October 23, 2023 – the date will not only be etched in the history books of the game but also in the memories of the Afghanistan players who seem to have mastered the art of causing upsets. After thumping defending champions England in Delhi, the Atalans arrived in Chennai to jolt Pakistan at Chepauk. Afghanistan registered their highest run-chase in the ODIs, defeating the men in green by 8 wickets to have their second win in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq will remember this edition of the ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup for the rest of his life but won’t reverse his decision to retire from the ODIs after the conclusion of the tournament.
Following Afghanistan’s impactful performance, Naveen was asked if he would rethink his retirement decision. “Not at all. That’s the final decision I have made. Luckily, I will remember this World Cup for the rest of my life,” Naveen-ul-Haq told reporters.
The 24-year-old had made a shock announcement last month that he would quit the ODIs at the end of the World Cup in India. He took the decision to prolong his T20 career. Naveen dedicated the victory to his people back home.
“It does mean a lot back home to the people of our country. We all know the situation back home. There was also an earthquake that happened a few days ago.
“There is not a lot of happiness in the country without cricket. So, at least we have given them some moments of happiness tonight. Going deeper into the tournament, every game and two points count. The win tonight (Monday) is quite big for us,” Naveen said.
The right-arm quick admitted that there are areas that they still need to improve, majorly being leaking runs at the closing stages of the innings, as Pakistan scored 101 runs in the last ten overs.
“We still have a lot of things to be improved, especially the way we conceded a few runs at the back end of the innings. They played well, but we can improve and do well in the upcoming games,” Naveen said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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