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Home » Live Cricket Score » Asia Cup, 2018 » Summary

Pakistan vs Afghanistan Live Cricket Score, Super Four - Match 2, Asia Cup, 2018, September 21, 2018

AFG 257/6 (50)
Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 3 wickets
PAK 258/7 (49.3)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : It's time for the Super Fours and we are in for a double-header clash, with India taking on Bangladesh and Pakistan will lock horns against Afghanistan. We welcome you to the cover of the game between the talented, Pakistan and the ever so energetic, Afghanistan. Pakistan would like to come back to winning ways after their humiliating defeat against India.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and lands in favor of Afghanistan. They elect to bat first.
The Afghanistan captain, Asghar Afghan says that today they have one change, Najibullah Zadran comes in for Shenwari. Adds further that they were tired yesterday but still want to play cricket and tiredness doesn't matter. Ends by saying that they want to play good and positive cricket.
The Pakistan captain, Sarfraz Ahmed says that they also wanted to bat first but the coin toss is not in their control. Mentions that they have made three changes. Shadab Khan is not fit so Mohammad Nawaz makes his way in. Also informs that Mohammad Amir is not playing and Shaheen Afridi makes his debut while Haris Sohail comes in for Faheem Ashraf. Feels that they have to play a different type of game with positive intent. Ends by saying that they have made a couple of plans to counter the quali
The teams are making their way out for their respective national anthems.
Done and dusted with the national anthems and now we are moments away from the first ball being bowled. Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah are the openers for Afghanistan. The former will be on strike and he will be facing Usman Khan who will bowl with the first new ball. He has two slips in place. Here we go...
0.1 : U Khan to M Shahzad, A beauty to start with! Also some swing and some good zip off the surface. Khan bowls it around off, it shapes away a touch. Shahzad goes after it right away but gets beaten. The Afghanistan batsmen are in for a real test today against these extremely good Pakistan bowler.
Action straightaway! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down and Pakistan have gone for the review. Shahzad is the man in question, pitching is an issue.
0.2 : U Khan to M Shahzad, But guess what! It is a NO BALL! Khan has overstepped, so the pitching, the impact, etc...nothing matters. Usman comes steaming in and lands it on a length around the leg pole. It skids through and Shahzad fails to get bat on it. The ball hits him on the pad and the players appeal. The umpire shakes his head. Sarfraz, after a long chat, goes for the review. But the first replay shows that Usman has overstepped. So that is that. However, Pakistan do not lose a review. Al
U Khan to M Shahzad, FOUR! Takes a full toll of it! Off the mark in style. That has been smashed. Shahzad makes room and hits it through wide mid off and the ball races away to the fence.
0.3 : U Khan to M Shahzad, Outside edge but safe! Another length ball around off, it shapes away a touch. Shahzad goes after it but gets an outside edge down to third man to change strike.
0.4 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, On the stumps, no swing this time. Ihsanullah works it to square leg.
0.5 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, A little too wide outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
0.6 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, Another one, way too wide outside off. I do not think Ihsanullah will go after it. End of an action-packed first over. A good one for Afghanistan, you can say.
Shaheen Afridi, the debutant, to bowl from the other end with the second new ball. A very exciting young prospect.
1.1 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Back of a length on off, Shahzad pushes it to the man at covers.
1.2 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Again hits the length hard around off, Shahzad defends it solidly.
1.3 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Edged again but safe again! Typical Shahzad type of a shot, that. It was there to be hit, full and wide outside off. MS goes for it but gets an outside edge down to third man for a run.
1.4 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, Back of a length delivery around off, Ihsanullah punches it to the man at covers. Confident looking shot, that.
1.5 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, This one though was not very convincing. Another length delivery around off, Ihsanullah tries to punch it through the off side but gets it off the inner half towards square leg.
1.6 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, Ihsanullah gets underway now! A touch fuller around off, Ihsanullah goes for a drive but gets an outside edge down to third man for a run. So a good start by Afridi. We have already seen quite a few edges but nothing has resulted in a wicket.
2.1 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, On a length and around middle, the batsman works it to mid-wicket.
2.2 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, Beautiful drive but for no runs! Fuller in length, the swing seems to have disappeared. Ihsanullah lunges and strokes it right off the middle but to mid off.
2.3 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, On the stumps now, Ihsanullah gets behind the line and punches it back to the bowler. He looks confident today. Afghanistan would love for him to get going.
2.4 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, Again a nice looking shot to the cover fielder. He is hitting the middle but now needs to find the gaps a little. That would probably raise his confidence even more.
2.5 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, In the air... but safe! This is slightly short and on middle by Usman. It angles away. Ihsanullah tries to pull it, maybe not the right option against a bowler who is angling it away. The ball takes the top edge and lands safe over the bowler's head. The batsmen get two.
2.6 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, FOUR! Classic cover drive! Any students out there watching? This is exactly how you play it! Shot of the day for Dean Jones. Full and on off, Ihsanullah gets to the pitch of the ball and creams it through covers. No stopping those. Excellent end to the over.
3.1 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Hits the length hard on middle, Shahzad hops and blocks it.
3.2 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, A little too straight, Shahzad clips it through square leg and runs two.
3.3 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, PEACH! A little movement and good carry there! Bends his back on this one and lands it around off, the ball pitches and moves away. Also takes off. Shahzad tries to punch it but gets beaten. Afridi has such deliveries in his armory, we will see a few more as the game progresses.
3.4 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, On the pads, it is worked around the corner for a run.
3.5 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, It's been driven superbly through the covers but not in the gap.
3.6 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, Back of a length on off, Ihsanullah stands tall and pushes it to covers.
4.1 : U Khan to M Shahzad, Pitches this one around middle, Shahzad with the angle, defends it to covers.
4.2 : U Khan to M Shahzad, That has been crunched but that is an excellent stop! Shortish and outside off, Shahzad cuts it hard but Imam at point, dives to his right and saves a boundary.
4.3 : U Khan to M Shahzad, Back of a length around off, Shahzad guides it down to third man and takes a run.
