KABUL - Fireworks and celebratory gunfire raked Kabul's skies as Afghans celebrated their stunning eight-wicket cricket World Cup defeat of Pakistan, a rare burst of public jubilation since the Taliban takeover.
Hundreds of fans swarmed the streets of the capital late Monday, joining a morass of honking car traffic which wardens struggled to tame.
Ecstatic passengers hung off car doors as pedestrians danced and played music despite an effective ban on song and dance dictated by the Taliban government.
"Afghanistan has been through so much recently, such moments are always special and must be celebrated properly," said Kabul resident Sharifullah, who goes by one name.
"It feels like we have won the World Cup," the 25-year-old told AFP. "Sport always brings unity among the people. Today we are celebrating the victory as a nation."
A superb batting and bowling display saw Afghanistan record their highest chase in ODI cricket, with a successful pursuit of a 283-run target set by Pakistan.
It was their first ever victory over Pakistan in eight ODIs, and came just a week after their shock victory over defending champions England.
Afghans have been glued to screens of all sizes in recent days -- from mobile phones, to restaurant TVs and a small number of big screens broadcasting in public parks.