A target for 148 should be an easy chase for Pakistan given their recent form but it will depend on how they play against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. An exciting chase is coming our way shortly so stay with us to find out who gets two points here.
Imad Wasim says that it's a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium. Adds that this happens in cricket and Afghanistan played really well in the end but is hopeful that they'll chase it down. Mentions that the ball was stopping a bit early on but is coming onto the bat now. Adds that it is Dubai so the dew should come into play. Ends by saying that Afghanistan have got some world-class bowlers but Pakistan also have some world-class batters on their side.
Pakistan had a really good start with the ball. The aggressive intent of the Afghan batters gave them plenty of opportunities to take wickets and they grabbed them with both hands. The bowlers took wickets at regular intervals and did not let any of the batters from the top order settle down and put on a big score. They would have wanted to finish well but that did not happen. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf leaked runs in the last overs and that allowed Afghanistan to cross the 140-run mark. Shaheen A
The top order of Afghanistan came out with the intent of scoring runs quickly. They did get the boundaries but a few needless shots meant that they were 5 down at the halfway mark. Afghanistan needed a partnership after that as Nabi came to the crease. The Afghanistan skipper and Zadran did try to repair things but run-scoring became more and more difficult for them. Zadran lost his wicket and it was now for Nabi to take his side to a good score. Nabi and Naib then led the recovery and then loo
What an action-packed innings that was! It started with Afghanistan losing wickets in a heap and they were in big trouble. Still, the Afghans have ended with a competitive total on the board which their spinners can defend here. They ended up scoring 43 in the last 3 overs and have the momentum on their side. Pakistan, on the other hand, would be a touch disappointed with the finish.
There's some conversation going on between Babar Azam and the umpire. Azam definitely seems unhappy about the call and probably wants it checked. Nothing doing.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Just a run from the final ball. Very full and around leg, Naib flicks it firmly to deep square leg for a single. Afghanistan have recovered well to reach 147/6 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, NO BALL! Shaheen Afridi tries to bowl a yorker but fails to nail it on this occasion. It's a high full toss outside off, Naib swings and misses. Called a no ball for being over the waist. Babar is not happy. Free Hit coming up...
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Yorker on middle, at 90 mph, Nabi squeezes it out back past the bowler to long off. They cross for a run. Naib wants the second run but is sent back. A direct hit at the bowler's end would have found Nabi short.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Some great skills on show here. Shaheen Afridi again targets the pads of the batsman, bowls it at a sharp pace, at 91 mph, Gulbadin Naib tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the leg side and they collect a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A low dipping yorker around leg, Nabi moves his left leg out of the way and hits it across the line to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one from Afridi, a bit short and around off, Gulbadin Naib is way too early into his pull shot and mistimes it towards mid off. A single is taken.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, Nabi stays deep inside the crease but only manages to drill it down to long on for a run.
Shaheen Afridi (3-0-16-1) to bowl the final over of the innings.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, ! It's raining boundaries in Dubai. Haris Rauf tries following the batsman down the leg side, it's short and Naib nails it behind, over short fine leg, for a boundary. 15 from the over, 36 in the last two.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Slower again, short and around off at 131 kph, Nabi drags his shot towards square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Afghanistan found some momentum in the last over and are riding it now. Short and around off at 130 kph, Mohammad Nabi hangs on the back foot and hammer-pulls it in front of square leg. No chance for the fielder in the deep.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Streaky! Change in pace, full and around off at 76 mph, Mohammad Nabi opens up to heave it over the leg side but it takes the outside edge and beats short third man.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Hurries up the batsman with his extra pace. Short and on middle at 90 mph, Naib plays a mistimed pull shot in front of square leg for a single.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Haris Rauf serves it short and around off, at 126 kph, Nabi heaves it over mid-wicket for a run. The 50-run stand comes up off just 36 balls.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Haris Rauf.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and around off, Naib swings his bat at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to the off side and they cross. It's a no ball for overstepping, this over is just going from bad to worse for Hasan.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Nails the yorker around off, Nabi digs it out down towards long on for one. 21 from the over, a big one for Afghanistan!Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hasan Ali has been taken to the cleaners in this over by Gulbadin Naib. Delivers it full and outside off, Naib gives it the full whack of his bat and smashes it down towards long on. The fielder in the deep, Shadab Khan, runs across to his right, puts in a dive but it falls wide and goes to the fence. Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Terrific stop in the deep by Fakhar Zaman, saves two for his team. Fuller in length and outside off, it's lofted over extra cover. Zaman stops it near the fence with a lovely dive.Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Short in length, slower in pace, Gulbadin Naib drags his attempted heave over the leg side to deep square leg. Two more.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Afghanistan are targeting this over from Hasan Ali. This one is fuller and around off, Gulbadin Naib stays deep inside the crease and whips it to the cow corner fence.Â
Hasan Ali (2-1-10-1) is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Gulbadin Naib has sent one in the stands. Short in length, outside off, Naib stays back, fetches it and dispatches it over square leg for a biggie. Smart batting, targeted the short boundary.
Hasan Ali (3-1-17-1) comes in to finish off his spell.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower again, a touch short and around off, Naib heaves it over square leg for a run and again Mohammad Nabi will be off strike.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, A fiery delivery, very full and around off at 92 mph, Gulbadin Naib drives it straight and it goes on to hit the stumps at the other end.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one now, at 80 mph, on a length and outside off, Gulbadin Naib is deceived, pushes at it early and misses.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Beaten all ends up! A 91 mph delivery, on a good length around off and holding its line, Gulbadin Naib is opened up like a can of beans as he tries to work it around. Gets beaten comprehensively.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Delivers it on a length around off, Nabi taps it down to point for a single.
Haris Rauf (2-0-19-1) is back into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, full and around off at 80 mph, Naib clips it off the inner half to fine leg for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Shaheen Afridi nails his yorker around off, Mohammad Nabi brings his bat down in time as he digs it out back towards the bowler. Afridi speeds forward, collects the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end. Nabi though is safely in.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, on top of off, Naib goes on his toes and pushes it in the gap at covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A touch short and around off, Nabi opens the face and pushes it towards backward point. Shadab Khan dives across to his right and makes a good partial stop. The batsmen cross.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Around off on a length at 144 kph, Naib stays back and steers it to the right of point for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Fuller in length around leg at 89 mph, Gulbadin Naib picks it off his pads and clips it neatly behind square leg for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Wide called for height! Shaheen bends his back to go short but it goes way over the head of the batsman. The camera pans to Boom Boom Afridi and the crowd goes bonkers.
Shaheen Afridi (2-0-8-1) is brought back into the attack.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Shaheen Afridi speeds in and delivers it on a length around off, Gulbadin Naib gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fractionally short and around off, Naib gets across the stumps a bit and works it behind square leg for one. 30 more balls left in the innings, how many more can Afghanistan add to their total?