4.4 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, OHHH! This is not a good option! Ihsanullah is not learning. This is not a shot you want to play against a bowler who is angling it away. Slightly shorter in length around off, it shapes away. The batsman goes for the pull but misses. The ball hits him on the thigh pad and goes towards Sarfraz who takes it with a dive.
4.5 : U Khan to Ihsanullah, Smart! This is an easier shot against the left-armer! He guides this down to third man and takes an easy run. He played it with the angle and hence, lesser the risk.
4.6 : U Khan to M Shahzad, Seeing there is no swing, he changes the angle and comes around the wicket. He angles it into the batsman who works it through square leg and retains strike.
5.1 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Extra bounce again. From a length around middle, it jumps onto the batsman who does well to block it safely. Shaheen will always get extra lift from the deck due to his height.
5.2 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, On a good length and around off, angling away from the batsman, Shahzad punches it from the crease but finds the fielder at covers.
5.3 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Once again the length is on the shorter side outside off, Shahzad packs a punch from the back foot, unfurls a square cut but fails to beat the point fielder this time.
5.4 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Another fine shot from the bat of Shahzad but he is struggling to pierce the gap on the off side. A fine punch shot from the back foot finds the cover fielder. MS needs to keep his cool here.
5.5 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Back of a length delivery on middle. Shahzad goes on his toes and turns it through backward square leg for a run.
5.6 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, Angling it away from the batsman from the middle stump line, it's on a shortish length and Ihsanullah defends it off his back foot.
Mohammad Nawaz is into the attack. A spinner introduced early.
6.1 : M Nawaz to M Shahzad, Good start by the spinner! Tosses it up on middle, Shahzad defends it. This is what you will get from Nawaz. He will contentiously attack the stumps.
6.2 : M Nawaz to M Shahzad, Again, on the stumps, this one straightens a little. Shahzad keeps it out.
6.3 : M Nawaz to M Shahzad, With the angle, Shahzad works it through square leg and takes a run.
6.4 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, Fries it on the pads, Ihsanullah flicks it to mid-wicket.
6.5 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, Almost! The arm ball on off, it comes in with the angle. Ihsnaullah tries to defend but the ball takes the inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals but he is the only one doing so.
6.6 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, Good use of the feet as he skips down and eases it to long off for a single. A good start by Nawaz, bowls a tight over.
7.1 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, DROPPED! Not sure if Fakhar Zaman sighted that. That should have been taken! This is full and on middle, Ihsanullah tries to go over mid on but does not get the elevation. It goes uppishly towards Zaman there who reacts late, sticks a hand out but the ball pops out. He tries to take it on the second attempt but fails to hang on. Afridi is not happy and rightly so. A reprieve for Ihsanullah, can he now make Pakistan pay?
7.2 : S Afridi to Ihsanullah, DROPPED AGAIN! Shaheen is not pleased. Spare a thought for the newcomer. He bangs in a short ball, targeting the body of the batsman who opts for the pull shot. Ihsanullah though fails to get it from the middle of the bat and it loops in the air towards short fine leg. Usman Khan stationed there moves across to his right, puts in a dive but fails to hold on to the catch. The batsmen cross for a run. So, two lives in two balls for Ihsanullah. Can he make Pakistan pay?
7.3 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Back of a length on off, Shahzad keeps it out.
7.4 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
7.5 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, From around the wicket, he bowls it full. Shahzad drives it back to the bowler. Shaheen collects it and then gives Shahzad the stare.
7.6 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Flicked nicely! On the pads, Shahzad flicks it through square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his left, fumbles but then recovers well. Two taken by the batsmen. So an over which could have easily ended with 2 wickets, finishes with none.
8.1 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, On the pads, Ihsanullah tries to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. An ambitious appeal but nothing from the umpire.
8.2 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, Now dances down the track but a little too early. Nazaw shortens the length. The batsman misses the drive and gets hit on the pads. The pair are getting a touch fidgety out there.
8.3 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, Flatter and on middle, Ihsanullah punches it to mid on.
8.4 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, 4 dots! Ihsnaullah steps down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. Pressure building here.
8.5 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 5 dots, can he bowl a maiden?
8.6 : M Nawaz to Ihsanullah, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Nawaz draws first blood. The pressure of dots has gotten to Ihsanullah. The frustration was creeping into him and he now perishes. Once again it is the flatter delivery on middle, it straightens a touch. Ihsnaullah tries to punch it off the back foot but does so uppishly to the bowler who accepts an easy catch moving to his right. So end of a wicket maiden and Nawaz now has figures of 2-1-2-1.
Rahmat Shah is the new man in.
9.1 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, FOUR! Slapped away! A wicket has fallen but that is not going to change the way Shahzad bats. He sees the room outside off and attacks it with all his might. Gets it away from the middle of the bat and finds the gap at extra cover. The mid off fielder moves across to his left but he had no chance.
9.2 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Angles it in line of the stumps this time, Shahzad gets behind the line and blocks.
9.3 : S Afridi to M Shahzad, Shaheen runs in from 'round the wicket and drops in a short ball on off. Shahzad leans back and ramps it down to third man for one.
9.4 : S Afridi to R Shah, Shaheen switches to over the wicket for the new batsman and angles across a back of a length ball on off. Rahmat remains on the back foot and defends it to the off side.
9.5 : S Afridi to R Shah, Good length delivery on middle and off, Rahmat once again remains back footed to defend it back.
9.6 : S Afridi to R Shah, Shortish and on off, a very tight line by Shaheen, not offering anything to the new batsman. Shah is forced to play from the back foot as he blocks it down.
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over.
10.1 : M Nawaz to M Shahzad, OUT! One brings two and Nawaz is making an impact here. He is surely ensuring Shadab is not missed today. A beautiful delivery. He tosses it up on off, it pitches and then turns away. Shahzad goes for a drive but the ball takes an outside edge and Sarfraz behind the stumps, takes a very good catch. Nawaz is delighted as he is up and running in celebration. He will be on a hat-trick. The dangerous MS departs for another low score and Afghanistan are in a spot of bother
0.0 : Hashmatullah Shahidi, the half centurion against Bangladesh yesterday, walks out to the middle.
