In the second ODI of the three-match series held at Hambantota, Pakistan sealed the series with a dramatic 1-wicket victory in the last over against Afghanistan. First, Afghans scored 300 runs for 5 wickets in 50 overs. In response, the Pakistanis confirmed the victory by keeping 1 wicket and 1 ball in hand.
Afghan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi won the toss and decided to bat at the beginning of the match. Afghanistan got off to a great start by batting. In the opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made a partnership of 227 runs in 39.5 overs. After completing his personal half-century, Ibrahim was dismissed with 80 runs off 101 balls.
Meanwhile, after the century, Gurbaz, who batted in a Markhute style, completed his half century. He scored 151 runs before getting out. His 151-ball innings was decorated with 14 fours and three sixes. After that, Nabi scored 29 from 29 balls, Rashid scored 2 from 3 balls and Shahidullah scored 1 from 3 balls. Shahidi remained unbeaten on 15 runs and Abdul Rahman on 4 runs.
Pakistan got off to a good start chasing runs. 52 runs came from the opening pair. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 30 runs. Opener Imam-ul-Haq made a pair of 118 runs with team leader Babar Azam, who came down to play for the second wicket. That is how Pakistan got the basis of victory. But when Imam returned with 91 runs and Babar with 53 runs, the team was under a bit of pressure.
Shadab Khan continued to fight alone when Iftekhar returned for 17 runs. But Shadab was bowled out for a personal 48 runs. Later, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf won the match for Pakistan in a last over thriller. Nasim remained unbeaten on 10 runs and Rauf on 3 runs.
(25 August/MM)