Abu Dhabi: Pakistan got themselves prepared for the India challenge Sunday with a nervy three-wicket win over Afghanistan in a nail-biting Super Four contest of the Asia Cup here Friday.
Chasing a modest 258, Pakistan were in control with a 154-run second wicket stand between Imam-ul-Haq (80, 104b, 5×4, 1×6) and Babar Azam (66, 94b, 4×4, 1×6) before losing their way with the fall of regular wickets, only to be rescued by former skipper Shoaib Malik (51 n o, 43b, 3×4, 1×6).
Pakistan managed to recover from the early loss of opener Fakhar Zaman (0), thanks to Imam and Babar’s patient knocks before a mix-up resulted in the run out of Imam. Babar soon followed the opener to the pavilion even as Pakistan’s middle order woes continued to haunt them with number 4 Haris Sohail (13), skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (8), Asif Ali (7) and Mohammad Nawaz (10) all departing within a span of just 48 runs. Malik along with Hasan Ali (6 n o) overcame the scare to finally overhaul the target with three balls to spare.
For Afghanistan, leg-spinner Rashid Khan (3/46) and offie Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/33) were the main wicket-takers. Earlier, electing to bat, Afghanistan rode an undefeated half centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi (97 n o, 118b, 7×4) and skipper Asghar Afghan (67, 56b, 2×4, 5×6) to post a challenging 257/7.
Players fined
Abu Dhabi: Pakistan all-rounder Hasan Ali along with Afghanistan duo of Asghar Stanikzai and Rashid Khan were fined 15 per cent of their match fees for different incidents during their Asia Cup Super Four match, Friday. Stanikzai had brushed his shoulder with Hasan. Rashid was charged for giving a send-off to Asif Ali in the 47th over of Pakistan innings.
Brief scores: Afghanistan 257/6 (Hashmatullah Shahidi 97 n o; Mohammad Nawaz 3/57) lost to Pakistan 258/7 (Imam-ul-Haq 80; Rashid Khan 3/46) by three wickets.