10.2 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, No hat-trick but a top shot! Seems confident this lad! First ball, it is tossed up outside off, Shahidi caresses it through covers. There is a fielder in the deep and only a run results.
10.3 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Floats it up on off, a little too full this time. The batsman strokes it to mid off.
10.4 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Slightly shorter on off, Shah pushes it through covers and takes a single.
10.5 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Drop and run! That is exactly what Shahidi did, he defends it towards point and scampers through for a run.
10.6 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and eases it to long off for a run. End of another successful over by Nawaz.
Spin from both ends! Shoaib Malik is into the attack. The offie, because a left-hander is out there.
11.1 : S Malik to R Shah, Tosses it up on off, the batsman eases it down to long off for a run.
11.2 : S Malik to H Shahidi, With the angle, Shahidi works it through mid-wicket and takes a run. This is what we will be seeing for a few overs now. The two will look to rotate it around.
11.3 : S Malik to R Shah, Just like this! A full ball, it is driven to long on for a run.
11.4 : S Malik to H Shahidi, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
11.5 : S Malik to H Shahidi, Slightly shorter in length on middle, Shahidi punches it down to long on for another single. Not a lot of turn for Malik or maybe he is just bowling a little too quick.
11.6 : S Malik to R Shah, Works it through square leg with the turn for a run.
12.1 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Another flatter delivery on middle, the batsman pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.
12.2 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Tosses it up but this time it is a touch too full. Shahidi drives it through covers for a run.
12.3 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Goes a little wide of the crease and attacks the stumps, Shah pushes it back to the bowler.
12.4 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Good batting this by Shah! He is not playing for the turn as there is not a lot. Once again with the angle he eases it to long on and gets to the other end.
12.5 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, This is quicker and around off, Nawaz guides it towards point for a quick run.
12.6 : M Nawaz to R Shah, FOUR! Top batting! Respect the good balls and pounce on the bad ball the bowler bowls. This was one, short and on middle. Shah takes full toll of it as he pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder and into the fence. A good over for Afghanistan, 8 runs come of it.
13.1 : S Malik to H Shahidi, A muted appeal! Malik bowls it slower on middle, Shahidi tries to hit it a bit too square on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. Going down with the angle.
13.2 : S Malik to H Shahidi, Good running! Strokes it towards covers for a quick run.
13.3 : S Malik to R Shah, Slightly short and around off, Shah is a touch early into his cut shot and hence, ends up chopping it to the keeper.
13.4 : S Malik to R Shah, On the stumps, kept out.
13.5 : S Malik to R Shah, Floats it up on off, Rahmat hits it towards long on for a run.
13.6 : S Malik to H Shahidi, Nicely played! Malik floats it up on off, Shahidi at the very last moment, opens the face of his bat and guides it through the gap between point and backward point. Not a lot of power in the shot and hence it does not go to the fence. The batsmen collect three.
Haris Sohail is into the attack. A left-arm spinner replacing another one.
14.1 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Loopy ball on off, Shahidi pushes it towards covers. He wanted a run but is sent back.
14.2 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Another tossed up ball on off, Shahidi guides it to point.
14.3 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Dances down the track and hits it to long on for a run.
14.4 : H Sohail to R Shah, On the shorter side but on off, the batsman cuts it to point.
14.5 : H Sohail to R Shah, Gives it air on off, but lands it very full. Shah pushes it down to long off for a run.
14.6 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Very wide outside off, Shahidi hits it through covers, long boundaries means it does not get to the fence. The batsmen run two. So runs have started to come here for Afghanistan.
Drinks! So Pakistan will be happy with how things stand now. They have also kept a hold on the run rate and have also picked up the openers. However, Rahmat Shah and Shahidi are looking to steady the ship. They are doing a good job till now but Afghanistan would want that to continue.
Hasan Ali is into the attack now.
15.1 : H Ali to R Shah, On a length around off, the batsman defends it.
15.2 : H Ali to R Shah, On the shorter side around off, Shah stands tall and defends it.
15.3 : H Ali to R Shah, That was nicely played but just for a single to sweeper cover.
15.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Just ahead of a length around off, Shahidi guides it to point.
15.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Once again hits the length hard around off, Shahidi guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
15.6 : H Ali to R Shah, Fuller in length on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. A good start by Hasan, accurate lines and lengths by him.
16.1 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Floats it up on off, the batsman prods forward and keeps it out.
16.2 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Eases this one down to long on for a run.
16.3 : H Sohail to R Shah, Another loopy ball is hit down to long off for a single.
16.4 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Uses his feet but drives it back to the bowler.
16.5 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, A poor delivery, short and on the pads. Sohail gets away with it as the pull finds the fielder at deep square leg for a run.
16.6 : H Sohail to R Shah, Slightly shorter and outside off, the batsman cuts but finds the man at point.
17.1 : H Ali to H Shahidi, From around the wicket and angles it into the batter who keeps it out.
17.2 : H Ali to H Shahidi, WIDE! A bumper but it bounces above the batsman's head. Wide signaled.
H Ali to H Shahidi, BEATEN! Good ball! This is exactly what he is trying to do. Come running in, angle it into the batsman first and then get it to leave. That is what happened there and the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
17.3 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Full and wide outside off, Shahidi tries to drive but gets an outside edge to third man. The fielder there fumbles but no extra run conceded.
17.4 : H Ali to R Shah, It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single.
17.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, On off, defended back to the bowler who collects it and has thrown it to the keeper. Also gives a stare but the batsman is not interested in responding back.
17.6 : H Ali to H Shahidi, A yorker to end the over! Shahidi jams it out towards gully. Good field position there as now it stops the dab shot down to third man.
18.1 : H Sohail to R Shah, A low full toss, the batsman strokes it down to long on for a single.
18.2 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Pitches it on middle, the batsman works it towards mid-wicket.
18.3 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Uses his feet and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
18.4 : H Sohail to R Shah, A brace! Still no boundary, very hard to come by at the moment. This is very full and on middle, Shah whips it through mid-wicket and takes two.
18.5 : H Sohail to R Shah, On the shorter side, the batsman cuts it through covers for a run. 39 is now the partnership.
