Afghanistan go down fighting to Pakistan

KABUL in their Super Four match of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.

Veteran Shoaib Malik smashed a towering six, followed by a sizzling boundary to help Pakistan clinch a sensational three-wicket win over Afghanistan.

Batting first, Afghanistan put up a total of 257 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. Pakistan achieved the target in what looked a clash of fluctuating fortunes.

As the hard-fought duel went down to the wire, the Pakistanis romped home in the last over, losing seven wickets. The outcome remained unpredictable until three deliveries from the end.

Afghanistan lost their grip in the 50^th over when Aftab Alam bowled two loose balls. All-rounder Malik, making use of the poor deliveries, helped his side chase down the target.

Despite the fall of in-form Fakhar Zaman, who was trapped leg before wicket by Mujeeb for a duck, his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq chipped in with an aggressive 80 before being run out by Najibullah Zadran.

Babar Azam, removed by Rashid Khan for 66, also shone with the willow for Pakistan. It was Shoaib Malik who played a crucial knock of 51 not out and guided Pakistan to a pulsating three-wicket win.

Seasoned Afghan leggie Rashid Khan bagged three wickets, Mujeebur Rahman two and Gulbadin Naib 1.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, blending caution and aggression, powered Afghanistan to a formidable total of 257. Three boundaries on the trot in the final over were the highlight of his innings, which fell three runs short of a century.

Skipper Asghar Afghan faced 56 balls to score 67, including five sixes and two fours. Afghanistan, who posted 249 and 255 against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively, made 256 in the Super Four clash.

Young fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, Mohammad Nawaz three and Hasan Ali one.

Fakhar Zaman exited without opening his account. But Imam looked in a punishing mood and hit the Afghan bowlers at will, Although Rashid claimed a few quick wickets, Malik hauled his team to victory in the final over.

PAN Monitor/mud