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Serves it on a length around off, shaping back on, Gulbadin Naib stays back and pushes it away towards covers.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and on off, angling in at 86 mph, Naib flicks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length around off, at 85 mph, Mohammad Nabi lifts his front leg as he rocks back and whips it behind square leg. Takes a single, wants the second run but it's not on.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Play and a miss! Pace on, this time. Shortish and outside off at 86 mph, Nabi rocks back to slam it over point but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, ! Nabi is playing a fine little knock here. Hasan Ali goes for the slower one but serves it a little too full outside off, Mohammad Nabi picks it up and smacks it over covers for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Wide! Hasan Ali starts a new over by slipping a full ball down the leg side, Nabi tries his best to get some bat behind it but fails.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, On the pads, Nabi tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, on off. Nabi gets caught on the crease and gets a leading edge on the off side.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! A rank half volley, outside off stump. Mohammad Nabi sits deep in his crease and creams it over extra cover for a boundary. Top shot.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! Length again, on leg and angling further down. Nabi looks to pull but misses and the umpire signals a wide. The bowler doesn't look happy as he thinks Nabi got something on it. Was there any bat? Mohammad Rizwan shakes his head as he is not sure. Rauf fails to convince his skipper. No DRS taken. Nothing was found on the replays later on.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off, Nabi hops on the back foot and dabs it down towards cover-point.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Length again, hitting the top of middle. Mohammad Nabi stays solid in defense.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Edgy boundary but Mohammad Nabi won't mind at all. Good-length ball, outside off. Nabi just hangs back and looks to play it really late. The ball goes off the outside edge and races away into the vacant third man boundary.
Change. Haris Rauf (1-0-9-1) is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter, outside off. Naib taps it on the off side. Shadab Khan is done with his 4-over spell, 1 for 22 from him this evening.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batter.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Six and out for Najibullah Zadran and Shadab Khan has the last laugh. Here comes the googly, on off and just turns away sharply from the left-hander. Zadran looks to open the face of the bat and guide it behind but ends up getting a faint edge. Mohammad Rizwan takes a sharp catch behind the stumps and Najibullah Zadran immediately starts to walk. The finger has also gone up. Afghanistan are in danger of getting all out inside 20 o
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran has had enough of it and finally decides to break the shackles. On the pads and Zadran slog-sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie. The Afghan spectators in the crowd get the chance to make some noise.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle again. Mohammad Nabi nudges this one through mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Slight turn on this occasion. On middle and Nabi blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Floated up, on the pads. Nabi works it through mid-wicket and races back for the second. Haris Rauf attacks the ball coming in from the deep, has a shy at the bowler's end but it hits the bat of Zadran. Good running between the wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A maiden! Fullish ball, around off and Zadran drives it towards point. Shadab Khan puts in the dive and doesn't allow a run. The energy in the field from Pakistan is brilliant.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A touch short, on off and this is crunched but straight to point.Â
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, around off and Zadran can't get it through the cover region.
Hasan Ali is brought back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Seventh dot on the trot if we count the previous over as well! A well-directed short ball, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on off, but it's the slower ball this time. Zadran blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Ali hurls across a length ball from around the wicket and bowls it on off stump. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, A wrong 'un to finish. Mohammad Nabi keeps it out towards cover-point.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker one, on off. Nabi stays solid in defense.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted ball, outside off but Nabi can't get it through the gap at covers.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, around off and turning away. Nabi caresses it off the back foot towards mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Slower through the air, on the pads. Zadran nudges it towards mid-wicket for another single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle. Nabi works it towards wide long on for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Excellent end to the over from Imad Wasim, a wicket and a single off it. Flatter one, on off and Zadran defends it back to the bowler. Wasim ends with figures of 4-0-25-2.
Drinks break! Pakistan would be very happy with the start they have got. The batters of Afghanistan have come out with aggressive intent. While they have gotten the boundaries, they have also lost wickets. What they need now is a partnership otherwise this strategy of slogging away will not get them very far. A lot will depend on Mohammad Nabi if Afghanistan are to get to a good score on this track, which is looking like a really good one to bat on. Here comes Mohammad Nabi as the next batt
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, On middle and flicked through square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter delivery, outside off and this one just straightens after pitching. Nabi looks to cut but is beaten on the outside edge.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Slowed up, around off and Nabi watchfully keeps it out on the off side.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter one, darted in on off stump. Nabi taps it off the back foot to point.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Just when a partnership was brewing between these two, Karim Janat has given his wicket away. Imad Wasim tosses this one up, outside off and Janat goes after it, looking to slog sweep. The ball bounces a bit extra and Janat gets a top edge which is skied towards the deep mid-wicket region. Fakhar Zaman is stationed over there and takes the simplest of catches. Half the Afghanistan side is back in the shed now and Wasim has his second.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! This time Najibullah Zadran takes full advantage. Another one down the leg side, Zadran goes deep in his crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Zadran will feel he missed out on this one. Down the leg side, Zadran flicks it straight to the man at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Nicely tossed up, on middle, Zadran defends it to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cheeky from Najibullah Zadran and he gets a much-needed boundary. A full toss, on middle, Zadran reverse-sweeps it behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter delivery, on off and blocked out by Zadran from the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Tossed up, on middle. Janat drives it through cover, with the spin, for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated, down the leg side. Najibullah Zadran rocks back and helps it around the corner but Haris Rauf races to his left from deep square leg and puts in the dive, keeping it just to a couple.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Darted in around middle and leg, Janat pushes it down to long on for one.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Outside off and this one turns away a bit, Janat caresses it towards covers.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on the pads. Zadran tucks it towards short fine leg for a quick single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted ball, around off and this is squeezed to point.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated up, on a length and on middle, Zadran looks to work it away on the leg side but it takes the leading edge and lobs to the off side. Falls safely.
Change. Imad Wasim (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Dot to end the over. This is shorter but chopped straight towards point. Excellent over from the leggie.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Nicely flighted, outside off. Janat drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Janat chops it towards point.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
Shadab Khan comes in to roll his arms now.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter again, around off. Janat pushes it wide of sweeper cover. The fielder gets to his left, dives and keeps it to a couple.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cracking shot to end the Powerplay! Short of a length, outside off. Zadran cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary. Afghanistan have had a good start in terms of runs scored, but would have liked to lose a couple of fewer wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran taps it towards the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, Quick running. Length ball, on off. Janat pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Blocked out. Well, it is called a no ball by the TV umpire as Hasan Ali has overstepped the line. Free Hit coming up.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, A perfect yorker, on the pads. All that Janat can do is block it out.
Najibullah Zadran comes in at number 6.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, ! Poor ball and punished! Length ball, down the leg side. Janat clips it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Another one falls and Pakistan have the game in their firm control now. Short of a length, around off, Gurbaz goes for the pull but gets the top edge. Babar Azam runs across to his right from mid on and takes it with ease. The tactic of slogging their way out of trouble is not working for Afghanistan. One wicket apiece for all the bowlers who have bowled so far for Pakistan. Team effort. Not sure what Afghanistan are trying to achieve though. T
A change from both ends as Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, ! Oh, my word! What a way that is to get off the mark! Short ball, outside off. Janat gets on his toes. Perhaps, he even jumps a bit and cuts it way, way over the point fence.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Janat is solid in his defence of this one.
