Last Wicket: Ibrahim Zadran c Azam Khan b Ihsanullah 38 (40) - 102/3 in 17.2 Over
Right then, that is all we have from this game. Afghanistan have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in this three-match series and it has been a historic series so far. Can Afghanistan whitewash Pakistan? We will find it out on Monday, 27th of March. That game will start at 9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT). Do join us for the build-up. Cheers!
Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that it is a proud moment for them to win against Pakistan and they feel good. Says that their bowling was excellent, and they were good in the Powerplay. He says that 130 was a good total and they gave their best. Ends by saying that the strategy was always to take the game deep and win it and the guys did well.
Shadab Khan, the skipper of Pakistan says that the way they started with the bat, they got to a good score at the end. Tells that if one loses so many wickets in the Powerplay, 70 per cent of the games you will lose. Mentions that the youngsters were a bit nervous and conditions have changed as well but adds that they need to back their players. States that sometimes you don’t perform but attitude matters and the young players do have talent. Feels that these players will become great and they will play for pride in the next game.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is the Player of the Match. He speaks in his local language. He says that it is a special moment for everyone as they defeated Pakistan. Adds that he kept it simple and just aimed at the wickets. Ends by saying that Pakistan is a strong team and it is a proud moment for them to win the series.
Time for the Presentation...
Pakistan, on the other hand, tried hard with the ball but have been outplayed again by a clinical Afghanistan unit. Imad Wasim played well in the first half and took his team to a respectable total of 130 after they were under the pump with three wickets down in the Powerplay. With the ball. they did not took wickets in the middle overs but managed to keep themselves in the game with some tight overs. However, the 17-run penultimate over from Naseem Shah took the game away from them as the equation came down to Afghanistan needing just 5 from the last over. It was too much to ask from young Zaman Khan in the final over and this could well be a big learning curve for this young Pakistan unit.
Afghanistan once again were good with the ball and managed to restrict Pakistan to 130 which was just a par score on this wicket. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghans and rocked Pakistan in the first over with a double-wicket maiden. With the bat, Afghanistan lost Ghani in the fourth over but Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran managed to steady the ship. However, both of them lost their wickets in quick succession and the pressure was back on them with 29 needed off 16 balls when Ibrahim Zadran departed. However, that’s when the duo of Najibullah Zadran and Nabi got together and for the second time in a row, they have finished off the chase.
Afghanistan have created history here in Sharjah! They have registered their first-ever series victory against Pakistan and the Afghan crowd has gone wild. Incredible scenes here and this will mean a lot to Afghanistan cricket, it will surely give them a lot of confidence.
19.5
Zaman Khan to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR, FOUR! Full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to loft it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes aerially and lands just short of the fielder at third man who makes a diving attempt. He fails to stop it as the ball races away towards the fence. Afghanistan win by 7 wickets!
19.4
Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, Full and on off, Mohammad Nabi digs it towards mid off for a single. 2 needed off 2 now!
19.3
Zaman Khan to Najibullah Zadran, byes, 1 run, Short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to pull it but misses but runs anyway. The keeper fails to hit the stumps and they collect a bye.
19.2
Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, Short and on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it to mid-wicket for one.
19.1
Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, no run, Too full, on middle, Mohammad Nabi miscues his flick towards the man at short covers.
18.6
Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, SIX, SIX! All the way. On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran hangs back and heaves it over cow corner as the ball sails into the stands for a maximum. Just 5 needed off the final over now!
18.5
Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, Short and on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
18.4
Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, 2 runs, A yorker, on off, Mohammad Nabi flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
18.3
Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, byes, 1 run, On a length and down leg, Najibullah Zadran shuffles across to loft it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters cross for a bye.
18.2
Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, Short, on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it to deep square leg for one.
We have a change of ball now!
18.1
Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, SIX, SIX! Up, up and over! On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi hangs back and pulls it over deep square leg as the ball sails into the stands.
17.6
Ihsanullah to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket for one. 22 needed off 12 now!
17.5
Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, 1 run, Shorter and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to play at it but gets a top edge. The fielder does well to stop it at the third man fence as the batters cross.
17.4
Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Touch fuller and on off, Najibullah Zadran picks it well and powers it over mid off for a boundary.
17.3
Ihsanullah to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi guides it to point for one.
Mohammad Nabi walks out to the middle.
17.2
Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, out, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shorter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to slap it but misses and gets a thick top edge. It carries behind the sticks where Azam Khan makes no mistake. Ibrahim Zadran walks back for 38 and Afghanistan are in a spot of bother now!
17.1
Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, 1 run, Lands it on off, Najibullah Zadran miscues his loft towards gully for one.
16.6
Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, 1 run, On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran eases it to covers for one.
