Pakistan secured a commanding 59-run victory over Afghanistan, completing a decisive 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series. This victory also propelled Pakistan to the pinnacle of the ODI rankings, a strategically timed achievement just ahead of the Asia Cup.
Choosing to bat first on Colombo’s diverse pitch, Pakistan showcased their batting mettle with hard-earned half-centuries courtesy of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, culminating in a solid total of 268 for 8. Afghanistan faced an uphill task while chasing, struggling to find their equilibrium on a pitch that appeared to gain pace under the evening lights.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman of Afghanistan briefly disrupted Pakistan’s rhythm, striving to thwart their advances with a record-breaking fifty, achieved in just 26 balls – the quickest by any Afghanistan batter in ODIs. His valiant efforts culminated in an impressive 64 runs off 37 deliveries. Nevertheless, the target remained out of reach, as Afghanistan’s innings concluded at 209 in 48.4 overs. A standout performance from Pakistan’s Shadab Khan resulted in three crucial wickets for a cost of 42 runs.
In pursuit of a target of 269, Afghanistan’s attempt suffered an early setback as their opening partnership struggled to establish a solid foundation. The predicament was compounded for Afghanistan as Ibrahim Zadran’s involvement was delayed due to his absence from the field during Pakistan’s innings. Pakistan’s fast bowlers, notably Faheem Ashraf, posed a significant challenge for Afghanistan’s batsmen.
While Shaheen Shah Afridi’s deliveries exhibited movement, his precision initially fluctuated. Conversely, Faheem Ashraf showcased remarkable accuracy in both line and length, persistently unsettling the opposition. His precise execution led to the dismissal of key players Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, both unable to replicate their earlier commendable performances in the series.
Afghanistan’s innings were marked by a brief 30-run partnership between Hashmatullah Shahidi and Riaz, consuming a notable 61 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers adhered to their strategy with precision, generating multiple opportunities and maintaining consistent pressure throughout.
Despite Afghanistan’s setbacks, Mujeeb and Shahidullah Kamal fought back valiantly, constructing a pivotal 57-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mujeeb’s aggressive hitting, highlighted by five fours and five sixes, underscored his determination to challenge Pakistan’s bowlers. However, his innings concluded with a hit-wicket dismissal, a testament to his bold approach.
Pakistan’s batting display revealed a tale of two halves. The initial 30 overs yielded a mere 103 runs, while the subsequent 20 overs witnessed a significant resurgence, contributing 165 runs to the total. The partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, though gradual, formed the bedrock of Pakistan’s innings, contributing 110 runs for the third wicket.
Fakhar Zaman initiated his innings with vigor, launching an attack on Fazalhaq Farooqi with five boundaries in just 20 balls. In contrast, Imam-ul-Haq grappled to find his rhythm, enduring back-to-back maiden overs against Mujeeb. Pakistan sustained a consistent run rate, driven by Fakhar’s resurgence, until a pivotal bowling change by Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib shifted the momentum.
Naib’s inclusion marked the downfall of Fakhar Zaman, caught out while attempting an audacious shot, followed by the dismissal of Imam-ul-Haq. Despite challenges, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated a remarkable recovery after a sluggish phase, accelerating their run-scoring between overs 31 to 40.
However, both batsmen fell short of achieving three-digit scores, with Rashid Khan dismissing Babar via an outside edge, and Fareed Ahmed claiming Rizwan’s wicket through an lbw decision. Pakistan faced a minor setback, losing three wickets for just nine runs within 15 balls. Yet, Mohammad Nawaz and Agha Salman’s steadfast partnership ensured a positive conclusion to Pakistan’s innings.
As Afghanistan’s fielding performance wavered towards the latter part of Pakistan’s innings, Pakistan capitalized on the errors, comfortably surpassing the 250-run mark and amassing 80 runs in the final ten overs.
In summary, Pakistan’s comprehensive victory over Afghanistan in the ODI series showcased their dominance and strategic positioning in the ODI rankings. This achievement sets the stage for an intense clash in the upcoming Asia Cup.
READ MORE: Pakistan Sweep Series Against Afghanistan, Secure Top ODI Ranking