Karim Janat, the younger brother of Asghar Afghan, is the new man in.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, A fiery yorker, on off. Janat gets his bat down in time and blocks this one. That was bowled at 153 kph, the equal fastest delivery of the tournament so far.
Haris Rauf to Asghar Afghan, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Haris Rauf gets his man now! Asghar Afghan goes back after scoring only 10 runs. Length ball, around off at 143 kph, Asghar looks to work it away but gets the leading edge. The ball goes back to the bowler and Rauf takes it with ease. Phew, what an eventful game this has been so far!
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single as this is played down to third man. Tell you what, every single run is getting cheered by the Afghanistan fans.
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, on the pads. Gurbaz works it past square leg. They run back for the second and Gurbaz has to dive as the throw comes in from the fielder.
Haris Rauf comes into the bowling attack now.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! Almost a wicket! Full ball, on the pads. Aghan flicks it aerially. The man at short fine leg dives to his left but cannot get there. The ball runs to the fence. 17 from the over, an eventful one!
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! That is out of here! Tossed up, around leg. Afghan comes down the track and whips it over the square leg fence.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, BIG MIX-UP! Pakistan have failed to take advantage of that situation. That should have been a run out! Darted on the pads. Afghan gets hit on the pads while looking to flick. The ball goes to the leg side. Gurbaz is off for the single but Afghan is going nowhere. Rizwan runs to the ball and all he needs to do is throw the ball back to Wasim. But the throw is a wild one. Wasim dives but only gets his fingertips to it. Gurbaz gets back safely in the end. Rizwan ha
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, Flatter ball, on off. Afghan looks to work it to the leg side but gets the leading edge to covers.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads. Gurbaz works it past short fine leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Wow! That is such a clean strike! Tossed up, on off. Gurbaz gets low and slog-sweeps it. The ball goes miles in the air and over the deep mid-wicket fence. A top shot.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, A low full toss, outside off. Afghan offers the full face of the bat and plays it to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, On a length, on the pads. Afghan works it to short fine leg.
After a lot of thought, Babar Azam has decided to take the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved and Ball Tracker confirms that the impact was outside the leg stump. The onfield decision of NOT stays and Hazratullah Zazai can continue. Pakistan lose the review as well.
Asghar Afghan is in at number 4.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi gets his man and the crowd goes wild! On a length again, on middle. Mohammad Shahzad looks to go over mid on but does not middle it at all. The ball goes aerially to mid on and Babar Azam takes it with ease. Afghanistan have lost both their power-hitters and this is not the start they would have wanted after winning the toss.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Full ball, on off. Pushed to covers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run but is sent back.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! First boundary of the game! Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad hits it over covers and the ball races to the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, A short ball, down the leg side. It is ducked under and is called a wide.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Shahzad taps it to the off side, looks for a run but is sent back.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads and it is blocked out. A very good first over by Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Loopy ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it with ease.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is called early to the crease. He comes in at number 3.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Mohammad Shahzad works it past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! The dangerous Hazratullah Zazai is gone for a duck! Tossed up, wider outside off. He goes for the slog sweep but gets the top edge. The ball goes over short third man. Haris Rauf runs after it, circles under it and takes a very good catch! A dream start for Pakistan in this game.
We are done with the national anthems and ready for play. The umpires are out in the middle as the Pakistani team can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. All the players are seen placing their hands on the heart to show their support towards the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Let's play...
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, around off. Zazai taps it to short third man. Dot ball.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first as it looks dry at the top and looks good for batting first. Adds that they will look to put a good total on the board and try to defend it. Adds that national duty is totally different from franchise cricket and everyone works hard for this and they know their opponents well. Informs that they are going with the winning XI from the last match.
Who will bowl from the other end? It's going to be Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Worked past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Flatter ball, down the leg side. Mohammad Shahzad looks to flick but misses. Wide called.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, NOT ! A full toss, around leg. Zazai looks to heave but gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal but turned down. Babar Azam takes the review but the impact is outside leg.
Hello and a warm welcome to match number 24 in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in another mouth-watering sub-continental clash. The two neighbours have been in scintillating form so far in this year's competition and in this match everyone will be expecting more of the same from both these teams.
 Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Shahzad drives it past covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, A fiery yorker, on the pads. Zazai is beaten and gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal by Shaheen Afridi but the umpire is not interested. Pakistan do not take the review. Maybe, sliding down leg.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, On a length, around off. Shahzad runs it to third man for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Beaten! Fuller ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad walks down the track to drive but gets no bat on it. Tell you what, the crowd is really getting behind Shaheen Afridi here!
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, on the pads. Zazai misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, down the leg side. Zazai misses the flick. Wide called.
We are almost ready for play! The two teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by Pakistan's.
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that the mood in the camp is quite good. Adds that they want to continue that momentum forward. Says cricket is a team game but it is good to have match-winners in the side. Adds that they do not take any team for granted and that they are playing the same side.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin toss. Both the skippers are out in the middle. Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Afghanistan. They will bat first!
Afghanistan may be the least experienced side out of all the sub-continent teams but they have no shortage of world-class players when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai pack a punch at the top of the order but their middle order has run-scorers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who were the key in their last match against Scotland. The spin-twins, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up nine out of the 10 wicke
Pakistan started off with a bang against arch-rivals India as they won by 10 wickets and then in another high-profile clash, they got over the line with ease in the end against New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan continued his good form from the previous match and got into the thirties but the last match was all about the veteran Shoaib Malik and finisher Asif Ali, both of whom played contrasting yet match-winning knocks. Their bowling was right on the money again and it wouldn't be a surprise if
... MATCH DAY ...
A target for 148 should be an easy chase for Pakistan given their recent form but it will depend on how they play against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. An exciting chase is coming our way shortly so stay with us to find out who gets two points here.
Imad Wasim says that it's a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium. Adds that this happens in cricket and Afghanistan played really well in the end but is hopeful that they'll chase it down. Mentions that the ball was stopping a bit early on but is coming onto the bat now. Adds that it is Dubai so the dew should come into play. Ends by saying that Afghanistan have got some world-class bowlers but Pakistan also have some world-class batters on their side.