16.5
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran miscues his slap towards mid-wicket for one. Hundred up for Afghanistan now!
16.4
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, A yorker, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran digs it back towards the bowler.
16.3
Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, 1 run, Shorter and slower one, Najibullah Zadran awkwardly pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
16.2
Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, 2 runs, Slightly shorter and on leg, Najibullah Zadran works it towards deep backward square leg for a brace.
16.1
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to the vacant mid-wicket region for one.
15.6
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, 2 runs, Bowls it outside off, Najibullah Zadran lofts it over extra covers for a brace.
15.6
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, wide, 2 runs, Two Wides! Lands it wide outside off as the keeper fails to collect it. They collect one.
15.5
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR, FOUR! Well timed. Slightly shorter and on off, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary!
15.4
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Najibullah Zadran flicks it t square leg for one.
Najibullah Zadran is the next man in.
15.3
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, out, OUT! RUN OUT! Slightly shorter and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to reverse sweep it but doesn't connect well. It goes towards short third man as Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run. Ibrahim Zadran sends him back and Naseem Shah makes a direct hit at the batter's end. The replay shows that he was well off his crease and the partnership is finally broken.
15.2
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Quicker one on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets a leading edge as the ball carries and lands just short of the bowler. Close!
15.1
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran slaps it to deep point for one.
14.6
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Back of a length, on off. Gurbaz defends it back to the bowler. 46 needed now from 30 balls!
14.5
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, On the shorter side, on off. Zadran pulls it without much timing to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.4
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Back of a length and angling into leg. Zadran tries to scoop it as he gets across to his right and misses.
14.3
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, On a length, on off. Gurbaz drives it to extra cover for a single.
14.2
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs, Good running! On a length, on middle. Gurbaz works it to deep square leg and takes two.
14.1
Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, On a length, on off. Zadran makes room and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
13.6
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Gurbaz has been given out LBW here! However, the Afghan opener has taken the DRS straightaway. The replays roll in and the UltraEdge shows that Gurbaz has got a glove on it. The decision will be overturned and it will be NOT OUT! This is a googly that pitches on middle. Gurbaz tries to paddle it but gets a glove on it. Just a run from the over!
13.5
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Another dot ball! A flatter delivery on off. Gurbaz skips down the track and blocks it.
13.4
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Serves it full and on off. Zadran drives it to deep cover for a single.
13.3
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Three dots in a row! Bowls it quick and on leg. Zadran tries to clip it but misses and gets hit on the pads.
13.2
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Shortish and on off. Zadran punches it to covers.
13.1
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Slower through the air, on off. Zadran blocks it off the front foot.
12.6
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Bowls it fuller on off. Zadran drives it to covers and takes a single. 52 needed now from 42 balls!
12.5
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Fires it on the pads. Gurbaz tucks it to wide of short fine leg for a single.
12.4
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Targets the stumps again and Zadran punches it easily to long on for a single.
12.3
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Flatter delivery again angling into middle. Gurbaz works it to long on for a single.
12.2
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Fires it on off. Gurbaz plays it back to the bowler.
12.1
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Touch shorter on off. Zadran punches it to long off for a single.
11.6
Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Angles it on the stumps again and Zadran is just happy to ease it down to long on for a single.
11.5
Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Bowls it quick and on leg. Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket.
11.4
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Bowls it full on middle. Gurbaz knocks it to long on for a single.
11.3
Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Touch shorter on off. Zadran punches it to long off for a single.
11.2
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Serves it full and on the pads. Gurbaz clips it to deep square leg for a single.
11.1
Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Fires it quicker on middle. Zadran pushes it to long on for a single.
10.6
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Another flatter one on off. Gurbaz blocks it out again.
10.5
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Bowls it quick on middle. Gurbaz defends it back to the bowler.
10.4
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Flatter and on off. Zadran paddles it off the glove to short fine leg and takes a single. Meanwhile, there is a big appeal for an LBW from Nawaz but neither umpire nor his skipper is convinced with it.
10.3
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Nice turn there! Pitches it short of full length and outside off. Zadran tries to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
10.2
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Flatter and quicker on off. Gurbaz defends it to mid-wicket for a single.
10.1
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, A fullish delivery, around off and Zadran pushes it to deep cover for a single.
Drinks break. Afghanistan have paced this chase quite well so far. They have 9 wickets in hand and with 65 more to get, they would be backing themselves to chase this total down now. However, the pitch is not easy to bat on and it is important that a set batter bats till the end. Pakistan would hope that they can pick some quick wickets and bring some panic in the Afghan dressing room. Can they do it? Let's find out.
9.6
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs, Tossed up, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
9.5
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to short covers.
9.4
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep square leg for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.
9.3
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but misses.
9.2
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to covers for one.