18.6 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot
19.1 : H Ali to R Shah, On the middle stump, the batsman works it towards mid-wicket.
19.2 : H Ali to R Shah, This has been guided nicely behind point for a couple.
19.3 : H Ali to R Shah, On the off stump, coming onto the bat nicely. Shah defends it to covers.
19.4 : H Ali to R Shah, The batsman has played the square drive. They have run through for a single.
19.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, This is driven square on the off side for a run.
19.6 : H Ali to R Shah, Around off, back of a length around off, the batsman keeps it out. The two are happy not to go for any big shots as of now.
Shoaib Malik is back into the attack.
20.1 : S Malik to H Shahidi, On the shorter side, the batsman cuts it to point.
20.2 : S Malik to H Shahidi, With the angle works it to mid-wicket.
20.3 : S Malik to H Shahidi, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
20.4 : S Malik to H Shahidi, Eases this down to long off for a run.
20.5 : S Malik to R Shah, Whips this off his pads through mid-wicket. The batsmen run the first one hard and complete the second too.
Slow going from the Afghans at the moment but this partnership is looking promising.
20.6 : S Malik to R Shah, Now it is nicely driven down to long off to end the over with anothe single.
Mohammad Nawaz is back into the attack.
21.1 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Flighted and full ball on off, Shah lunges and defends it to the off side.
21.2 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Pulls his length back and lands it on off, Shah rocks back and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.
21.3 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Flatter and shorter on middle, Shahidi works it off his pads but finds the fielder standing in front of square leg.
21.4 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Fires it in this time. It's full and on middle, Shahidi flicks it to the right side of the square leg fielder and takes a single.
21.5 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Arm ball on off, skidding in after landing, Shah goes back and strokes it to sweeper cover for an easy run. 50-run stand is up now! Yesterday too, Shahidi was involved in a good partnership for the third wicket. Steady going.
21.6 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Quicker and on middle, defended back to the bowler to end the over.
22.1 : S Malik to R Shah, Flatter on middle, the batsman works it to mid-wicket.
22.2 : S Malik to R Shah, Again gives it air on the pads, Shah flicks it to square leg.
22.3 : S Malik to R Shah, FOUR! A much-needed one and very cleverly played that! He knew Malik is sticking with the leg stump line so he goes down on one knee and paddles it very fine and the ball races away.
22.4 : S Malik to R Shah, Now Shah does the smart thing by flicking it through mid-wicket and taking a run.
22.5 : S Malik to H Shahidi, Lovely batting! After already getting a boundary in the over, they are ensuring there are no dots as Shahidi eases it down to long off and gets to the other end.
22.6 : S Malik to R Shah, Shah punches it to long off for a run. 7 from the over without taking any risk.
23.1 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Slightly shorter on off, the batsman pushes it to covers.
23.2 : M Nawaz to R Shah, Nicely clipped but really well fielded at the mid-wicket region. Stops the single.
23.3 : M Nawaz to R Shah, On the pads again, the batsman flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
23.4 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, On the middle pole, the batsman works it to square leg.
23.5 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Close shave! Shahidi tries to play a late cut with the angle. The ball though turns back in and hits him on his gloves. Probably the one ball which turned in the last few overs.
23.6 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Punched off the back foot by the batsman towards covers. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Usman Khan to have another go.
24.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Leg bye! Errs in line and bowls it on the pads. The batsman fails to flick it and it hits the pads and goes down to the fine leg fielder, who is quite fine. A run results.
24.2 : U Khan to R Shah, Shorter in length on off, Shah stands tall and keeps it out.
24.3 : U Khan to R Shah, Around off, the batsman is solid in defense. The two look quite comfortable out there now. However, they will need to step on the accelerator any time soon.
24.4 : U Khan to R Shah, Change in length there, the bouncer, however, comes really slow off the surface and Shah ducks under it.
24.5 : U Khan to R Shah, Goes full again on off, Shahidi strokes it through covers and gets to the other end.
24.6 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Good length on off, Shahidi plays it through point for a run. So a good comeback over by Khan, just 3 from it.
25.1 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Flatter on off, the batsman pushes it back to the bowler. Pakistan need a wicket here.
25.2 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Quicker and on middle, Shahidi with soft hands works it around the corner for a single.
25.3 : M Nawaz to R Shah, OUT! In the air... dropped, no, taken! Pakistan have broken through and who gets the wicket? Any guesses? Wait, let me make it easy for you, the guy who has already taken two today. Yes, you got it right, Nawaz gets his third. This big shot was around the corner wasn't it? It does come but results in a wicket. Nawaz bowls it on middle, Shah goes for the slog sweep. But it is the wrong option as it is against the turn. The ball takes the top edge and goes high up in the a
Skipper Asghar Afghan walks in next.
25.4 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, SIX! Ohkay, a biggie to get off the mark, that too on the first ball! The Afghanistan skipper has come out with intent. He uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the mid-wicket fence. Goes against the turn and connects well. Also, 100 up for Afghanistan. It has taken time to come but the good thing is, they have only lost 3 wickets.
25.5 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Floats it up again, Afghan pushes it to covers.
25.6 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
26.1 : U Khan to A Afghan, Khan steams in from 'round the wickets and bangs in a steamy bouncer. Around middle and leg and Afghan ducks underneath it.
26.2 : U Khan to A Afghan, Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away a shade, Afghan lets it be.
26.3 : U Khan to A Afghan, Fractionally short again, targeting the off stump, Afghan punches it firmly from the back foot but straight to the cover fielder.
26.4 : U Khan to A Afghan, Hurls across a good length delivery in the channel outside off, Afghan shoulders arms. Four dot balls.
26.5 : U Khan to A Afghan, Another delivery bowled with good pace. It's around off and is defended solidly from the back foot.
26.6 : U Khan to A Afghan, Quality delivery. A terrific yorker, right on the money, Afghan also does well to keep it out safely. Fantastic maiden over by Usman!
Haris Sohail is back on.
27.1 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Dances down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
27.2 : H Sohail to A Afghan, On the shorter side, Afghan cuts it through point for a run.
27.3 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Drives it back to the bowler.
