Mohammad Shahzad’s wicket fell shortly after Mirwais Ashraf. Afghanistan were 45 for the loss of 3 wickets. However, it was Shabir Noori’s outstanding 35 runs of 30 balls that propelled Afghanistan’s total to 125 runs. The rest of Afghanistan’s middle order were unable to put together an impressive performance including Nawroz Mangal, who was the Afghanistan’s star hitter during the previous game with Hong Kong. Pakistan’s Hassan Raza, Mohammad Irshad and Lal Kumar grabbed two wickets each.
In response, Pakistan’s Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan were off to a flying start. Sharjeel and Khalid’s partnership was broken when Mirwais Ashraf delivered the first blow. Pakistan lost it’s first wicket with a mere 31 one the scoreboard. However, Khalid Latif and Azeem Ghumman put together a formidable partnership for the second wicket, before Mohammad Nabi dismissed Khalid Laitf LBW, he scored 26 runs. The rest of Pakistani middle order crumbled like a house of cards. Naeemuddin was run out without scoring, Shehryar Ghani scored three runs, Naeem Anjum scored five and Jalat Khan was dismissed after putting nine runs on the scoreboard. Lal Kumar and Mohammad Irshad remained not out. Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan, Karim Sadiq took two wickets each. Pakistan managed to put together only 103 runs in the allotted 20 overs.
The win marks Afghanistan’s first victory in the first game played between the two countries. Afghanistan will face the winner of the second semi final between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka tomorrow in the Asian Games Final.
Scores in brief
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Afghanistan vs Pakistan at Guanggong International Cricket Stadium |
Afghanistan won by 22 runs Man of the match: |
