The first T20I match between Afghanistan and Pakistan on March 24, 2023, in Sharjah saw Afghanistan win convincingly by six wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s low total of 92/9 with 13 balls remaining.
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi was the star performer with an unbeaten 38 off 28 balls and two wickets, taking his side over the line with a brilliant six over mid-off off Ihsanullah.
Afghanistan’s bowling was clinical and dominated from the start, restricting the young Pakistan batting order to just 92 runs with frequent wickets.
Let’s commence the discussion !!!
Pakistan’s Batting Demise:
The Pakistan openers, Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub, failed to get going on a surface unlike any they had faced in the PSL.
Pakistan lost their top three wickets early, with Ihsanullah taking two wickets in his first three balls on debut.
Pakistan’s only standout batter was Tayyab Tahir, who scored a breezy 16 off nine balls before being deceived by Rashid Khan.
The rest of the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling.
Only one other Pakistan batter reached double figures, with Imad Wasim top-scoring with 18 off 16 balls.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was excellent, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman taking two wickets each.
Rashid Khan, who is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, was economical, taking one wicket and conceding just 14 runs in his four overs.
The chase by Afghanistan :
Afghanistan’s chase was not without its own difficulties, as Pakistan’s pace bowlers made hay with the ball. Ihsanullah, who took two wickets in his debut game, threatened to run through Afghanistan’s line-up.
But Nabi and Najibullah Zadran’s partnership turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor.
Nabi’s unbeaten run-a-ball 38 was crucial in calming Afghan nerves, while Najibullah’s 22 off 16 balls provided good support.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was also impressive, with Ihsanullah and Naseem Shah taking two wickets each.
Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets and conceding just 12 runs in his four overs.
The result of this match is significant as it is Afghanistan’s first win against Pakistan in T20Is, and it came after a gap of eleven years since the first match between these two sides.
The win is also a morale booster for Afghanistan as they head into the remaining matches of the series.
Nabi’s Heroics :
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi played a crucial role in his team’s victory against Pakistan in the first T20I match on March 24, 2023, in Sharjah.
Despite Afghanistan being in trouble at 45 runs for 4 wickets, Nabi held a crucial partnership with Najibullah Zadran, which helped them reach their target of 93 runs with ease.
Nabi’s unbeaten 38 off 28 balls included a stunning six over mid-off off Ihsanullah, which sealed the victory for his team.
He played like a captain despite not holding the captaincy, taking responsibility and leading his team to a much-needed win.
Nabi also played significant role while bowling as he scalped 2 crucial wickets and gave away just 13 runs which halted the Pakistan batsmen to 92.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Conclusion :
Overall, Afghanistan’s win was a result of their disciplined and clinical performance, both with the ball and the bat.
Pakistan struggled to adapt to the challenging surface, while Afghanistan’s experience and skill came to the fore.
The next match of the series promises to be an exciting encounter, with Pakistan likely to come out fighting to level the series, while Afghanistan will be looking to build on their momentum and secure another win.
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