Pakistan survived an Afghanistan scare to keep its World Cup alive. After restricting the Afghans to 227 for seven, courtesy another sensational burst from the 19-year-old Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan was in dire straits at 156 for six before the calm and composed Imad Wasim (49 not out) took Sarfaraz’s side home.
Pakistan looked on course for a comfortable win when Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam added 72 for the second wicket after Fakhar Zaman was trapped in front by Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the first over. However, Mohammad Nabi removed both in quick succession.
Imad was involved in two crucial partnerships — 50 with Shadab Khan and an unbeaten 24 with Wahab Riaz — as Pakistan scampered home by three wickets with two deliveries remaining.
Decision backfires
Skipper Gulbadin Naib’s decision to bowl the 46th over, after the spinners had established a stranglehold over the Pakistan batsmen, backfired as he conceded 18 runs when 46 was needed off five overs.
The 20-year-old Rashid Khan, who has had enormous success in various T20 leagues across the world, failed to trouble the Pakistan batsmen, giving away 50 in 10-over spell.
Earlier, skipper Sarfaraz relied on Shaheen who dished out a blistering opening spell to remove Naib and Hashmatullah Shahidi off consecutive deliveries.
Afghanistan recovered through a 64-run stand for the fourth wicket between Asghar Afghan and young wicketkeeper Ikram Ali Khil before Najibullah Zadran chipped in with a 54-ball 42.
Besides Shaheen’s stellar show, pacer Wahab Riaz and Imad Wasim picked up two wickets each.
