“We got exactly what we wanted” - Afghanistan stuns Pakistan in tri-series reverse fixture

Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, made a strong comeback over Pakistan with an 18-run win in the fourth match of the ongoing UAE tri-series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Tuesday, September 2.

Delving into the details of the game, Afghanistan batted first and posted a total of 169/5 in 20 overs. Sediqullah Atal (64) and Ibrahim Zadran (65) were the star batters in the first innings. Faheem Ashraf scalped a four-wicket haul.

In response, Pakistan could score only 151/9 in 20 overs, losing the game by 18 runs. Batting lower down the order, Haris Rauf scored 34* runs in 16 balls with four sixes. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad scalped two wickets apiece.

“We got exactly what we wanted. It wasn't easy to chase that (170) on this wicket. We wanted to score 160-plus and give the best chance to our bowlers. We have that kind of bench strength. Everyone can do the job for the team,” Rashid Khan told in the post-match presentation. 

“We decide (the team combination) depending on the opposition. Having those (Ghazanfar and Noor) two spinners helped us, quite pleased with the way they bowled. They (Ibrahim and Atal) are two great players, just the beginning for them,” he added. 

“Reading the conditions is important, we will try our best to keep them in the playing XI and let them continue. Most of the batters haven't batted much, so I tried to come down the order and let them bat more. They need opportunities in the middle and get used to it before the Asia Cup,” he concluded.

“I think 170 was gettable, seeing at the games here. I think it was a good job by the bowlers, but we lost too many wickets. We were going along well, but we lost too many wickets in the middle overs. It gets difficult after that. They (Afghan spinners) are good enough to grab the opportunities. It could have been a different story had we not lost those wickets,” Salman Agha said.

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