Afghanistan Secure Historic Win Over Pakistan in First T20I

First Win Over Pakistan in International Cricket

Afghanistan secured a historic win over Pakistan during the first T20I of the three-match series in Sharjah on Friday. This was the first win for Afghanistan over Pakistan in international cricket.

Debutant Ihsanullah Shines

Debutant Ihsanullah claimed two wickets in his first over to put the batting side under pressure. However, Afghanistan held their nerve to chase down the target. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who finished the match with a six, scored unbeaten run-a-ball 38 with the help of three fours and a maximum.

Afghanistan’s Reaction

“Exciting moment for us, happy to finally beat them [Pakistan]. Pitch was not easy, we just watched the ball and played naturally. Nabi’s experience and our bowling was amazing. Najib also played well,” opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz said after the match. “The win will give us momentum and increase our confidence. Beating Pakistan gives us an indication that we are improving and hopefully that continues,” he added.

Pakistan’s Lowest Total

Earlier, Pakistan had set Afghanistan a paltry target of 93 runs after skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to bat first. This was Pakistan’s lowest total after batting full 20 overs in T20Is. Previous was 96-9 vs Australia in 2014. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi claimed two wickets each.

Pakistan’s Team and Series

Meanwhile, top-order batter Abdullah Shafique, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, and Azam Khan marked their returns to the Pakistan side. Shadab is leading the side in the absence of Babar Azam, who has been rested for the series. The Afghanistan T20Is are Pakistan’s first since their T20 World Cup campaign in Australia last year, where they were the runners-up.

Credit: https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/23538-pak-vs-afg-pakistan-win-toss-decide-to-bat-first

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