Pakistan wins the series as Naseem Shah snatches the victory from Afghanistan.
After Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam scored half-centuries, Naseem Shah once more showed his skill as a calm finisher as Pakistan rallied from a deficit to defeat Afghanistan by one wicket on Thursday.
The wicketkeeper for the AFG squad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, partnered with Ibrahim Zadran. The Afghan squad gave a large total to chase because of this opening pair. Prior to this match, they had not performed well, but in the second game of the series, they made a partnership of 227 runs. None of the Pakistani bowlers could get them back in the box before 39 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a remarkable and important inning of 151 runs until Shaheen eventually struck him out. Ibrahim Zadran contributed an 80-run inning.
None of the batsmen stayed on the pitch for very long after this opening pair. The Afghan team ended the first innings with a score of 300 runs while losing 5 wickets. Shaheen Shah was able to take 2 wickets. Usama Mir and Naseem Shah both take one wicket for the side.
Pakistan sends Imam and Fakhar, the same pair, to start. they got off to a strong start, but Fakhar got out with only 30 runs. Imam-ul-Haq is consistently performing for the team. He played an incredible 91-run innings and established himself as a barrier for Afghan bowlers. Babar Azam, the captain, scores fifty runs before being dismissed at 53 runs.
when imam gets out. The match resumes shifting lanes. Pakistan was down to two wickets as Shadab and Naseem began to bat. 14 balls and 29 runs required. Unfortunately, Shahdab was out after 48.
However, Naseem Shah did it for Pakistan once more. He scores two consecutive match-winning fours, stealing the victory away from Afghanistan.
Naseem Shah made the country proud by hitting two consecutive sixes in the Asia Cup 2022 last year. Due to Naseem Shah’s latest performance for Pakistan, history is again repeated. He not only helped Pakistan win the match, but he also named the three-match series.
Naseem tweeted after the game :
That was for you Shahdab Khan. That was for my team. That was for all the fans of Pakistan cricket. Well played Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan Zindabad.
That was for u @76Shadabkhan. That was for my team. That was for all the fans of Pakistan cricket. Well played @ImamUlHaq12 bhai. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/Ztlo62BznO
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) August 24, 2023