Cricket fans were dancing in the streets in Kabul and celebrating in Dunedin after their team's historic win in their maiden World Cup in Dunedin.
Fans in Jalalabad watching the live broadcast. Photo: AFP
Samiullah Shenwari produced a brilliant rearguard action with an innings of 96 to guide Afghanistan to their first World Cup victory with a dramatic one-wicket win over Scotland in yesterday's Pool A match.
Shenwari was dismissed with 19 runs still required from 19 balls but the last pair achieved the target of 211 with three balls to spare.
@ACBofficials' story has captured the imaginations of people everywhere. http://t.co/f3XPcVlpxN #AFGvSCO #cwc15 pic.twitter.com/VGIytrlyN3
— ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2015
In the Afghan capital Kabul dozens of jubilant fans gathered near the cricket stadium after the win.
"Today is one the happiest days in my life to see our heroes win their first World Cup match," Ahmad Yaseen, a 19-year-old boy said while others shouted "Long live Afghanistan".
"This means so much for our countrymen who wake up to face bombs, attacks and so many other difficulties."
Afghanistan's president tweeted his congratulations.
Congratulations. It was a fantastic and spirited performance from our boys. Well done! We are very proud of them. #CWC15
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) February 26, 2015
Cricket fans raced around the city waving Afghan flags from car windows and honking their horns in jubilation at the result for their national team - formed less than 15 years ago and qualifing for the World Cup in October 2013.
The win was a much-needed piece of good news for the country mired in war with Taliban insurgents. With most foreign troops withdrawing at the end of last year, Afghanistan's war against Taliban and allied insurgents is dragging on.
Revelry got a bit out of hand in the eastern city of Jalalabad where six people were injured in celebratory gunfire. For most, though, the World Cup win was injury-free.
"I am here to cheer for our victory and forget about the bombs and Taliban for a moment, even though there was an attack in Kabul this morning," said cricket fan Jalil, who uses just one name like many Afghans.
"I hope that this victory will help unite us."
In Dunedin, local supporters were rewarded with a historic win. Photo: AFP
- RTR