Pakistan had a really good start with the ball. The aggressive intent of the Afghan batters gave them plenty of opportunities to take wickets and they grabbed them with both hands. The bowlers took wickets at regular intervals and did not let any of the batters from the top order settle down and put on a big score. They would have wanted to finish well but that did not happen. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf leaked runs in the last overs and that allowed Afghanistan to cross the 140-run mark. Shaheen A
The top order of Afghanistan came out with the intent of scoring runs quickly. They did get the boundaries but a few needless shots meant that they were 5 down at the halfway mark. Afghanistan needed a partnership after that as Nabi came to the crease. The Afghanistan skipper and Zadran did try to repair things but run-scoring became more and more difficult for them. Zadran lost his wicket and it was now for Nabi to take his side to a good score. Nabi and Naib then led the recovery and then loo
What an action-packed innings that was! It started with Afghanistan losing wickets in a heap and they were in big trouble. Still, the Afghans have ended with a competitive total on the board which their spinners can defend here. They ended up scoring 43 in the last 3 overs and have the momentum on their side. Pakistan, on the other hand, would be a touch disappointed with the finish.
There's some conversation going on between Babar Azam and the umpire. Azam definitely seems unhappy about the call and probably wants it checked. Nothing doing.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Just a run from the final ball. Very full and around leg, Naib flicks it firmly to deep square leg for a single. Afghanistan have recovered well to reach 147/6 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, NO BALL! Shaheen Afridi tries to bowl a yorker but fails to nail it on this occasion. It's a high full toss outside off, Naib swings and misses. Called a no ball for being over the waist. Babar is not happy. Free Hit coming up...
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Yorker on middle, at 90 mph, Nabi squeezes it out back past the bowler to long off. They cross for a run. Naib wants the second run but is sent back. A direct hit at the bowler's end would have found Nabi short.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Some great skills on show here. Shaheen Afridi again targets the pads of the batsman, bowls it at a sharp pace, at 91 mph, Gulbadin Naib tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the leg side and they collect a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A low dipping yorker around leg, Nabi moves his left leg out of the way and hits it across the line to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one from Afridi, a bit short and around off, Gulbadin Naib is way too early into his pull shot and mistimes it towards mid off. A single is taken.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, Nabi stays deep inside the crease but only manages to drill it down to long on for a run.
Shaheen Afridi (3-0-16-1) to bowl the final over of the innings.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, ! It's raining boundaries in Dubai. Haris Rauf tries following the batsman down the leg side, it's short and Naib nails it behind, over short fine leg, for a boundary. 15 from the over, 36 in the last two.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Slower again, short and around off at 131 kph, Nabi drags his shot towards square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Afghanistan found some momentum in the last over and are riding it now. Short and around off at 130 kph, Mohammad Nabi hangs on the back foot and hammer-pulls it in front of square leg. No chance for the fielder in the deep.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Streaky! Change in pace, full and around off at 76 mph, Mohammad Nabi opens up to heave it over the leg side but it takes the outside edge and beats short third man.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Hurries up the batsman with his extra pace. Short and on middle at 90 mph, Naib plays a mistimed pull shot in front of square leg for a single.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Haris Rauf serves it short and around off, at 126 kph, Nabi heaves it over mid-wicket for a run. The 50-run stand comes up off just 36 balls.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Haris Rauf.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and around off, Naib swings his bat at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to the off side and they cross. It's a no ball for overstepping, this over is just going from bad to worse for Hasan.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Nails the yorker around off, Nabi digs it out down towards long on for one. 21 from the over, a big one for Afghanistan!Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hasan Ali has been taken to the cleaners in this over by Gulbadin Naib. Delivers it full and outside off, Naib gives it the full whack of his bat and smashes it down towards long on. The fielder in the deep, Shadab Khan, runs across to his right, puts in a dive but it falls wide and goes to the fence. Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Terrific stop in the deep by Fakhar Zaman, saves two for his team. Fuller in length and outside off, it's lofted over extra cover. Zaman stops it near the fence with a lovely dive.Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Short in length, slower in pace, Gulbadin Naib drags his attempted heave over the leg side to deep square leg. Two more.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Afghanistan are targeting this over from Hasan Ali. This one is fuller and around off, Gulbadin Naib stays deep inside the crease and whips it to the cow corner fence.Â
Hasan Ali (2-1-10-1) is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Gulbadin Naib has sent one in the stands. Short in length, outside off, Naib stays back, fetches it and dispatches it over square leg for a biggie. Smart batting, targeted the short boundary.
Hasan Ali (3-1-17-1) comes in to finish off his spell.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower again, a touch short and around off, Naib heaves it over square leg for a run and again Mohammad Nabi will be off strike.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, A fiery delivery, very full and around off at 92 mph, Gulbadin Naib drives it straight and it goes on to hit the stumps at the other end.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one now, at 80 mph, on a length and outside off, Gulbadin Naib is deceived, pushes at it early and misses.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Beaten all ends up! A 91 mph delivery, on a good length around off and holding its line, Gulbadin Naib is opened up like a can of beans as he tries to work it around. Gets beaten comprehensively.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Delivers it on a length around off, Nabi taps it down to point for a single.
Haris Rauf (2-0-19-1) is back into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, full and around off at 80 mph, Naib clips it off the inner half to fine leg for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Shaheen Afridi nails his yorker around off, Mohammad Nabi brings his bat down in time as he digs it out back towards the bowler. Afridi speeds forward, collects the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end. Nabi though is safely in.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, on top of off, Naib goes on his toes and pushes it in the gap at covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A touch short and around off, Nabi opens the face and pushes it towards backward point. Shadab Khan dives across to his right and makes a good partial stop. The batsmen cross.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Around off on a length at 144 kph, Naib stays back and steers it to the right of point for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Fuller in length around leg at 89 mph, Gulbadin Naib picks it off his pads and clips it neatly behind square leg for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Wide called for height! Shaheen bends his back to go short but it goes way over the head of the batsman. The camera pans to Boom Boom Afridi and the crowd goes bonkers.
Shaheen Afridi (2-0-8-1) is brought back into the attack.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Shaheen Afridi speeds in and delivers it on a length around off, Gulbadin Naib gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fractionally short and around off, Naib gets across the stumps a bit and works it behind square leg for one. 30 more balls left in the innings, how many more can Afghanistan add to their total?
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Serves it on a length around off, shaping back on, Gulbadin Naib stays back and pushes it away towards covers.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and on off, angling in at 86 mph, Naib flicks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length around off, at 85 mph, Mohammad Nabi lifts his front leg as he rocks back and whips it behind square leg. Takes a single, wants the second run but it's not on.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Play and a miss! Pace on, this time. Shortish and outside off at 86 mph, Nabi rocks back to slam it over point but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, ! Nabi is playing a fine little knock here. Hasan Ali goes for the slower one but serves it a little too full outside off, Mohammad Nabi picks it up and smacks it over covers for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Wide! Hasan Ali starts a new over by slipping a full ball down the leg side, Nabi tries his best to get some bat behind it but fails.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, On the pads, Nabi tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, on off. Nabi gets caught on the crease and gets a leading edge on the off side.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! A rank half volley, outside off stump. Mohammad Nabi sits deep in his crease and creams it over extra cover for a boundary. Top shot.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! Length again, on leg and angling further down. Nabi looks to pull but misses and the umpire signals a wide. The bowler doesn't look happy as he thinks Nabi got something on it. Was there any bat? Mohammad Rizwan shakes his head as he is not sure. Rauf fails to convince his skipper. No DRS taken. Nothing was found on the replays later on.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off, Nabi hops on the back foot and dabs it down towards cover-point.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Length again, hitting the top of middle. Mohammad Nabi stays solid in defense.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Edgy boundary but Mohammad Nabi won't mind at all. Good-length ball, outside off. Nabi just hangs back and looks to play it really late. The ball goes off the outside edge and races away into the vacant third man boundary.
