Naseem’s Heroic Effort gives Pakistan Final Berth
(The Quiver): On Wednesday, Naseem Shah’s consecutive sixes in the last over helped Pakistan register a famous win against Afghanistan by 1 wicket in a low scoring encounter to reach the final of the Asia Cup 2022. They will meet Sri-Lanka on September 11th
As It Happened
After send in to bat by Pakistan, Afghanistan made a brisk start with the bat with the openers H. Zazai (21) and R. Gurbaz (17) added 38 runs for the first wicket. Contributions from Ibrahim Zadran (35) and Rashid Khan (18) ensured Afghanistan post 129 runs on the board. The Pakistan bowlers were brilliant with the ball in hand in a pitch which was a slow wicket.
Chasing 130 runs, Pakistan lost early wickets to put themselves in trouble with 52-3 in the 10 over mark. 42 run partnership between Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed did stabilize the innings for a brief period before I. Ahmed (30) lost his wicket in the 15 over of the match. Shadab Khan (36) didn’t last longer too after giving his wicket to Rashid Khan.
Later, Pakistan saw a collapse after losing four wickets for 20 runs. In the last over, Naseem Shah broke Afghanistan’s hearts by hitting two consecutive sixes with 11 runs needed in a game which will go down as one of best match in T20 cricket history.
Shadab Khan was adjusted Man of the match for his all-round performance in Sharjah.
