The concluding segment of the second ODI in the three-match showdown featuring Afghanistan and Pakistan brimmed with tension. Naseem Shah orchestrated a remarkable triumph over the home team at Hambantota last Thursday.
Occupying the tenth batting position, Naseem Shah found himself at the crease during the fiftieth over, while Shadab Khan held the opposite spot. As the situation unfolded, Fazalhaq Farooqi stepped up to deliver.
The unfolding events within those closing five pitches had everyone on edge.
On the fifth release from Afghanistan’s fast bowler, the 20-year-old slightly mishit a boundary. His elated sprint towards the changing room was matched by Pakistan’s collection of 11 runs in the ultimate over, culminating in a total score of 302-9 after 49.5 overs.
Naseem Shah Heroics Crush Afghan Dream
Pakistan secured an insurmountable 2-0 advantage in the three-game series, with the final match scheduled in Colombo this upcoming Saturday, following their triumphant win.
2023
Naseem Shah to Fazalhaq Farooqi
Two fours in last over 🔥
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Naseem Shah to Fazalhaq Farooqi
Two sixes in last over 🔥#PakvsAfg #NaseemShah #Farooqi pic.twitter.com/WNvPmrYkeV
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) August 24, 2023
Still not over last night's incredible finish❓
Revisit the winning moments and reactions of the players after the second ODI 🤩#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/ZORuk52Blj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 25, 2023
Afghanistan’s initial performance by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, achieving a personal best of 151 runs from 100 balls, boosted their total to 300-5 in 50 overs. Pakistan’s late push, however, took the spotlight.
The closing pair of overs during Pakistan’s pursuit held significant excitement.
Shadab Khan struck Abdul Rahman for a boundary and a maximum with the final two deliveries of the 49th over.
In the opening of the ultimate over, Farooqi executed a Mankad dismissal, running out Shadab at the non-striker’s end.
During the concluding over, Naseem smacked the initial ball he encountered for a boundary and replicated the action on the fifth delivery to secure triumph.
Naseem had struck the identical bowler for a pair of maximums in the previous over, leading Pakistan to a one-wicket victory in last year’s Asia Cup Twenty20 match in Sharjah.
Shadab, who compiled a 35-ball 48 containing three boundaries and a maximum, rejuvenated Pakistan’s pursuit in the ultimate stages after his side crumbled to 258-7.
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The opener, Imam-ul-Haq, crafted a 105-ball 91 featuring four boundaries, laying the foundation.
Following the contest, captain Babar Azam commended his players.
“The boys deserve all recognition,” mentioned the standout batsman whose team could ascend to the top spot in ODI rankings should they emerge victorious in the ultimate match.
“We were aware that scoring 80 or 90 runs in the final 10 overs was achievable, and commendations to Naseem who performs remarkably under pressure situations.”
The defeat was acknowledged by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi as agonizing.
“It’s painful because we had a sufficient number of runs, but in the final moments, they wrested the game from our grasp,” noted Shahidi, pointing to the penultimate over as the turning point in fortune.
“In the 49th over, there were a few straightforward deliveries to the batsman, and they struck them forcefully.”