Change. Haris Rauf (1-0-9-1) is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter, outside off. Naib taps it on the off side. Shadab Khan is done with his 4-over spell, 1 for 22 from him this evening.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batter.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Six and out for Najibullah Zadran and Shadab Khan has the last laugh. Here comes the googly, on off and just turns away sharply from the left-hander. Zadran looks to open the face of the bat and guide it behind but ends up getting a faint edge. Mohammad Rizwan takes a sharp catch behind the stumps and Najibullah Zadran immediately starts to walk. The finger has also gone up. Afghanistan are in danger of getting all out inside 20 o
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran has had enough of it and finally decides to break the shackles. On the pads and Zadran slog-sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie. The Afghan spectators in the crowd get the chance to make some noise.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle again. Mohammad Nabi nudges this one through mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Slight turn on this occasion. On middle and Nabi blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Floated up, on the pads. Nabi works it through mid-wicket and races back for the second. Haris Rauf attacks the ball coming in from the deep, has a shy at the bowler's end but it hits the bat of Zadran. Good running between the wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A maiden! Fullish ball, around off and Zadran drives it towards point. Shadab Khan puts in the dive and doesn't allow a run. The energy in the field from Pakistan is brilliant.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A touch short, on off and this is crunched but straight to point.Â
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, around off and Zadran can't get it through the cover region.
Hasan Ali is brought back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Seventh dot on the trot if we count the previous over as well! A well-directed short ball, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on off, but it's the slower ball this time. Zadran blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Ali hurls across a length ball from around the wicket and bowls it on off stump. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, A wrong 'un to finish. Mohammad Nabi keeps it out towards cover-point.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker one, on off. Nabi stays solid in defense.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted ball, outside off but Nabi can't get it through the gap at covers.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, around off and turning away. Nabi caresses it off the back foot towards mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Slower through the air, on the pads. Zadran nudges it towards mid-wicket for another single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle. Nabi works it towards wide long on for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Excellent end to the over from Imad Wasim, a wicket and a single off it. Flatter one, on off and Zadran defends it back to the bowler. Wasim ends with figures of 4-0-25-2.
Drinks break! Pakistan would be very happy with the start they have got. The batters of Afghanistan have come out with aggressive intent. While they have gotten the boundaries, they have also lost wickets. What they need now is a partnership otherwise this strategy of slogging away will not get them very far. A lot will depend on Mohammad Nabi if Afghanistan are to get to a good score on this track, which is looking like a really good one to bat on. Here comes Mohammad Nabi as the next batt
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, On middle and flicked through square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter delivery, outside off and this one just straightens after pitching. Nabi looks to cut but is beaten on the outside edge.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Slowed up, around off and Nabi watchfully keeps it out on the off side.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter one, darted in on off stump. Nabi taps it off the back foot to point.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Just when a partnership was brewing between these two, Karim Janat has given his wicket away. Imad Wasim tosses this one up, outside off and Janat goes after it, looking to slog sweep. The ball bounces a bit extra and Janat gets a top edge which is skied towards the deep mid-wicket region. Fakhar Zaman is stationed over there and takes the simplest of catches. Half the Afghanistan side is back in the shed now and Wasim has his second.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! This time Najibullah Zadran takes full advantage. Another one down the leg side, Zadran goes deep in his crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Zadran will feel he missed out on this one. Down the leg side, Zadran flicks it straight to the man at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Nicely tossed up, on middle, Zadran defends it to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cheeky from Najibullah Zadran and he gets a much-needed boundary. A full toss, on middle, Zadran reverse-sweeps it behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter delivery, on off and blocked out by Zadran from the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Tossed up, on middle. Janat drives it through cover, with the spin, for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated, down the leg side. Najibullah Zadran rocks back and helps it around the corner but Haris Rauf races to his left from deep square leg and puts in the dive, keeping it just to a couple.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Darted in around middle and leg, Janat pushes it down to long on for one.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Outside off and this one turns away a bit, Janat caresses it towards covers.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on the pads. Zadran tucks it towards short fine leg for a quick single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted ball, around off and this is squeezed to point.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated up, on a length and on middle, Zadran looks to work it away on the leg side but it takes the leading edge and lobs to the off side. Falls safely.
Change. Imad Wasim (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Dot to end the over. This is shorter but chopped straight towards point. Excellent over from the leggie.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Nicely flighted, outside off. Janat drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Janat chops it towards point.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
Shadab Khan comes in to roll his arms now.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter again, around off. Janat pushes it wide of sweeper cover. The fielder gets to his left, dives and keeps it to a couple.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cracking shot to end the Powerplay! Short of a length, outside off. Zadran cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary. Afghanistan have had a good start in terms of runs scored, but would have liked to lose a couple of fewer wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran taps it towards the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, Quick running. Length ball, on off. Janat pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Blocked out. Well, it is called a no ball by the TV umpire as Hasan Ali has overstepped the line. Free Hit coming up.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, A perfect yorker, on the pads. All that Janat can do is block it out.
Najibullah Zadran comes in at number 6.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, ! Poor ball and punished! Length ball, down the leg side. Janat clips it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Another one falls and Pakistan have the game in their firm control now. Short of a length, around off, Gurbaz goes for the pull but gets the top edge. Babar Azam runs across to his right from mid on and takes it with ease. The tactic of slogging their way out of trouble is not working for Afghanistan. One wicket apiece for all the bowlers who have bowled so far for Pakistan. Team effort. Not sure what Afghanistan are trying to achieve though. T
A change from both ends as Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, ! Oh, my word! What a way that is to get off the mark! Short ball, outside off. Janat gets on his toes. Perhaps, he even jumps a bit and cuts it way, way over the point fence.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Janat is solid in his defence of this one.
Karim Janat, the younger brother of Asghar Afghan, is the new man in.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, A fiery yorker, on off. Janat gets his bat down in time and blocks this one. That was bowled at 153 kph, the equal fastest delivery of the tournament so far.
Haris Rauf to Asghar Afghan, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Haris Rauf gets his man now! Asghar Afghan goes back after scoring only 10 runs. Length ball, around off at 143 kph, Asghar looks to work it away but gets the leading edge. The ball goes back to the bowler and Rauf takes it with ease. Phew, what an eventful game this has been so far!
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single as this is played down to third man. Tell you what, every single run is getting cheered by the Afghanistan fans.
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, on the pads. Gurbaz works it past square leg. They run back for the second and Gurbaz has to dive as the throw comes in from the fielder.
