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Afghanistan wins their first T20I series with a thrilling victory over Pakistan.
On Sunday, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in the second T20I in Sharjah, completing a historic T20I series triumph against longtime foes Pakistan.
Pakistan batted first and concluded with a below-par 130/6 in 20 overs after electing to bat. Imad Washim led the way with a quickfire 64 not out off 57 balls, while skipper Shadab Khan contributed 32.
After defeating Pakistan for the first time in almost 11 years on March 24, Afghanistan was able to restrict Pakistan to 130 runs and chase down the target with seven wickets in hand on Sunday.
By seven wickets, Afghanistan 133 for 3 (Gurbaz 44, Ibrahim Zadran 38, Zaman 1-22) defeated Pakistan 130 for 6 (Imad 64*, Shadab 32, Farooqi 2-19).
Afghanistan crossed the finish line with one ball to spare, chasing a below-par score of 131.
Previously, top-order innings by Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan lead Pakistan to a total of 130 for 6 in 20 overs. Wasim struck three fours and two sixes in his undefeated 64-run knock off 57 balls. Shadab managed 32(25) and helped to a 66-run partnership with Wasim for the sixth wicket.
During the pursuit, Afghanistan’s flamboyant opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz got off to a terrific start. He scored 44 runs off 49 balls, with two fours and a six. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Zadran contributed 38 runs on the ground. Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi stayed till the finish to lead their team to a hard-fought victory with one ball to spare.
Afghanistan wins their first T20 series against Pakistan
Pakistan struggled on a sluggish Sharjah field after resting five key players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub dropped for a duck in his second T20 International, while Abdullah Shafique became the first men’s batter in T20 history to register a fourth consecutive duck when he was caught leg before wicket by Fazalhaq Farooqi Farooqi, who took two wickets in the first over.
