The two nations will conflict once more on Thursday, August 24, on the identical venue earlier than embarking on their journey in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan placed on a stellar efficiency in the primary ODI match in opposition to Afghanistan in Hambantota, securing a convincing victory by a margin of 142 runs. Haris Rauf’s spectacular five-wicket haul propelled Pakistan to a 1-0 lead in the three-match collection, setting the stage for his or her preparations for the extremely anticipated Asia Cup 2023. While Pakistan’s bowling show was convincing, their batting had its fair proportion of challenges earlier than in the end clinching the win.
Afghanistan, tasked with chasing a goal of 202, by no means posed a risk as they misplaced wickets at common intervals. The crew discovered themselves in dire straits throughout the first powerplay, shedding 4 wickets and reaching a dismal rating of 4/3. The dynamic duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah wreaked havoc with the ball, leaving Afghanistan struggling to seek out their footing. Remarkably, solely two Afghan batters managed to achieve double digits earlier than the crew was bowled out for a mere 59 runs in 19.2 overs.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with a rating of 18, and Azmatullah Omarzai, contributing 16 runs, have been the standout performers for Afghanistan. However, their efforts fell quick as the crew’s general efficiency was under par. Extras performed a major function, including eight runs to Afghanistan’s whole. Haris Rauf was the primary tormentor for the Men in Navy Blue, claiming a powerful five-wicket haul for simply 18 runs. Shaheen Afridi additionally made his mark with two wickets, whereas Nassem Shah and Shadab Khan every took one wicket to contribute to Pakistan’s dominant victory.
A spectacle of tempo, depth and pure hearth!
Witness the explosive magic of @HarisRauf14‘s five-wicket haul #AFGvPAK | #AgainTheBoysInInexperienced pic.twitter.com/cEG8HoPl63
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 22, 2023
Earlier, Pakistan had a disastrous begin to the competition, shedding two wickets for simply seven runs. By the top of the primary powerplay, they have been struggling at 40/3. The 1992 ODI World Cup champions discovered themselves on the again foot proper from the start, shedding wickets at common intervals. However, Imam-ul-Haq emerged as the highest scorer with a powerful 61 runs, whereas Shadab Khan contributed 39 runs with the bat. In a outstanding show of resilience, Shadab and Naseem shaped a partnership of 35 runs for the ninth wicket.
The two nations will conflict once more on Thursday, August 24, on the identical venue earlier than embarking on their journey in the Asia Cup. Additionally, they may face one another in the third ODI on Saturday in Colombo. Following this, Pakistan will return to their homeland to kick off the Asia Cup in opposition to Nepal, adopted by an exciting encounter in opposition to India in Sri Lanka.
There is a chance that Pakistan will revisit their residence floor for one more recreation in the Super Four, relying on the outcomes of the group stage. This shall be adopted by a extremely anticipated match in opposition to India. Pakistan can also be in the race to arrange their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, the place they may start their marketing campaign in opposition to the Netherlands on Friday, October 6.
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