27.4 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Eases this down to long on for a run.
27.5 : H Sohail to A Afghan, With the angle, the batter works it through square leg and gets to the other end.
27.6 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Another run which means 5 from the over as Shahidi flicks it through square leg for one.
28.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, FOUR! Bad ball and put away! Short and width on offer outside off, Shahidi says thank you so much and cuts it through point. A valiant effort in the deep from Afridi but in vain. So his last over was a maiden and this one begins with a boundary.
28.2 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Fuller in length on middle, Shahidi strokes it to mid on.
28.3 : U Khan to H Shahidi, On the pads, it is flicked to deep square leg for a run.
28.4 : U Khan to A Afghan, Angles this one into the batsman, Afghan flicks it through square leg for a run. 6 runs from the over so far, they would like to make it a 10 run over here.
28.5 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Good bouncer, equally well left! That was quick and it was coming into the batter. Shahidi goes down on his knees and evades the bumper.
28.6 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Good length around off, HS strokes it through covers and a run is taken.
29.1 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Shahidi is using his feet quite a lot, he once again does so and hits it towards square leg. He wants a run but is rightly sent back by his captain.
29.2 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Flatter and on off, Shahidi pushes it to mid off.
29.3 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Eases this down to long on for a run.
29.4 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Another dot! This is driven to covers. Sarfraz behind the stumps, says there is a big shot coming.
29.5 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Prediction is not up to the mark. Sohail drops it short in anticipation but Afghan only manages to chop his square cut to point.
29.6 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Nice placement! He works this with very soft hands towards mid-wicket and the batsmen complete two easily. They should look for more doubles as the ground is big and twos are always on offer.
30.1 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Starts his new spell from 'round the wicket and offers width outside off. Shahidi runs it down to third man for a run.
30.2 : H Ali to A Afghan, Shortish in length this it, it's dabbed down to third man for one.
30.3 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Angling into the batsman, a back of a length delivery, Shahidi stays back and taps it down to covers.
30.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Sharp delivery, shortish and on off, Shahidi once again keeps it out on the off side from the back foot.
30.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Goes full this time and arrows it in around off, Shahidi covers the line and blocks it safely.
30.6 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Good half-stop there by the point fielder. Hasan goes even fuller with his length and lands it wide outside off, Shahidi drives it off his front foot with nice timing. It races through but the fielder inside the ring does well to make a partial stop with a dive to his left. The ball slows down as it goes behind and they cross for a run. Tidy over.
Drinks break.
Afghanistan are in a decent position. After a half-century partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, the former was taken out by Pakistan's only wicket taker, Nawaz. Afghanistan will want their current pair to take them deeper into the innings. Pakistan will look to take quick wickets and halt the run scoring. What lies ahead, we'll soon find out after the break. Stay tuned...
Shaheen Afridi is back on.
31.1 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, On a length around off, the batsman guides it down to third man for a run.
31.2 : S Afridi to A Afghan, On the pads, the batsman fails to work it. The ball hits him on the pads and rolls towards the leg side and the batsmen take a leg bye.
31.3 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, On off, Shahidi guides it to point.
31.4 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Another length ball around off, HS keeps it out. Good lines by Shaheen.
31.5 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Excellent fielding, Zaman! Very, very good effort. It was the slower bouncer on middle, the batsman pulls it towards mid-wicket. The fielder there dives to his left and stops it. He then has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Had he hit, it would not have made a difference as the batsman was well in.
31.6 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Another short ball, it is this time pulled away from the mid-wicket fielder for a run.
32.1 : H Ali to H Shahidi, On a length and around off, the batsman keeps it out.
32.2 : H Ali to H Shahidi, With the angle, the batsman flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. Not the line Hasan should be bowling. He has an off side field and a little outside off is where he should bowl.
32.3 : H Ali to A Afghan, The line was right this time but the length was not. It is short and outside off, the batsman cuts it towards third man for a run.
32.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Perfect, the length as well as the line. Around off, Shahidi defends it.
32.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Goes full this time and also gets some shape back in. The batsman drives it back to the bowler. A small banter between the bowler and the batsman but the umpire steps in between.
32.6 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Another bumper on the body, the batsman pulls it down to fine leg for a run. He moves onto 41 with that.
33.1 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, On the bounce! A bouncer on middle, Shahidi mistimes his pull to mid-wicket.
33.2 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Slightly short and outside off, HS cuts it through point for a run.
33.3 : S Afridi to A Afghan, Another bouncer! Afghan pulls it all along the ground towards square leg for a run.
33.4 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Continues with the short ball, this time outside off, Shahidi uses the pace of the ball and guides it down to third man for a run.
33.5 : S Afridi to A Afghan, The off cutter this time, bringing all his variations into play. Afghan tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
33.6 : S Afridi to A Afghan, This maybe a tactic here by Pakistan. Shaheen bowls another short ball, however, the pace of the wicket is so slow, that the batsman has enough time to go back and play the pull shot without any fuss. It goes towards deep square leg for a run.
34.1 : H Ali to A Afghan, On a length around off, the batsman defends it towards point.
34.2 : H Ali to A Afghan, Good length again around off, the batsman blocks it out.
34.3 : H Ali to A Afghan, Goes fuller this time, it also tails back in. Signs of reverse swing maybe. Afghan whips it through mid-wicket and takes two.
34.4 : H Ali to A Afghan, Again, gets it to tail back in from a length and around off. The batsman is solid in defense.
34.5 : H Ali to A Afghan, Lovely bouncer! It is the slower one. Afghan is way too early into the stroke and hits it towards mid on.
34.6 : H Ali to A Afghan, The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square leg. They pick up a single.
Mohammad Nawaz is brought back into the attack.
35.1 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Flatter around off, Afghan guides it to point.
35.2 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Afghan makes room, Nawaz follows him with a quicker delivery. Asghar swings but misses.
35.3 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Three dots in a row! Fired on the pads, Afghan fails to flick to get hit on the pads.
35.4 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, FOUR! Releases the pressure that was building in this over! A welcome boundary, it has come after 38 balls. Nawaz errs in line and bowls it on the pads. Afghan sweeps it through square leg and the ball races away.
