Afghanistan secure historic win over Pakistan

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

Chasing a target of only 93 runs, Afghanistan reached home in 17.5 overs for the loss of four wickets. 

This was the first win for Afghanistan over Pakistan in international cricket.

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.

Najibullah Zadran remained not out on 17 runs in 23 balls. 

Zadran and Nabi added 53 unbeaten runs in 49 balls for the fifth wicket to get their side over the line. 

“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.

Earlier, Pakistan had set Afghanistan a paltry target of 93 runs after skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to bat first.

After a brilliant bowling display by Afghanistan, Pakistan were restricted to 92-9 in 20 overs.  

This was Pakistan’s lowest total after batting full 20 overs in T20Is. Previous was 96-9 vs Australia in 2014.

Imad Wasim top-scored with 18 runs in 32 balls, whereas Saim Ayub and Tayyab Tahir scored 17 and 16 runs, respectively. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi claimed two wickets each.

It must be noted that opener Saim Ayub, middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir and right-arm quicks Zaman Khan and Ihsanullah made their Pakistan debuts during the match. 

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.

The second T20I of the series will be played on Sunday, March 26, at the same venue. 

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan and Ihsanullah

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq