Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja, currently serving as the mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team, celebrated the team's historic victory over Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Monday (October 23). Afghanistan secured their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan by successfully chasing a target of 283 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. An old video of Ajay Jadeja speaking to reporters has gone viral on the internet, where he praised Afghanistan's performance despite their relatively short history in international cricket.
"Most of the teams competing in the World Cup have a cricketing legacy of 100-150 years, while Afghanistan has been on the cricketing scene for just 20 years. They have come close to winning nail-biting matches in the past, even giving India a tough time in the 2019 Cricket World Cup," said Ajay Jadeja in the viral clip.
"Everyone often labels them as underdogs, but the day they defeat the bigger teams, they will rightfully earn their place among the major cricketing nations," he added.
In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 282 runs in 50 overs, losing 7 wickets. Pakistan's top scorers were Babar Azam with 74 runs and Abdullah Shafique with 58 runs. With two wickets in hand, Afghanistan successfully chased down the target in 49 overs, led by top scorers Ibrahim Zadran (87) and Rahmat Shah (77). This victory marked Afghanistan's first-ever win against Pakistan in an ODI match.
Afghanistan's Hard World Could Be Due To Ajay Jadeja's Influence: Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket figures from around the world have praised Ajay Jadeja for his pivotal role in Afghanistan's improving cricket performance. His contribution to Afghanistan's campaign in the World Cup garnered recognition from former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar and former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik. Both Tendulkar and Malik attributed Afghanistan's remarkable performances in the tournament to Jadeja's influence and guidance.
"Afghanistan's performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding. Their discipline with the bat, the temperament they've shown, and aggressive running between the wickets reflects their hard work. It could possibly be due to a certain Mr. Ajay Jadeja's influence. 😜
With a formidable bowling lineup, their victories over teams like England and Pakistan indicate the emergence of a new Afghanistan team.
The cricket world is taking note. 🏏 Well done!#PAKvsAFG," wrote Sachin Tendulkar in a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter).
Similarly, Malik praised Jadeja's cricketing acumen and his role in helping Afghanistan play an attacking style of cricket. "I have seen Ajay Jadeja sitting in their dugout. I have worked with him during the 2015 World Cup for one of the channels in India. Great cricketing mind. Absolutely!" said Malik during an interview on the sports channel 'A Sports.'