35.5 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, SIX! BANG! That has been nailed! Asghar fancies the left-arm spinner here. He sits down on one knee and connects brilliantly with the slog sweep. He has to as mistimes here will not be going over the fence due to the size of the boundaries. The ball sails over the mid-wicket fence and 10 have come off the last two balls.
35.6 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Now does the smart thing by pushing it through cover-point and taking a run. 11 from the over.
36.1 : H Ali to A Afghan, A good length ball on off, Afghan pushes at it and gets an inside edge through square leg for a couple of runs. The stand crosses 50 now. A crucial and timely one for Afghanistan.
36.2 : H Ali to A Afghan, On a length again, on off, Afghan punches it off his back foot to the off side. The bowler moves across to his left to make a half stop.
36.3 : H Ali to A Afghan, Angling into the batsman, on middle, it's worked through mid-wicket for a run. Once again Hasan has something to say to the batsman. Not looking impressed.
36.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Play and a miss! This one is angled wide outside off, Shahidi throws his bat at it and misses.
36.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Edgy! A good length ball on off, shaping away, Shahidi pushes inside the line and gets a big fat outside edge down to third man. A couple taken as there is a misfield in the deep.
36.6 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Very full around off, nearly a yorker, Shahidi digs it out to covers.
37.1 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, In the air... but the fielder does not go for it. Sarfraz is not happy and rightly so, he should have gone for the catch. Once again Afghan goes after Nawaz with the slog sweep. He does hit it well but not well enough. It goes uppishly towards Imam at deep mid-wicket who opts to collect it on the bounce. The batsmen take a run.
37.2 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, On the pads, Shahidi works it through square leg for a run.
37.3 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, SIX! Just over! But that is a brilliant shot! Nice extension of the bat and a great follow through. Afghan makes room and gets a full ball on off, Asghar lofts it over the out stretched hand of Afridi for a biggie.
37.4 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Now shortens his length and also bowls it shorter on off, Afghan guides it to point.
37.5 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, FOUR! Afghan is taking Nawaz to the cleaners here. However, this should have been stopped. Once again, Afghan goes inside out over covers. Afridi at long off runs to his right and tries to stop it with one hand but is not able to do so. A boundary results. Another expensive over by Nawaz, already 12 from it and there is still a ball to go.
37.6 : M Nawaz to A Afghan, Overthrow! Pakistan are now feeling the pressure here. AA once again makes room and slaps it through covers. They run the first one and Afghan wants the second. The fielder in the deep fires a throw to the keeper. It takes a long time to reach Sarfraz as it is the bigger part of the ground. The Pakistan skipper, collects it and throws it at the bowler's end. Afghan by that time makes it in. The ball ricochets off Nawaz's legs and goes down to long on for an overthrow.
Slight stoppage in play. Asghar Afghan seems to be struggling with his hamstring. These are unforgiving conditions and playing on back-to-back days ain't easy. The physio comes out. A bit of stretching and the skipper is back on his feet. He is going along nicely at the moment and needs to continue. Meanwhile, there is a bowling change. Usman Khan returns in the attack.
38.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Good length ball on off, Shahidi sticks back and defends it down watchfully.
38.2 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Angles in a full length ball on middle, Shahidi closes the face of the bat and flicks it with beautiful timing through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
38.3 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Khan bends his back and digs in a short ball outside off. Shahidi goes on his toes and taps it down wide of the point fielder. They cross for a hesitant single.
38.4 : U Khan to A Afghan, Switches to 'round the wicket for the right-hander and bangs in a bouncer around off. Asghar ducks under it. Usman quickly looks at the square leg umpire and is relieved to know that it's not wided.
38.5 : U Khan to A Afghan, Shortish in length and around off, angling into the batsman, Asghar uses his wrists and turns it behind square leg for a couple of runs.
38.6 : U Khan to A Afghan, Shout for a catch, not given. Usman spears in a length ball on middle, the batsman is beaten for pace as he tries to work it around. It flies behind off his pads to the keeper who dives across to his right to pouch the ball. No bat involved.
Shaheen Afridi is back on.
39.1 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, On a length around off, the batsman guides it to point.
39.2 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, A yorker on off, Shahidi does really well to jam it out towards point. He wants a run, he wants to get his captain on strike but Afghan asks him to return back. He turns and then dives to get in.
39.3 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Another yorker on off, Shahidi strokes it towards mid off. 3 dots now.
39.4 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Make that 4! The slower ball on the body of the batsman. Shahidi goes for the pull, gets hit on the body and falls onto the ground.
39.5 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, A single! Shahidi gets to his fifty, consecutive ones. His 4th in this format. Once again, he has played with a lot of pateince and constructed his innings brilliantly. However, now he needs to step on the gas as he has got to his milestone. He guides this down to third man to reach that milestone.
39.6 : S Afridi to A Afghan, Afghan gets to his fifty now, the skipper gets to one after 17 ODI innings. His 8th ODI fifty. It has been a completely opposite innings to his partner. A very flamboyant and an attacking one. He showed intent right from the word go and has provided the much-needed impetus to Afghanistan's innings. He hits this towards mid-wicket. Hasan Ali there misfields and the batsmen take two. He takes his cap off and acknowledges the applause from the crowd and his teammates.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled. Now, a maximum of 5 fielders are allowed outside the circle, till the end of the innings. Haris Sohail is into the attack.
40.1 : H Sohail to H Shahidi, Tossed up ball on middle, worked through square leg for a single.
40.2 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Arm ball landing on middle and skidding down, the batsman tries to flick but misses.
40.3 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Short and on off, punched off the back foot but straight to the cover fielder.
40.4 : H Sohail to A Afghan, SIX! Out of here! Afghan loves it there. Sohail senses the charge, maybe as he fires one in around leg. The Afghanistan skipper still manages to give it the full whack of his bat as he dismisses it over mid-wicket for a biggie. Ominous signs for Pakistan. Both the batsmen are set and now will be eager to press on the accelerator in the last 10 overs.
