Xtra Time Web Desk: Afghanistan’s explosive wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered a sensational performance in the second ODI match against Pakistan in Hambantota on Thursday, August 24. The KKR batter aggressively took on the Pakistani bowlers. His extraordinary display resulted in him achieving his highest ODI score (151 off 151) in his career so far. Gurbaz’s remarkable innings shattered several records, including an 18-year-old record held by former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
Gurbaz now holds the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper-batsman against Pakistan, surpassing Dhoni’s previous record of 148 runs in a 2nd ODI played in Visakhapatnam, which India won by 58 runs.
In tandem with Ibrahim Zadran at the opening, Gurbaz orchestrated a remarkable partnership that resulted in the second-highest recorded opening partnership of 227 runs against the Pakistani team. Gurbaz’s innings of 151 runs was a display of pure brilliance, featuring 14 well-timed fours and three impressive maximums.
Ibrahim Zadran played a crucial supporting role during this opening partnership, adding a solid 80 runs to the scoreboard. Together, Gurbaz and Zadran’s partnership of 227 runs for the opening position marked a historic achievement, ranking as the second-highest opening partnership recorded against Pakistan in ODIs. The only pair to top this list remains David Warner and Travis Head, with their outstanding 284-run partnership accomplished in Adelaide back in 2017.