World Cup 2023: The Cricket World Cup 2023 has been an event of riveting matches and memorable moments. A highlight from the recent India vs Afghanistan match wasn’t just the game itself but the grand celebration that followed.
India’s Dominant Performance
In the ninth match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, held on Wednesday, India faced off against Afghanistan. The Indian team showcased their prowess, clinching a victory with an impressive margin of 8 wickets.
Double Celebration for Team India
World Cup 2023: This win marked India’s second triumph in the tournament. Post-match, the dressing room echoed with cheers not just for the victory but also for the birthday of the team’s vice-captain, Hardik Pandya. The celebration was captured in a video, later shared by BCCI for fans worldwide.
Hardik Pandya Turns 30
IND vs AFG: October 11 saw the dynamic all-rounder stepping into his 30s. Before the game commenced, Pandya was seen cutting his birthday cake alongside former opener Gautam Gambhir and renowned cricket presenter Jatin Sapru. The post-match festivities witnessed the entire Indian squad joining in the celebrations.
Teammates Join the Festivity
As Pandya made the first cut into his cake, teammates cheered, clapping and singing the birthday anthem. Notably, stars like Virat Kohli, Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan were spotted relishing the cake and sharing light moments.
A Special Day for Pandya
IND vs AFG: Reflecting on the day, Pandya mentioned, “This was the first time I played a match on my birthday, making it truly special.” He went on to express heartfelt gratitude to his teammates and the legion of fans who sent in their wishes.
A Recap of the Match
Afghanistan, taking the crease first, set a commendable target, posting a score of 272/8 in 50 overs. This was majorly due to commendable half-centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi (80) and Azmatullah Omarzai (62). The Indian side, undeterred, chased down the target with ease, losing only two wickets in 35 overs.
Rohit Sharma: The Man of the Match
IND vs AFG: The victory lap for India was steered by skipper Rohit Sharma. Playing a captain’s knock, he blazed through with 131 runs off just 84 deliveries, adorned with 16 boundaries and five towering sixes.
The day was an amalgamation of cricketing excellence and joyous celebrations, etching it as a memorable one in the annals of CWC 2023.
Image Credit – insidesport