Afghanistan beats Pakistan for first time in Twenty20 international cricket

Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in a Twenty20 for the first time on Friday after the latter was restricted to 92-9.

Pakistan, with out 5 rested frontline gamers together with captain Babar Azam, struggled on a gradual and low pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in opposition to the Afghans, whose six bowlers shared all 9 wickets.

Afghanistan overcame falling to 45-4 in the tenth over to cruise dwelling at 98-4 and win by six wickets with greater than two overs to spare.

Mohammad Nabi raised Afghanistan’s first victory over Pakistan in 5 makes an attempt over the previous decade with a straight six over lengthy off.

Pleasure to win, as we have all the time misplaced in opposition to them by small margins, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan stated. Wearing Afghanistan colours and main the group in a win is a proud achievement. We by no means know the wicket . . . (however the) mindset was . . . to regulate accordingly.

Afghanistan has an opportunity at a first collection win in the remaining two T20s on Sunday and Monday.

None of the Pakistan batters might speed up on a two-paced pitch and largely fell to tender dismissals.

In the absence of formidable openers Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, replacements Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris could not gauge the low bounce and fell throughout the batting powerplay whereas making an attempt extravagant photographs.

Abdullah Shafique was pinned by Azmatullah Omarzai for 0 and Tayyab Tahir, certainly one of 4 making their Pakistan debut, lobbed a return catch to Rashid Khan.

When Azam Khan was additionally out for a duck on debut, Pakistan was 41-5 in the eighth over.

Pakistan was in hazard of its lowest T20 complete of 74 in 2012 in opposition to Australia at Dubai however Imad Wasim top-scored with 18.

Sometimes this may occur on account of kids being nervous, however they must be given probabilities, interim captain Shadab Khan stated. As professionals, we will not give excuses relating to circumstances, now we have to be taught from the loss right here.

Unorthodox spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2-9 and Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-13.

Pakistan quick bowling debutant Ihsanullah received two wickets in his first over with short-pitched deliveries.

Afghanistan was quickly 4 down, however Nabi, 38 not out, and Najibullah Zadran, 17 not out, received them over the end line.

Ihsanullah completed with 2-17.