Sharjah: Afghanistan won by six wickets in the first T20 against Pakistan. After winning the toss and batting at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Pakistan managed to score 92 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Mujeeb ur Rehman, Mohammad Nabi and Fazlhaq Farooqui took two wickets each to destroy Pakistan. Imad Wasim was Pakistan’s top scorer with 18 runs. Shadab Khan (12), Saim Ayub (17) and Tayyab Tahir (16) are the other players who got double figures. In reply, Afghanistan overcame the target with the loss of four wickets in 17.5 overs. Muhammad Nabi was the top scorer with 38 runs off 38 balls. This is Afghanistan’s first win against Pakistan in T20 history. With this, Afghanistan took the lead in the three-match series.
Afghanistan also got off to a bad start. They lost three wickets by the end of the powerplay. Ibrahi Sadran (9), Gulbadin Naib (0) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (16) have returned. With this, Afghanistan were 27 for three in 5.3 overs. But the Prophet stopped at one end. Meanwhile, Karim Janat (7) returned. But Najeebullah Zadran (17 not out from 23 balls) in partnership with Afghanistan completed the victory. Ihsanullah took two wickets for Pakistan.
Earlier, the senior players were replaced and freshers were given a chance, but Pakistan could not hold on against Afghanistan. Babar Azam was replaced by Shadab who led Pakistan. Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are not in Pakistan squad. Pakistan got off to a bad start. They lost half a wicket in 7.2 overs. Muhammad Haris (6), Abdullah Shafiq (0), Ayub (17), Tayyab Tahir (16) and Azam Khan (0) returned. With this, Pakistan were at 41 for five. The Wasim-Shadab combination in the middle order seemed to save the day. But Mujeeb gave Afghan a break through by dismissing Shadab. With Faheem Ashraf (2) and Naseem Shah (2) also returning, Pakistan could not do much. Zaman Khan (8) and Ishanula (6) remained unbeaten.
Four players made their T20 debut for Pakistan today. Saim Ayub, Ihsanullah, Zaman Khan and Tayyab Tahir are the debutants. The second T20 will be held on Sunday. Third T20 on Monday. All matches are in Sharjah.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najeebullah Zadran, Muhammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Ahmadullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Fazlhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq,
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Abdullah Shafiq, Tayyab Tahir, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah.
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Last Updated Mar 25, 2023, 1:58 AM IST