounter of ODI Cricket World Cup, Pakistan took on Afghanistan on Apr 4, 2026, 01:05 AM. After competitive cricket across both innings, the fixture concluded with the official result: Pakistan won the match by 23 run. Across the match, spectators witnessed a combined total of 597 runs and 16 wickets fall between Pakistan (310/6 in 50.0 overs) and Afghanistan (287/10 in 50.0 overs).
2. Pakistan Innings Breakdown (310/6)
Batting in the first innings, Pakistan finished on 310/6 from 50.0 overs, maintaining an innings run rate of 6.20 runs per over. During the opening 6 overs, Pakistan accumulated 25 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Babar Azam spearheaded the batting effort with 80 runs off 80 balls (including 6 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 100.0). Valuable middle-order support came from Fakhar Zaman, who contributed 58 runs off 80 deliveries, while Muhammad Rizwan added 57 (43b). The bowling side conceded 12 extra runs (wides: 9, no-balls: 0, byes: 0, leg-byes: 3). With the ball in the first innings, Naveed Zadran led the bowling figures with 2/56 in 8.0 overs (economy 7.00), assisted by Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/73 in 9.0 overs).
3. Afghanistan Chase & Second Innings Summary (287/10)
Pursuing a target of 311 runs for victory, Afghanistan recorded 287/10 in 50.0 overs at a scoring rate of 5.74 runs per over. Rahmat Shah anchored the chase for Afghanistan with 87 runs from 98 balls (8 fours, 0 sixes, strike rate 88.8), alongside Ibrahim Zadran who chipped in with 62 off 77 balls. Defending the total, Naseem Shah delivered a key spell of 5/62 across 10.0 overs at an economy rate of 6.20, while Haris Rauf finished with 2/42 (9.0 overs).
4. Partnerships, Fielding & CricÓ MVP Standings
The highest batting stand of the match was forged by Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan), who combined for 129 runs off 149 balls. In the field, both sides combined for 13 catches, 1 run-out, and 0 stumpings, with Saim Ayub making a notable impact in the outfield. According to the CricÓ MVP & Player Points engine—which evaluates runs, boundaries, strike rate milestones, wickets, dot balls, bowling economy, and fielding dismissals—Naseem Shah (Pakistan) topped the match rankings with 268.0 total points, followed closely by Salman Ali Agha (234.0 points). Official Player of the Match honors were awarded to Naseem Shah.