Good innings - Afghanistan celebrates cricketing fairytale

The wicketkeeper used to be a cattle farmer. The fast bowler was once a refugee in Pakistan.

- Akhtar Mohammad Makoii

Over the past five weeks, all three have been part of a cricketing fairytale that has captured global attention and brought joy to one of the world's most repressed nations.

Afghanistan's national cricket team - nicknamed the Blue Tigers has outperformed all expectations at the 2023 World Cup in India, defeating the former champions Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England and pushing Australia to the brink this week.

Afghans thronged the streets across the country after each victory, defying oppressive Taliban regulations to dance and celebrate.

Firooz, a medical student in the capital, Kabul, said: "When they defeated Pakistan and England, we rushed out, and there were many more people dancing in the middle of the street before the Taliban arrived and dispersed everyone."

"The whole nation prays for them," said Heshmatollah, a resident of Kandahar. "They are laboured building mud walls to buy his first bat. The all-rounder bringing us joy. It is very much needed for our people."

Thousands of Afghans living in India also flocked to the stadiums, with some travelling hundreds of miles to support the team and celebrate after each boundary.