Haris Rauf comes into the bowling attack now.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! Almost a wicket! Full ball, on the pads. Aghan flicks it aerially. The man at short fine leg dives to his left but cannot get there. The ball runs to the fence. 17 from the over, an eventful one!
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! That is out of here! Tossed up, around leg. Afghan comes down the track and whips it over the square leg fence.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, BIG MIX-UP! Pakistan have failed to take advantage of that situation. That should have been a run out! Darted on the pads. Afghan gets hit on the pads while looking to flick. The ball goes to the leg side. Gurbaz is off for the single but Afghan is going nowhere. Rizwan runs to the ball and all he needs to do is throw the ball back to Wasim. But the throw is a wild one. Wasim dives but only gets his fingertips to it. Gurbaz gets back safely in the end. Rizwan ha
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, Flatter ball, on off. Afghan looks to work it to the leg side but gets the leading edge to covers.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads. Gurbaz works it past short fine leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Wow! That is such a clean strike! Tossed up, on off. Gurbaz gets low and slog-sweeps it. The ball goes miles in the air and over the deep mid-wicket fence. A top shot.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, A low full toss, outside off. Afghan offers the full face of the bat and plays it to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, On a length, on the pads. Afghan works it to short fine leg.
After a lot of thought, Babar Azam has decided to take the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved and Ball Tracker confirms that the impact was outside the leg stump. The onfield decision of NOT stays and Hazratullah Zazai can continue. Pakistan lose the review as well.
Asghar Afghan is in at number 4.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi gets his man and the crowd goes wild! On a length again, on middle. Mohammad Shahzad looks to go over mid on but does not middle it at all. The ball goes aerially to mid on and Babar Azam takes it with ease. Afghanistan have lost both their power-hitters and this is not the start they would have wanted after winning the toss.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Full ball, on off. Pushed to covers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run but is sent back.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! First boundary of the game! Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad hits it over covers and the ball races to the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, A short ball, down the leg side. It is ducked under and is called a wide.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Shahzad taps it to the off side, looks for a run but is sent back.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads and it is blocked out. A very good first over by Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Loopy ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it with ease.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is called early to the crease. He comes in at number 3.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Mohammad Shahzad works it past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! The dangerous Hazratullah Zazai is gone for a duck! Tossed up, wider outside off. He goes for the slog sweep but gets the top edge. The ball goes over short third man. Haris Rauf runs after it, circles under it and takes a very good catch! A dream start for Pakistan in this game.
We are done with the national anthems and ready for play. The umpires are out in the middle as the Pakistani team can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. All the players are seen placing their hands on the heart to show their support towards the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Let's play...
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, around off. Zazai taps it to short third man. Dot ball.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first as it looks dry at the top and looks good for batting first. Adds that they will look to put a good total on the board and try to defend it. Adds that national duty is totally different from franchise cricket and everyone works hard for this and they know their opponents well. Informs that they are going with the winning XI from the last match.
Who will bowl from the other end? It's going to be Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Worked past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Flatter ball, down the leg side. Mohammad Shahzad looks to flick but misses. Wide called.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, NOT ! A full toss, around leg. Zazai looks to heave but gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal but turned down. Babar Azam takes the review but the impact is outside leg.
Hello and a warm welcome to match number 24 in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in another mouth-watering sub-continental clash. The two neighbours have been in scintillating form so far in this year's competition and in this match everyone will be expecting more of the same from both these teams.
 Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Shahzad drives it past covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, A fiery yorker, on the pads. Zazai is beaten and gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal by Shaheen Afridi but the umpire is not interested. Pakistan do not take the review. Maybe, sliding down leg.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, On a length, around off. Shahzad runs it to third man for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Beaten! Fuller ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad walks down the track to drive but gets no bat on it. Tell you what, the crowd is really getting behind Shaheen Afridi here!
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, on the pads. Zazai misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, down the leg side. Zazai misses the flick. Wide called.
We are almost ready for play! The two teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by Pakistan's.
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that the mood in the camp is quite good. Adds that they want to continue that momentum forward. Says cricket is a team game but it is good to have match-winners in the side. Adds that they do not take any team for granted and that they are playing the same side.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin toss. Both the skippers are out in the middle. Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Afghanistan. They will bat first!
Afghanistan may be the least experienced side out of all the sub-continent teams but they have no shortage of world-class players when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai pack a punch at the top of the order but their middle order has run-scorers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who were the key in their last match against Scotland. The spin-twins, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up nine out of the 10 wicke
Pakistan started off with a bang against arch-rivals India as they won by 10 wickets and then in another high-profile clash, they got over the line with ease in the end against New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan continued his good form from the previous match and got into the thirties but the last match was all about the veteran Shoaib Malik and finisher Asif Ali, both of whom played contrasting yet match-winning knocks. Their bowling was right on the money again and it wouldn't be a surprise if
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Pakistan
148/5(19 Overs)
A target for 148 should be an easy chase for Pakistan given their recent form but it will depend on how they play against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. An exciting chase is coming our way shortly so stay with us to find out who gets two points here.
Imad Wasim says that it's a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium. Adds that this happens in cricket and Afghanistan played really well in the end but is hopeful that they'll chase it down. Mentions that the ball was stopping a bit early on but is coming onto the bat now. Adds that it is Dubai so the dew should come into play. Ends by saying that Afghanistan have got some world-class bowlers but Pakistan also have some world-class batters on their side.
Pakistan had a really good start with the ball. The aggressive intent of the Afghan batters gave them plenty of opportunities to take wickets and they grabbed them with both hands. The bowlers took wickets at regular intervals and did not let any of the batters from the top order settle down and put on a big score. They would have wanted to finish well but that did not happen. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf leaked runs in the last overs and that allowed Afghanistan to cross the 140-run mark. Shaheen A
The top order of Afghanistan came out with the intent of scoring runs quickly. They did get the boundaries but a few needless shots meant that they were 5 down at the halfway mark. Afghanistan needed a partnership after that as Nabi came to the crease. The Afghanistan skipper and Zadran did try to repair things but run-scoring became more and more difficult for them. Zadran lost his wicket and it was now for Nabi to take his side to a good score. Nabi and Naib then led the recovery and then loo
What an action-packed innings that was! It started with Afghanistan losing wickets in a heap and they were in big trouble. Still, the Afghans have ended with a competitive total on the board which their spinners can defend here. They ended up scoring 43 in the last 3 overs and have the momentum on their side. Pakistan, on the other hand, would be a touch disappointed with the finish.
There's some conversation going on between Babar Azam and the umpire. Azam definitely seems unhappy about the call and probably wants it checked. Nothing doing.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Just a run from the final ball. Very full and around leg, Naib flicks it firmly to deep square leg for a single. Afghanistan have recovered well to reach 147/6 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, NO BALL! Shaheen Afridi tries to bowl a yorker but fails to nail it on this occasion. It's a high full toss outside off, Naib swings and misses. Called a no ball for being over the waist. Babar is not happy. Free Hit coming up...
