Afghan cricketer Ibrahim Zadran was awarded player of the match for his 87-run knock, which helped Afghanistan register eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in ICC World Cup on Monday in Chennai.

While speaking in the post-match presentation, Zadran said, "I am thankful that I performed well in this event. I wanted to play with a positive intent. Many times Gurbaz and I have done a brilliant partnership together. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country."

"I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this man of the match award to those people who have been sent back from Pakistan to Afghanistan."

Double Standards! Afghanistan cricket team player Ibrahim Zadran dedicating his Man of the Match Award to illegal immigrants being sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan is a political statement on the field. Is ICC sleeping or do all the rules exist for Pakistan only? pic.twitter.com/iVpw77RSvI

— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) October 23, 2023

This dedication carried poignant significance against the backdrop of recent developments where tens of thousands of Afghan nationals left Pakistan, responding to a government-imposed deadline for foreigners without proper documentation to depart by November 1 or face deportation.

Authorities in Pakistan disclosed that around 1.7 million Afghans were included in the group of foreigners required to return to their home countries due to documentation deficiencies or visa overstays. The Pakistani government, having declared the deadline in early October, pledged to carry out arrests and deportations in a "phased and orderly manner" for those who failed to comply.

The state-run radio of Pakistan has reported that 3,248 Afghan refugees were returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan in a single day on October 21, Khaama Press reported. According to Pakistani authorities, more than 51,000 Afghans have been deported since the deadline for the expulsion of undocumented migrants was announced.

'Sky's the limit'

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott believes the "sky's the limit" for his young stars who shone and then shattered mighty Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup on Monday.

First, 18-year-old leg-spinner Noor Ahmad took 3-49 on his World Cup debut, including opposing captain Babar Azam and master run-getter Mohammad Rizwan.

Then 21-year-old opening batsmen Ibrahim Zadran, with 87, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hit 65, piled up 130 for the first wicket to set the platform for a stunning eight-wicket victory.

"I think the two opening batters that we have are very, very exceptionally talented young players and the sky's the limit for both of them," said former England batsman Trott.

"They're different types of players and my message to them is just keep growing your own game and play your own way.

"We saw tonight how well they can play and how much pressure they can put on opposition bowlers, world-class bowlers as well."

Gurbaz is just 14 days older than Zadran and has already made five centuries and four fifties in his 31-match ODI career.

He made a crucial 80 in the earlier victory over defending champions England at the World Cup.

Zadran has four hundreds and five fifties in 24 games with an average of just under 50.

"The turning point for me was the start that Ibrahim and Gurbaz gave us," added Trott.

"I think that's always good when you're chasing a total like that, you need a good start, there's a less pressure on the players coming in. They were outstanding."

Despite his tender years, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor is no stranger to the spotlight.

In December 2020, when he was just 15, he was signed by the Melbourne Renegades to play in the Big Bash League.

Monday represented just his fourth ODI while he has featured in just one Twenty20 international.

However, that was a debut to remember when he claimed 4-10 against Zimbabwe last year when he was just 17.

"The sky's the limit for him too," said Trott. "You know, you take the mitt to him, you're standing up when he's practising, you hear that ball fizzing.

"It's a real talent for such a young lad to be able to get that many revs on the ball and spin it the amount he does. That's all I say to him just keep spinning it as much as you can."

Monday's victory gave Afghanistan a second win at the World Cup against three defeats and revived their hopes of making the semi-finals.

Next up is a clash with 1996 champions Sri Lanka in Pune next Monday.

"There have been lots of World Cups where teams have lost and then gained form at the end of the World Cup and gone and won games, crucial games," said Trott.

If they defeat Sri Lanka, who have just one win so far, Trott is wary of calling it a shock.

"I think when we say an upset I think it's a disservice to the guys in the changing room."