40.5 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Quicker and flatter again, eased on the leg side through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
40.6 : H Sohail to A Afghan, Tossed up ball on middle, knocked down to long on for a run. 10 from the over. Afghanistan amassed 97 in the last 10 yesterday. Can they manage something similar again?
41.1 : S Afridi to A Afghan, Ouch! That would have hurt. He swings to a ball on off, gets an inside edge onto his knee. Somewhere where there is not a lot of protection.
0.0 : Afghan is down on the ground now. The physio comes out and also the magic spray. And like always, the spray does the trick and Afghan is ready to go.
41.2 : S Afridi to A Afghan, Another swing and a miss! The slower ball on middle, Asghar throws the kitchen sink at it but misses.
41.3 : S Afridi to A Afghan, SIX! BOOM! That is massive! He has picked the bones out of that one! It was right in the slot, full and on middle. Afghan was looking to clear the mid-wicket fence on the previous deliveries and this time he connects well and it is deposited over the fence.
41.4 : S Afridi to A Afghan, DROPPED! How lucky has Shaheen Afridi been today? This is the third dropped catch of his bowling and this one too was a sitter. The slower one on middle, Afghan swings but does not get the desired connection. It goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Haris Sohail there runs in, tries to catch it but does not hang on. That needed to be taken, Pakistan need a wicket, especially that of Asghar who is tonking them really big at the moment.
41.5 : S Afridi to A Afghan, Swing and a miss! Afghan again swings blindly but to no affect.
41.6 : S Afridi to A Afghan, OUT! Sound of timber followed by a big roar from the debutant. Quite a few catches went down off his bowling but this time he has taken matters into his own hands to light the stumps. The slower off cutter has done the trick. It's angled into the batsman, Afghan is beaten due to the lack of pace and is way early into his shot. The ball arrives late, sneaks past him to kiss the middle stump. End of a very fine knock by the skipper and his 94-run stand with Hashmatullah
Mohammad Nabi is the new man in. Also Mohammad Nawaz is back on.
42.1 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, This is worked against the angle through the leg side for a run.
42.2 : M Nawaz to M Nabi, Starightaway playes the paddle and connects well towards fine leg for a run.
42.3 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, DROPPED! Are you kidding me? The fourth catch of the day has been put down by Pakistan. They are just not in the mood to catch the ball today. Another sitter and Afridi who has had three dropped catches of his bowling is the culprit this time. Shahidi goes for the reverse sweep but hits it straight to Afridi who gets two hands to it but fails to hang on.
42.4 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
42.5 : M Nawaz to M Nabi, With the angle, works it through mid-wicket for a run.
42.6 : M Nawaz to H Shahidi, Guides it towards point for another single. That is it for Nawaz today, he finishes with 10-1-57-3. He has really been exceptional in his come back game. He could have easily had four had it not been for the dropped catch. Nevertheless, he has done his job.
43.1 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, A pin-point yorker on middle, Shahidi jams it out. Not a lot you can do with that delivery.
43.2 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, Very full on middle, Shahidi lofts it towards long on for a run.
43.3 : S Afridi to M Nabi, FOUR! Up and over! Picked his spot to perfection! Saw the mid off was in the ring. Nabi lofts it over him and a boundary results.
43.4 : S Afridi to M Nabi, Another slower ball around off, Nabi hits it through covers for a run.
43.5 : S Afridi to H Shahidi, 200 up for Afghanistan! This is guided down to third man and a run is taken. There are 6 more overs to go after this.
43.6 : S Afridi to M Nabi, OUT! NABI HOLES OUT! Two wickets in two overs for Afridi. At last a catch taken from a Pakistan player. The dangerous Mohammad Nabi departs cheaply. This is full and on the pads, Nabi looks to flick it. Gets more height then distance. Hasan Ali at deep square leg settles under it and takes it nicely.
Najibullah Zadran walks in next, no signs of Rashid Khan yet. Are Afghanistan missing a trick? Meanwhile, Hasan Ali has also returned to bowl at the death.
44.1 : H Ali to N Zadran, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
44.2 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Good length around off, the batsman drives it towards covers for a run.
44.3 : H Ali to N Zadran, Outside off, the batsman gets a thick outside edge towards third man for a run.
44.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, In the gap and a brace! Full and on the pads, Shahidi flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
44.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, That has gone fine but the fielder at third man is also quite fine so only a run.
44.6 : H Ali to N Zadran, A dot to end! A good over by Hasan there. He bowls it on off, the batter defends it. Strange actually, you do not see a ball being defended with 6 overs to go.
Usman Khan is back on.
45.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Hits the length hard around off, Usman guides it towards point for a run. Singles is something Pakistan won't mind.
45.2 : U Khan to N Zadran, Good pacey delivery and into the body of the batsman, cramping him for room. Najibullah pushes it towards mid on for a run. They were thinking about the second but Malik was lightning quick to get to it from mid off.
45.3 : U Khan to H Shahidi, A dot! Excellent this from Pakistan. It is slightly short on off, Shahidi guides it to point.
45.4 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Dot again! This is terrific bowling! Another length ball around off, Shahidi tries to go inside out but does not connect. Two balls to go, Usman needs to deliver two good ones.
45.5 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Lovely, lovely stuff! Has delivered one excellent ball. A yorker on middle, Shahidi jams it out to long on for a run. One to go, can he finish it well?
45.6 : U Khan to N Zadran, A couple but it still is an excellent over! Slower ball on the pads, Zadran works it towards mid-wicket for a couple. So consecutive good overs for Pakistan.
46.1 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Just a single to start the over! Not offering any room to the batsman. He can only push it towards mid off for a run.
46.2 : H Ali to N Zadran, OUT! You miss, I hit stuff there as Hasan Ali gets his first. However, this could be a blessing in disguise for Afghanistan as Zadran's innings was going nowhere. Ali bowls the slower ball on a length around middle, Zadran swings but misses it by a long way. The ball hits him on the pads and goes onto hit the middle pole.
Gulbadin Naib arrives.
46.3 : H Ali to G Naib, Brilliant stop by Hasan! Excellent commitment! Full and on off, Naib hammers it towards the bowler, he gets down quickly and deflects it to covers. A run taken.
