Afghanistan create history, score 1st T20 win over Pakistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan created history on Friday night when they chalked up their maiden triumph over Pakistan in the opener of the T-20 International series.

Former skipper Mohammad Nabi, who was recalled for the three-match series, and Najibullah Zadran guided their side to a historic six-wicket win at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.

Electing to bat first, Pakistan were restricted to 92 for 9, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Fazalhaq Farooqi bagging two scalps each for Afghanistan.

Azmatullah Omarzai, Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan took one wicket apiece in the low-scoring game at a track that assisted spinners and quickies alike.

Pakistani broadcaster Geo TV reported that Imad Wasim top-scored for Pakistan with 18 at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.

Nabi smashed an unbeaten 38 to hand Afghanistan their first-ever victory against the opposition. He whacked a towering six over mid-off to see the hosts seal a convincing win.

Debutant Ihsanullah, who claimed two wickets in his first three balls, gave Pakistan hope of fighting it out. Nabi and Najibullah Zadran, however, mixed caution and aggression to forge a match-winning partnership.

Skipper Rashid Khan, elated by the emphatic win, gave his guys full marks for holding their nerves and playing [positive cricket.

Declared Player of the Match, Nabi said batting on the Sharjah surface was a tricky proposition. However, he was determined to bat till the end and helped Afghanistan achieve the modest target in 17.5 overs.

Pakistan went into the game without frontline players like captain Babar Azam and ace fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, who have been rested for the series.

PAN Monitor/mud

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