Another upset for Afghanistan as they knocked out Pakistan in a critical match. Pakistan needed to win this match but Afghanistan had other thoughts. Afghanistan for the first time beat Pakistan in the ODIs and performed it a big stage. Pakistan posted 282 on the board and Afghanistan easily chased down the target 6 balls to spare. Pakistan’s bowling lineup had no answers at all. They couldn’t manage to take wickets at crucial moments.
Pakistan was sloppy and couldn’t raise the occasion. Afghanistan outplayed them in all departments, bowling, batting, and fielding. They played four spinners which shows their intent that they want to win this match. They bowled well. Afghanistan didn’t lose hope even after Mujeeb and Rashid went wicketless.
Pakistan posted 282 on the board which was a good total looking at the surface. Pakistan was the favorite to win this match to brighten their chances for the Semi-Finals. But now it looks almost impossible. Pakistan bowlers took it for granted initially and Afghan batters took advantage of that.
The start that Gurbaz and Ibrahim provided was the key to winning this match. They added 130 for this first wicket. The top three score the bulk of the runs for Afghanistan and today they did it. Gurbaz scored 65 with a massive strike rate. But the other batters played sensible to chase down the target. Ibrahim Scored 87 while Ramat Shah and Hasmatullah scored 77* and 48* to see their team home. A great win for the men in blue.
