Pakistan registered a thrilling one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Super-4 clash of the ongoing Asia Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (September 7).
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted 129/6 on the board. It was a disappointing batting display as Ibrahim Zadran top scored with 35.
All the Pakistani bowlers were economical and among the wickets. While Haris Rauf (2-26) claimed two wickets, Naseem Shah (1-19), Mohammad Nawaz (1-23), Shadab Khan (1-27) and Mohammad Hasnain (1-34) returned with two scalps each.
Since the target was a paltry one, it was expected that Pakistan would get over the line easily. However, Afghanistan bowlers put up a brilliant fight to take the game to the final over.
Pakistan’s top and middle order batters either got out cheaply or failed to convert their starts into a big one. After the end of 19th over, the Men in Green were on 118/9 and needed 11 off last 6 balls with Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain at the crease.
For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, who took three wickets earlier in the match, was given the responsibility to defend runs in the final. However, Farooqi failed to step up to the plate as he bowled juicy full tosses and Naseem smashed his first two deliveries for huge sixes over long-off to take Pakistan over the line with four balls to spare.
With this victory, Pakistan also secured their place in the Asia Cup 2022 final, where they will take on Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 11).
Pakistan cricket fraternity was elated after Babar Azam and company defeated Afghanistan in a nail-biting affair.
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