Naveen-ul-Haq (L) celebrates during the 2023 Cricket World Cup© AFP
It has been an interesting journey for Afghan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq when it comes to fan support in India during the Cricket World Cup 2023. The pacer was constantly taunted during the initial matches of the competition due to the spit which he had with Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The chants of “Kohli Kohli” filled the stadium every time he came to bowl and even on social media, his every move was scrutinized. However, the two cricketers ended their feud when they hugged each other during the India-Afghanistan match and the mood among the fans of the Indian cricket team has completely changed. During the match against England in New Delhi on Sunday, the crowd was firmly behind Afghanistan and Naveen received loud cheers from them throughout the match.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the crowd can be seen cheering en masse as Naveen dismissed England’s Jos Buttler en route to a famous win against the defending champions.
Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest shocks at the Cricket World Cup on Sunday when they defeated defending champions England by 69 runs in New Delhi.
Delhi cheers for Naveen. Yes, read that again! pic.twitter.com/e8wyN4zxz7
— Lucknow Supergiants (@LucknowIPL) October 15, 2023
Chasing 285 to win after opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a blistering 80, England were bowled out for 215 despite Harry Brook’s 66, with spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan claiming three wickets each.
“It’s a very proud moment to be here at the World Cup and beat the last champions, it’s a good moment for the entire nation and the team. A great achievement for the bowlers and the batters,” Mujeeb said.
This stunning upset gave Afghanistan only their second World Cup victory, alongside a sole victory over Scotland in the 2015 tournament.
They came into Sunday’s match having lost their first two matches in India and following a 14-match losing streak at the World Cup.
(With AFP inputs)
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