Epoch-making cricket triumph sparks wild celebrations

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan’slandmark victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20 match sparked wild celebrations across the country on Thursday, with enthusiastic Afghans beating drums and dancing.

Afghanistan — an associate nation — created another international record by humiliating Zimbabwe in the second T20 encounter and clinching the series 2-0 at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo on Wednesday.

The historic win, which came hard on the heels of the tourists’ rip-roaring success in the ODI series, triggered boisterous celebrations in Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad and other cities, where cricket lovers staged Atan (Afghanistan’s national dance) and beat drums.

Zabihullah, a Kabul residents who participated in the carnival in front of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), hailed the win as the happiest moment in his life, hoping the national squad would bring home more laurels in days ahead.

Another resident of the 12th police district of Kabul, Shahid Ahmad, said the countrywide festivities had made them forget the enormous grief over earthquake-caused fatalities and damage. The government and traders should encourage the national heroes with awards.

Executive Director of ACB Shafiqullah Stanikzai, who was among the celebrators, attributed the historic success to the hard workand commitment of all players. Sincere prayers of countrymen were another factor, he noted.

Similarly, emotionally-charged residents of southern Kandahar province, where cricket is a passion,also rejoiced the moment of pride.People from different parts of the province hoisted national flag on their vehicles and loudly played cricket songs, as they marched on roads.

“I feel elated at the national team’s historical wins,” remarked a resident of Kandahar City, Nisar Ahmad Saleh, referring to the international records Afghanistan created in the ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe — a full ICC member.

Another Kandahar inhabitant, Mohammad Ashraf, said the team had conclusively proved its ability to spring surprises by stunning great sides. He urged the Afghans to stand united in their support to the cricketers.

The overnight triumph was also celebrated in eastern Nangarhar province with booms of gunshots.“Althoughgunfire is not good, we want to express our happiness through,” said Wazir Gul, a young boy from Jalalabad, the provincial capital.

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