9.1
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 2 runs, Quicker one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran slaps it to deep point for a brace.
8.6
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Another single as a fuller ball is flicked towards square leg.
8.5
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
8.4
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Bowls it outside off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to covers for one.
8.3
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Another one on middle, this is again defended back towards the bowler.
8.2
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Slower one, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
8.1
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it to long off for one.
7.6
Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to covers for a quick single.
7.5
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to covers for one.
7.4
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR, FOUR! Flighted up, on off, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and drills it through mid off for a boundary!
7.3
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Quicker one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the man at point.
7.2
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to covers.
7.1
Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the left of the bowler who does well to stop it.
Shadab Khan is into the attack.
6.6
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Slightly shorter one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid on.
6.5
Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to deep covers for one. He wanted a second run but Rahmanullah Gurbaz sent him back.
6.4
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to mid-wicket for one.
6.3
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Another quicker one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it back again.
6.2
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Quicker one, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it back.
6.1
Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs, Slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it to deep extra covers for a comfortable two.
5.6
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Too full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
5.5
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Slightly shorter one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it but finds the man at covers.
5.4
Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid on for a quick single.
5.3
Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, no run, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solidly off the front foot.
5.2
Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR, FOUR! Errs in line and lands it down leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it and just manages to get his bat to it. The keeper fails to grab it as it races away from the fine leg fence.
5.1
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, On a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it to mid off for one.
4.6
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Bowls it full and on leg. Gurbaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 93 needed now from 90 balls!
4.5
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Back of a length, on off. Gurbaz makes room and slaps it to covers.
4.4
Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, 3 runs, Bowls it full and angles it on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket and takes three before Nawaz cuts it off.
4.4
Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Short and angling down leg. Zadran tries to pull it but misses.
4.3
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, A full delivery on off. Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.
4.2
Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run, Serves it on a length and around off. Zadran steers it towards third man for a single.
4.1
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, A full delivery on leg. Gurbaz works it to fine leg for a single.
3.6
Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, out, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Brilliant slower delivery from Zaman Khan! Lands it on a length, on off. Takes the pace off and Ghani if foxed by the lack of pace here. He tries to check his shot but gets an inside edge that knocks over the stumps. Zaman Khan is elated and Afghans lose their first.
3.5
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, A yorker on off. Gurbaz manages to dig it out wide of mid on for a single.
3.4
Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, leg byes, 1 run, Back of a length, on leg. Ghani tries to tuck it but misses again. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and a leg bye is taken.
3.3
Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, no run, Bouncer again, a sharp one on middle and Ghani ducks under it.
3.2
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, On the shorter side, on off. Gurbaz punches it to covers for a single.
3.1
Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, 1 run, Back of a length, on middle. Ghani tries to work it towards the leg side but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the umpire denies the appeal. A single is taken as well as the ball rolls towards the off side.
2.6
Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, leg byes, 1 run, A fullish delivery angling on leg. Ghani tries to flick it but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. There is an appeal from the bowler too but it is going down leg.
2.5
Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, no run, Good bouncer on off. Ghani does well to duck under it.
2.4
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Bowls it full and on off. Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.
2.3
Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, 1 run, A fullish delivery on middle at 148 clicks! Ghani tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
2.2
Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, FOUR, FOUR! In the gap! Short and outside off. Ghani cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
2.1
Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Just short of good length, on off. Gurbaz fends it off the outside half of his blade to third man for a single.
1.6
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run, Hits the hard length again, on middle. Gurbaz dabs it to mid on and takes a quick single.
1.5
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Shortish and outside off. Gurbaz makes room and tries to slap it away but misses.
1.4
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Shortish and on off. Gurbaz punches it to covers.
1.3
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR, FOUR! Runs are flowing here for Afghanistan! Back of a length, on leg. Gurbaz glances it to deep backward square leg where Haris puts in a dive running to his right but fails to stop it.
1.2
Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Short and outside off. Gurbaz lets it go.
1.1
Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, 1 run, Back of a length and outside off. Ghani steers it to third man for a single.
Zaman Khan will bowl from the other end.
0.6
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR, FOUR! Another boundary to end the over and Afghans are off to a flier! A fullish delivery on off. Gurbaz dances down the track and heaves it to deep square leg for a boundary.
0.5
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, On a length, around off. Gurbaz dabs it to the point fielder.
0.4
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, A fullish delivery on off. Gurbaz drives it to the cover fielder.
0.3
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX, SIX! That's on the roof! On a length, on off. Gurbaz dances down the track and launches it straight down the ground for a biggie.
0.2
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs, Gurbaz and Afghanistan are underway! On a length, on middle. Gurbaz works it through mid-wicket for a couple.
0.1
Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, no run, Back-of-a-length delivery and outside off. Gurbaz tries to punch it but gets beaten as the ball shapes away.