At the innings break of the T20I Tri-Series final in Sharjah, Pakistan posted 141 for eight in their 20 overs against Afghanistan. The score leaves the contest finely balanced, with Afghanistan holding a stronger win probability at the halfway stage.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, but Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they never gained momentum. The innings finished with a run rate of 7.05, as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.
Despite small partnerships in the middle order, the team could not accelerate in the death overs. The lower order was left to push the score past 140, but Afghanistan’s bowlers applied constant pressure.
Read more: Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Warns of Decisive Response
Nawaz and Faheem Provide Late Sparks
Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf offered some resistance towards the end. Nawaz struck 25 runs from 21 balls, including two sixes, while Faheem played a quick cameo of 15 runs from just eight deliveries with two boundaries and a six.
Their partnership briefly raised Pakistan’s hopes of crossing 150, but both fell within quick succession, curbing the late charge. Nawaz was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the 19th over, while Faheem edged one behind earlier in the 18th.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Dominate
Afghanistan’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed two crucial wickets for 19 runs in three overs, including Nawaz at a decisive stage. Off-spinner AM Ghazanfar also delivered effectively, finishing with one for 27 in his four overs.
Rashid Khan, leading the spin attack, grabbed three wickets for 38, using his variations to trouble Pakistan’s middle order. Noor Ahmad chipped in with two wickets for just 17 runs in four overs, putting brakes on Pakistan’s scoring during the middle phase.
The bowling unit, complemented by sharp fielding, restricted Pakistan from capitalizing on the final overs.
Pakistan’s Top Order Falters Again
Once again, Pakistan’s top order failed to provide a solid start. Regular dismissals inside the powerplay left the team searching for stability. The lack of partnerships at the top forced the middle order to consolidate rather than attack, keeping the run rate in check.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem were left at the crease at the close of the innings, managing just two and zero runs respectively. The inability to rotate strike and find boundaries in the last over summed up Pakistan’s struggles.
Afghanistan Eye Comfortable Chase
With 142 runs to chase, Afghanistan will back their batting strength to secure the title. The win probability currently favors them at 61.39 percent, compared to Pakistan’s 38.61 percent.
Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will look to set the tone, while the middle order, featuring Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran, will aim to carry forward the momentum.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely heavily on Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan to strike early and defend the modest total. The second innings promises a tense finish in this Pakistan versus Afghanistan clash.
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