"Gift from Babar Azam" - Rahmanullah Gurbaz thrilled to receive bat from Pakistan captain after PAK vs AFG 2023 World Cup clash

Afghanistan opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz couldn't hide his pride as Pakistan captain Babar Azam gifted him a bat following the 2023 World Cup clash on Monday in Chennai. The right-handed batter took to his official Instagram handle and stated that the spirit of cricket is well and truly alive by posting a picture with the 29-year-old.

The 21-year-old has had a stellar tournament thus far as he followed his swashbuckling innings of 80 against England in Delhi with a pristine 65 on Monday in Chennai. The right-handed batter helped set up the game for Afghanistan, stitching a 130-run partnership with Ibrahim Zadran in pursuit of a stiff 283.

The youngster took to his official Instagram account and uploaded a photo and a short clip, with the caption:

"A gift from Babar Azam. The spirit of cricket alive and well 🤝Swipe to watch the Pakistan skipper gifting a bat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz."

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi hit the winning runs off a full toss sent down by Shaheen Shah Afridi on the final ball of the 49th over. Notably, it was Afghanistan's first ODI win over Pakistan in 8 attempts.

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"We have a good communication while batting" - Ibrahim Zadran on Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Ibrahim Zadran added 130 for the first wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Credits: Twitter)

After receiving the Player of the Match award for his knock of 87, Ibrahim Zadran recalled his U-16 days and credited them for having a good understanding with the 21-year-old Gurbaz. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:

"I would say I wanted to play with a positive intent, with a positive mindset, so that's why I did it. Many times Gurbaz and me, we have done a brilliant partnership together. Few times, not [just] today. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. We have a good communication while batting."

The massive win has lifted Afghanistan to 6th in the points table, but they still have a lot more to do to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.