T20 World Cup: Pakistan registered their 3rd straight win as they beat Afghanistan by 5 Wickets
It was an exciting match, resulting in Pakistan winning by 5 Wickets against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The 24th Match of 2021 T20 World Cup between Afghanistan and Pakistan was played on Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Dubai International Stadium, United Arab Emirates.
This encounter is from Group 2 of the Super 12’s at the 2021 T20 World Cup. Pakistan had registered two straight wins after defeating India and New Zealand whereas Afghanistan won against Scotland.
The Line-up for Afghanistan vs Pakistan
Afghanistan again go against the trend to field first, both sides are unchanged.
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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 29, 2021
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat.
Pakistan’s Asif Ali 25*(off 7) wins them the match, as they beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets
1st Innings – Afghanistan puts 147 Runs on the board
By end of the powerplay, Afghanistan was in trouble as they had lost four wickets and were 39/4 (5.1 overs).
Then they added a few runs on the board, before losing another wicket of Karim Janat – 15 (off 17 balls). At that stage, Afghanistan was 64/5 in 9.1 overs.
However, then Najibullah Zadran departed playing a quick cameo of 22 runs (off 21 balls), hitting four boundaries. Afghanistan was at 76/6 (12.5 overs).
But Captain Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib made an excellent 50 runs partnership off just 36 balls.
In the death overs, this pair of Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib was hitting boundaries. Hence, for Pakistan, it was expensive as they conceded 54 runs in the last five overs.
Both Mohammad Nabi – 35* (off 32 balls) and Gulbadin Naib – 35* (off 25 balls) remained unbeaten. With that, Afghanistan finished their innings at 147/6 (20 overs).
2nd Innings – Pakistan’s Target is 148 Runs
An early wicket fell for Pakistan as Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 8 (off 10 balls). Pakistan was 12/1 in 2.3 overs.
Then a 63 Runs Partnership was made between Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, however, Zaman lost his wicket due to an LBW decision as Mohammad Nabi picked his wicket. At that stage, Pakistan was at 75/2 (11.1 overs).
Another wicket falls, Mohammad Hafeez walk back to the pavilion and they were 97/3 (14.1 overs).
However, Babar Azam reached his half-century. But Rashid Khan strikes for Afghanistan as he bowled out Azam. Babar Azam had scored 51 runs (off 47 balls). Next Shoaib Malik departs after playing a cameo knock of 19 (off 15 balls). With that, Pakistan was 124/5 in 17.5 overs.
But, it was Asif Ali unbeaten knock of 25 Runs (off just 7 balls) that won Pakistan the match. As Pakistan finished their innings at 148/5 (19 overs).
As a result, Pakistan won the match by 5 Wickets. Hence, the Player of the Match was given to Asif Ali for his match-winning knock of 25* (off 7 balls).
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— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 29, 2021