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Yorker on middle, at 90 mph, Nabi squeezes it out back past the bowler to long off. They cross for a run. Naib wants the second run but is sent back. A direct hit at the bowler's end would have found Nabi short.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Some great skills on show here. Shaheen Afridi again targets the pads of the batsman, bowls it at a sharp pace, at 91 mph, Gulbadin Naib tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the leg side and they collect a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A low dipping yorker around leg, Nabi moves his left leg out of the way and hits it across the line to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one from Afridi, a bit short and around off, Gulbadin Naib is way too early into his pull shot and mistimes it towards mid off. A single is taken.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, Nabi stays deep inside the crease but only manages to drill it down to long on for a run.
Shaheen Afridi (3-0-16-1) to bowl the final over of the innings.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, ! It's raining boundaries in Dubai. Haris Rauf tries following the batsman down the leg side, it's short and Naib nails it behind, over short fine leg, for a boundary. 15 from the over, 36 in the last two.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Slower again, short and around off at 131 kph, Nabi drags his shot towards square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Afghanistan found some momentum in the last over and are riding it now. Short and around off at 130 kph, Mohammad Nabi hangs on the back foot and hammer-pulls it in front of square leg. No chance for the fielder in the deep.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Streaky! Change in pace, full and around off at 76 mph, Mohammad Nabi opens up to heave it over the leg side but it takes the outside edge and beats short third man.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Hurries up the batsman with his extra pace. Short and on middle at 90 mph, Naib plays a mistimed pull shot in front of square leg for a single.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Haris Rauf serves it short and around off, at 126 kph, Nabi heaves it over mid-wicket for a run. The 50-run stand comes up off just 36 balls.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Haris Rauf.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and around off, Naib swings his bat at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to the off side and they cross. It's a no ball for overstepping, this over is just going from bad to worse for Hasan.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Nails the yorker around off, Nabi digs it out down towards long on for one. 21 from the over, a big one for Afghanistan!Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hasan Ali has been taken to the cleaners in this over by Gulbadin Naib. Delivers it full and outside off, Naib gives it the full whack of his bat and smashes it down towards long on. The fielder in the deep, Shadab Khan, runs across to his right, puts in a dive but it falls wide and goes to the fence. Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Terrific stop in the deep by Fakhar Zaman, saves two for his team. Fuller in length and outside off, it's lofted over extra cover. Zaman stops it near the fence with a lovely dive.Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Short in length, slower in pace, Gulbadin Naib drags his attempted heave over the leg side to deep square leg. Two more.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Afghanistan are targeting this over from Hasan Ali. This one is fuller and around off, Gulbadin Naib stays deep inside the crease and whips it to the cow corner fence.Â
Hasan Ali (2-1-10-1) is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Gulbadin Naib has sent one in the stands. Short in length, outside off, Naib stays back, fetches it and dispatches it over square leg for a biggie. Smart batting, targeted the short boundary.
Hasan Ali (3-1-17-1) comes in to finish off his spell.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower again, a touch short and around off, Naib heaves it over square leg for a run and again Mohammad Nabi will be off strike.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, A fiery delivery, very full and around off at 92 mph, Gulbadin Naib drives it straight and it goes on to hit the stumps at the other end.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one now, at 80 mph, on a length and outside off, Gulbadin Naib is deceived, pushes at it early and misses.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Beaten all ends up! A 91 mph delivery, on a good length around off and holding its line, Gulbadin Naib is opened up like a can of beans as he tries to work it around. Gets beaten comprehensively.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Delivers it on a length around off, Nabi taps it down to point for a single.
Haris Rauf (2-0-19-1) is back into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, full and around off at 80 mph, Naib clips it off the inner half to fine leg for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Shaheen Afridi nails his yorker around off, Mohammad Nabi brings his bat down in time as he digs it out back towards the bowler. Afridi speeds forward, collects the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end. Nabi though is safely in.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, on top of off, Naib goes on his toes and pushes it in the gap at covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A touch short and around off, Nabi opens the face and pushes it towards backward point. Shadab Khan dives across to his right and makes a good partial stop. The batsmen cross.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Around off on a length at 144 kph, Naib stays back and steers it to the right of point for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Fuller in length around leg at 89 mph, Gulbadin Naib picks it off his pads and clips it neatly behind square leg for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Wide called for height! Shaheen bends his back to go short but it goes way over the head of the batsman. The camera pans to Boom Boom Afridi and the crowd goes bonkers.
Shaheen Afridi (2-0-8-1) is brought back into the attack.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Shaheen Afridi speeds in and delivers it on a length around off, Gulbadin Naib gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fractionally short and around off, Naib gets across the stumps a bit and works it behind square leg for one. 30 more balls left in the innings, how many more can Afghanistan add to their total?
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Serves it on a length around off, shaping back on, Gulbadin Naib stays back and pushes it away towards covers.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and on off, angling in at 86 mph, Naib flicks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length around off, at 85 mph, Mohammad Nabi lifts his front leg as he rocks back and whips it behind square leg. Takes a single, wants the second run but it's not on.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Play and a miss! Pace on, this time. Shortish and outside off at 86 mph, Nabi rocks back to slam it over point but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, ! Nabi is playing a fine little knock here. Hasan Ali goes for the slower one but serves it a little too full outside off, Mohammad Nabi picks it up and smacks it over covers for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Wide! Hasan Ali starts a new over by slipping a full ball down the leg side, Nabi tries his best to get some bat behind it but fails.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, On the pads, Nabi tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, on off. Nabi gets caught on the crease and gets a leading edge on the off side.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! A rank half volley, outside off stump. Mohammad Nabi sits deep in his crease and creams it over extra cover for a boundary. Top shot.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! Length again, on leg and angling further down. Nabi looks to pull but misses and the umpire signals a wide. The bowler doesn't look happy as he thinks Nabi got something on it. Was there any bat? Mohammad Rizwan shakes his head as he is not sure. Rauf fails to convince his skipper. No DRS taken. Nothing was found on the replays later on.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off, Nabi hops on the back foot and dabs it down towards cover-point.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Length again, hitting the top of middle. Mohammad Nabi stays solid in defense.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Edgy boundary but Mohammad Nabi won't mind at all. Good-length ball, outside off. Nabi just hangs back and looks to play it really late. The ball goes off the outside edge and races away into the vacant third man boundary.
