Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Spin Trio Stuns Pakistan, Securing First ODI Win for Afghanistan
In a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spin trio of Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi wreaked havoc on the Pakistani batting lineup, leading Afghanistan to their first-ever ODI victory against their neighbors. The match, held at a slow Hambantota pitch, proved to be a nightmare for Pakistan as their frailties against spin were exposed.
Winning the toss, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam made the crucial decision to bat during the hottest part of the day. Aware of Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack, the Pakistani batsmen had a daunting challenge ahead of them. Unfortunately for Pakistan, only two batters managed to avoid falling to spin, with the rest succumbing to the trio’s masterful craft.
The procession of wickets against spin began early on, with Fakhar Zaman becoming the first victim. Chasing a wide delivery from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zaman edged a catch to second slip, leaving the Pakistani camp in disarray. Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi introduced Mujeeb with the new ball, and it paid dividends immediately. Babar Azam, known for his batting prowess, was soon dismissed LBW for a duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 7/2 after just two overs.
Though Mohammad Rizwan briefly counterattacked with a quickfire 21, hitting four boundaries, he fell victim to Mujeeb’s deceptive carrom ball. While Babar opted for a review that went in vain, Rizwan was given out on umpire’s call. Agha Salman was dropped early in his innings but failed to capitalize on the opportunity, falling LBW to Rashid Khan. From 62/4, Pakistan found some respite with a steady 50-run partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Iftikhar Ahmed. The duo played a patient innings, avoiding unnecessary risks.
Pakistan’s progress, however, came to an abrupt halt when Iftikhar mistimed a shot and chipped Mohammad Nabi to mid-wicket, departing for a well-made 39. Imam-ul-Haq, after reaching a sedate half-century, squandered his chance to build a big innings and gifted Nabi his second wicket. Pakistan’s hopes were revived momentarily by a 35-run stand between Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah for the ninth wicket. However, casual running between the wickets cost Shadab his wicket when he could have added crucial extra runs to the total.
Even at the death, Afghanistan’s strategic move to bring in part-time spinner Rahmat Shah paid off as he dismissed the last Pakistani batsman with his first ball in the 48th over. Pakistan managed to post a below-par total of 201 in 47.1 overs, thanks to Imam-ul-Haq’s patient 61 and Shadab Khan’s 39.
Afghanistan, led by their spin trio’s exceptional performance, demonstrated their dominance over Pakistan’s batting lineup and will be buoyed by their historic ODI victory. Pakistan, on the other hand, must address their vulnerabilities against spin if they wish to compete at the highest level. While they rely on their potent spin attack to potentially defend their total, it is evident that there are underlying issues that require immediate attention.
Brief scores: Pakistan 201 in 47.1 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 61, Shadab Khan 39; Mujeeb-ur-Rahman 3-33, Mohammad Nabi 2-34) vs Afghanistan