Hasan pulls out and he rightfully does as there was an extra fielder out of the ring. Would have been a no ball and a Free Hit had he bowled that.
46.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, FOUR! Cheeky and it comes off! A much-needed one! Seeing the fine leg is in the ring. Shahidi plays the paddle scoop, connects well and into the fine leg fence.
46.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Full and on off, Shahidi drives it towards mid off for a run.
46.6 : H Ali to G Naib, FOUR! 11 from the over! Poor delivery, short and wide outside off. The batsman cuts it over the point region and into the fence.
47.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Direct hit would have been curtains for Shahidi. A short of a length ball on off, Hashmatullah pulls it across the line towards mid-wicket and sprints across to the other end. The fielder inside the ring collects the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses the target.
47.2 : U Khan to G Naib, Short in length and on middle, it's been smashed via a pull shot. But it goes straight to deep mid-wicket and only a run is possible. Dean Jones (on air) ain't too impressed with the length.
47.3 : U Khan to H Shahidi, A mistimed pull again by Shahidi towards mid-wicket for a run. He is looking tired. Dean Jones with an interesting question to his fellow commentator Kumar Sangakkara - Should Shahidi retire and let other big hitter (Rashid) come in? Sangakkara plays it safe and says I don't know.
47.4 : U Khan to G Naib, Swings his bat across the line and drags it off the inner half of the bat to fine leg for a run.
47.5 : U Khan to H Shahidi, FOUR! This is now Shahidi's highest ODI score. He receives a short delivery outside off and smacks it through point for a cracking boundary.
47.6 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Angling down the leg side, it's whipped to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 10 from the overs, 2 more overs left. Can Afghanistan touch the 250-run mark?
48.1 : H Ali to G Naib, Good bowling! Follows the batsman with a short ball. Gulbadin guides it down to third man for a run.
48.2 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Another single as Shahidi pushes it towards mid off.
48.3 : H Ali to G Naib, 3 runs from the first 3 balls! The slower one on off, Naib swings but mistimes it towards mid off for another single.
Shahidi is bowled here. But the umpire is checking for the no ball. Has Hasan overstepped?
48.4 : H Ali to H Shahidi, It is a NO BALL! Slightly harsh I would say on the bowler but the umpire rules it in the favor of the batsman. Shahidi with another reprieve. It is just not Pakistan's day today. Hasan bowls the perfect yorker on middle, Shahidi makes a little too much room. He tries to get his bat down in time but misses to see the stumps get shattered. He starts walking but the umpire asks him to wait. They go upstairs to check for the front foot NO BALL. The first replay seems to sho
H Ali to H Shahidi, FOUR! A gift on the Free Hit! A full toss on the pads, Shahidi will not miss out there. He swings it over mid-wicket, in the gap and into the fence.
48.5 : H Ali to H Shahidi, Another full toss, this time though it does not go to the fence as Shahidi flicks it towards deep square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and stops it. Two taken.
48.6 : H Ali to H Shahidi, A single to end the over! But 11 from it. Shahidi guides this down to third man for a run.
49.1 : U Khan to H Shahidi, FOUR! No holds barred! Usman digs in a short ball around off and Shahidi bludgeons his pull shot through mid-wicket for a powerful boundary. The fielder inside the ring was quite lazy in getting down. Great start to the last over for Afghanistan.
49.2 : U Khan to H Shahidi, FOUR! This is brilliant hitting! Shahidi moves into the 90s with this shot. Usman goes searching for a yorker but instead serves a juicy full length ball outside off. Hashmatullah cracks it over extra cover for a boundary. 250 up for Afghanistan!
49.3 : U Khan to H Shahidi, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries. Shahidi in the Shahid Afridi avatar! A length ball around off, Hashmatullah gets across the stumps and paddles it over short fine leg for a boundary. Three balls to go.
49.4 : U Khan to H Shahidi, Slower length ball on off, Shahidi pushes inside the line and gets it away off the outside edge. It travels to third man and they cross for one.
49.5 : U Khan to G Naib, Back of a length ball on off, it's slapped back past the bowler. The long on fielder gets across to stop the ball and they cross for a run. Naib slips a bit while turning for the second run but anyway his partner didn't look much interested. Shahidi is on 97, can he get to his maiden hundred?
49.6 : U Khan to H Shahidi, No century. Khan fires in a full ball on middle and leg, Shahidi tries to whip it across the line but misses. It goes off his pads to covers and they don't attempt any run, strangely. Afghanistan end on 257/6!
Another power-packed ending to the Afghanistan innings! They hammered 97 runs yesterday in the final 10 overs and today, against a better attack, they have amassed 87 runs. Take a bow! Hashmatullah Shahidi missed his maiden ODI ton but impressed everyone with the way he anchored the innings with a stable head.
Earlier in the innings, the Pakistani pacers started well by not allowing the Afghan top order to get off to a flying start. They were also successful in removing the openers pretty early. However, the pair of Rahmat Shah and his skipper, Asghar Afghan, stitched together a solid 63-run partnership and stabilized their innings.
The star with the ball for Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz, then removed the well-set Rahmat Shah to take his third wicket of the day. However, skipper Afghan joined hands with the in-form, Shahidi, and the two came up with a potentially match winning 94-run partnership. They had built a strong launch-pad for the middle and lower order to tee-off in the death overs and that is exactly what happened.
Pakistan, then, crawled their way back by picking up three quick wickets and halting the Afghan progress, at least for a while. The Afghans were 211 in 46 overs and at that stage, they would have been happy to reach even 240. But, thanks to some smart batting by Shahidi, the last four overs produced 46 and that meant they reached a total that would worry their opponents.
Man of the Moment, Shahidi is up for an interview. He starts by saying this is his best innings. He feels there is still a lot to learn but this knock should give him confidence for the future. Informs the captain had asked him to keep rotating the strike and to be there till the end. He reckons they have enough runs on the board and with a good bowling line-up, they will try and restrict them.
An exciting chase awaits us. This is a good track for batting but the scoreboard pressure along with the quality Afghan spin attack will test Pakistan. Do join us in a short while for all the action.