Pakistan showed their team’s strength once again. They are playing a three-match ODI series against Pakistan as part of their preparation ahead of the Asia Cup 2023.
The first ODI saw the bowling prowess of Pakistan, while they displayed their batting quality in the 2nd game. Pakistan chased down 300 runs with one wicket and one ball left in their hands. Therefore, Pakistan have secured the ODI series and taken a 2-0 lead against Afghanistan.
Toss: Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, won the toss and opted to bat first.
The Afghans Had a Flying Start
Winning the toss, Afghanistan started their batting innings with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The two openers brought a flying start for the Afghans. As they brutally failed in the first ODI, the two openers were very desperate to make a strong partnership in the opening wicket.
Afghanistan didn’t lose a single wicket in the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were adding runs almost at five per over. Both picked up half-centuries and were heading towards the century. Unfortunately, Ibrahim Zadran lost his wicket after scoring 80 with six fours and two sixes.
But Rahmanullah Gurbaz didn’t make any mistakes and smashed a brilliant century in the 2nd ODI. Pakistani bowlers, who were difficult to play in the 1st ODI, looked helpless in front of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz ruled the bowlers and led the Afghans to a massive score. He scored the highest 151 runs before losing the wicket to Shaheen Afridi. However, Afghanistan scored a massive 300 runs, losing five wickets, relying on his bat.
Pakistan’s Crazy Run Chase
Chasing a giant score, Pakistan started their batting innings with Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haque. They tried to keep the run rate up to six. However, the two openers looked comfortable and made a partnership of 52 runs. But the first blood was drawn in the 9th over when Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled out Fakhar Zaman.
Fakhar Zaman scored 30 off 34 with five boundaries. However, opener Imamul Haque made a fantastic partnership with the captain, Babar Azam. From 52 to 170, they added 118 runs together on the scoreboard, making a basement for Pakistan.
Although the captain departed with 53 runs, Imamul Haque continued scoring. He was so close to the century but lost the wicket in the nervous ninety. The Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up his wicket in the 38.5 over. Before leaving the crease Imamul Haque added the highest 91 runs for Pakistan.
After the departure of Imamul Haque, Pakistan were in deep trouble. They lost some wickets in a short time. However, Shadab Khan stepped up to rescue Pakistan. He was super aggressive between the wickets. With three fours and a six, Shadab Khan picked up a much-needed 48 runs only from 35 balls.
However, Pakistan needed 11 runs in the final over with only one wicket in their hand. But Naseem Shah handled it very smartly. He hit a boundary in the very first ball of the last over. In the last ball, Pakistan needed two runs. However, Naseem Shah found the gap and smashed a boundary to secure a crazy victory against Afghanistan.
Score Card
Afghanistan: 300/10
Pakistan: 302/9
Result: Pak won by one wicket
