It’s all over for India in Asia Cup. They are out of the tournament officially as Pakistan has beaten Afghanistan tonight. In this last over thriller, Pak has defeated Afghanistan by 1 wicket. With this win, it entered the Asia Cup final along with Sri Lanka.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first. Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai (21) and Gurbaz (17) gave a stunning start to their team by making a partnership of 36 runs in just 3.5 overs. Haris Rauf (2/26) broke this dangerous-looking stand. Soon, Mohammad Hasnain (1/34) got Zazai’s wicket. After that, things started slowing down and Afghan batters struggled to score on the sluggish Sharjah pitch. Due to the brilliant bowling of Pakistan, Afghanistan was restricted to a low score of 129/6 in 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran (35) remained the top scorer for his team.
Pakistan got a huge blow during this chase as captain Babar Azam got out on the second ball of the innings. Soon, Fakhar Zaman also went back to the pavilion. Afghan spinners Rashid Khan (2/25) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (0/12) bowled tightly in the middle overs and grabbed wickets at regular intervals. Shadab Khan (36) and Ifthikar Ahmad (30) made a partnership of 45 runs but Afghan bowlers came back into the game by dismissing them in a short gap.
Later, Pak kept losing wickets on a trot. In the final over, it needed 11 runs with one wicket in hand. The match’s best performer Fazalhaq Farooqi (3/31) came to bowl. That’s when youngster Naseem Shah (14* off 4 balls) changed Pak’s fortune and hit two sixes in the first two balls. as a result, Pak scored 131/9 in 19.2 overs and won the game by one wicket.
Afghanistan will play its last game against India tomorrow. Pakistan will play its last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka on September 9.
