KABUL: When automatic gunfire erupted across Kabul last week, residents initially feared yet another terror attack was under way.

Flag-waving crowds were instead marking another Afghanistan cricket victory — this time over neighbours Pakistan — with pistols, shotguns and AK-47s blasting into the night sky.

The World Cup warm-up victory over the cricketing powerhouse illustrates how far the players from the war-torn country have come.

“If the Afghanistan team play well, it will be a proud moment for all ethnic groups and for the entire nation,” 18-year-old Kabul resident Bashir Ahmad said.

The triumph was particularly sweet, as Afghans often blame Pakistan for their country’s security crisis and economic woes.

“Defeating the number one enemy is a treat to watch for Afghans, especially for our heroes,” Nazir Naseri posted on Facebook.

“Finally our waiting has ended, we finally defeated Pakistan.”

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