Change. Haris Rauf (1-0-9-1) is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter, outside off. Naib taps it on the off side. Shadab Khan is done with his 4-over spell, 1 for 22 from him this evening.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batter.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Six and out for Najibullah Zadran and Shadab Khan has the last laugh. Here comes the googly, on off and just turns away sharply from the left-hander. Zadran looks to open the face of the bat and guide it behind but ends up getting a faint edge. Mohammad Rizwan takes a sharp catch behind the stumps and Najibullah Zadran immediately starts to walk. The finger has also gone up. Afghanistan are in danger of getting all out inside 20 o
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran has had enough of it and finally decides to break the shackles. On the pads and Zadran slog-sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie. The Afghan spectators in the crowd get the chance to make some noise.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle again. Mohammad Nabi nudges this one through mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Slight turn on this occasion. On middle and Nabi blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Floated up, on the pads. Nabi works it through mid-wicket and races back for the second. Haris Rauf attacks the ball coming in from the deep, has a shy at the bowler's end but it hits the bat of Zadran. Good running between the wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A maiden! Fullish ball, around off and Zadran drives it towards point. Shadab Khan puts in the dive and doesn't allow a run. The energy in the field from Pakistan is brilliant.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A touch short, on off and this is crunched but straight to point.Â
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, around off and Zadran can't get it through the cover region.
Hasan Ali is brought back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Seventh dot on the trot if we count the previous over as well! A well-directed short ball, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on off, but it's the slower ball this time. Zadran blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Ali hurls across a length ball from around the wicket and bowls it on off stump. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, A wrong 'un to finish. Mohammad Nabi keeps it out towards cover-point.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker one, on off. Nabi stays solid in defense.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted ball, outside off but Nabi can't get it through the gap at covers.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, around off and turning away. Nabi caresses it off the back foot towards mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Slower through the air, on the pads. Zadran nudges it towards mid-wicket for another single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle. Nabi works it towards wide long on for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Excellent end to the over from Imad Wasim, a wicket and a single off it. Flatter one, on off and Zadran defends it back to the bowler. Wasim ends with figures of 4-0-25-2.
Drinks break! Pakistan would be very happy with the start they have got. The batters of Afghanistan have come out with aggressive intent. While they have gotten the boundaries, they have also lost wickets. What they need now is a partnership otherwise this strategy of slogging away will not get them very far. A lot will depend on Mohammad Nabi if Afghanistan are to get to a good score on this track, which is looking like a really good one to bat on. Here comes Mohammad Nabi as the next batt
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, On middle and flicked through square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter delivery, outside off and this one just straightens after pitching. Nabi looks to cut but is beaten on the outside edge.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Slowed up, around off and Nabi watchfully keeps it out on the off side.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter one, darted in on off stump. Nabi taps it off the back foot to point.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Just when a partnership was brewing between these two, Karim Janat has given his wicket away. Imad Wasim tosses this one up, outside off and Janat goes after it, looking to slog sweep. The ball bounces a bit extra and Janat gets a top edge which is skied towards the deep mid-wicket region. Fakhar Zaman is stationed over there and takes the simplest of catches. Half the Afghanistan side is back in the shed now and Wasim has his second.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! This time Najibullah Zadran takes full advantage. Another one down the leg side, Zadran goes deep in his crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Zadran will feel he missed out on this one. Down the leg side, Zadran flicks it straight to the man at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Nicely tossed up, on middle, Zadran defends it to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cheeky from Najibullah Zadran and he gets a much-needed boundary. A full toss, on middle, Zadran reverse-sweeps it behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter delivery, on off and blocked out by Zadran from the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Tossed up, on middle. Janat drives it through cover, with the spin, for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated, down the leg side. Najibullah Zadran rocks back and helps it around the corner but Haris Rauf races to his left from deep square leg and puts in the dive, keeping it just to a couple.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Darted in around middle and leg, Janat pushes it down to long on for one.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Outside off and this one turns away a bit, Janat caresses it towards covers.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on the pads. Zadran tucks it towards short fine leg for a quick single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted ball, around off and this is squeezed to point.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated up, on a length and on middle, Zadran looks to work it away on the leg side but it takes the leading edge and lobs to the off side. Falls safely.
Change. Imad Wasim (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Dot to end the over. This is shorter but chopped straight towards point. Excellent over from the leggie.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Nicely flighted, outside off. Janat drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Janat chops it towards point.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
Shadab Khan comes in to roll his arms now.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter again, around off. Janat pushes it wide of sweeper cover. The fielder gets to his left, dives and keeps it to a couple.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cracking shot to end the Powerplay! Short of a length, outside off. Zadran cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary. Afghanistan have had a good start in terms of runs scored, but would have liked to lose a couple of fewer wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran taps it towards the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, Quick running. Length ball, on off. Janat pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Blocked out. Well, it is called a no ball by the TV umpire as Hasan Ali has overstepped the line. Free Hit coming up.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, A perfect yorker, on the pads. All that Janat can do is block it out.
Najibullah Zadran comes in at number 6.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, ! Poor ball and punished! Length ball, down the leg side. Janat clips it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Another one falls and Pakistan have the game in their firm control now. Short of a length, around off, Gurbaz goes for the pull but gets the top edge. Babar Azam runs across to his right from mid on and takes it with ease. The tactic of slogging their way out of trouble is not working for Afghanistan. One wicket apiece for all the bowlers who have bowled so far for Pakistan. Team effort. Not sure what Afghanistan are trying to achieve though. T
A change from both ends as Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, ! Oh, my word! What a way that is to get off the mark! Short ball, outside off. Janat gets on his toes. Perhaps, he even jumps a bit and cuts it way, way over the point fence.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Janat is solid in his defence of this one.
Karim Janat, the younger brother of Asghar Afghan, is the new man in.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, A fiery yorker, on off. Janat gets his bat down in time and blocks this one. That was bowled at 153 kph, the equal fastest delivery of the tournament so far.
Haris Rauf to Asghar Afghan, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Haris Rauf gets his man now! Asghar Afghan goes back after scoring only 10 runs. Length ball, around off at 143 kph, Asghar looks to work it away but gets the leading edge. The ball goes back to the bowler and Rauf takes it with ease. Phew, what an eventful game this has been so far!
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single as this is played down to third man. Tell you what, every single run is getting cheered by the Afghanistan fans.
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, on the pads. Gurbaz works it past square leg. They run back for the second and Gurbaz has to dive as the throw comes in from the fielder.
Haris Rauf comes into the bowling attack now.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! Almost a wicket! Full ball, on the pads. Aghan flicks it aerially. The man at short fine leg dives to his left but cannot get there. The ball runs to the fence. 17 from the over, an eventful one!
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! That is out of here! Tossed up, around leg. Afghan comes down the track and whips it over the square leg fence.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, BIG MIX-UP! Pakistan have failed to take advantage of that situation. That should have been a run out! Darted on the pads. Afghan gets hit on the pads while looking to flick. The ball goes to the leg side. Gurbaz is off for the single but Afghan is going nowhere. Rizwan runs to the ball and all he needs to do is throw the ball back to Wasim. But the throw is a wild one. Wasim dives but only gets his fingertips to it. Gurbaz gets back safely in the end. Rizwan ha
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, Flatter ball, on off. Afghan looks to work it to the leg side but gets the leading edge to covers.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads. Gurbaz works it past short fine leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Wow! That is such a clean strike! Tossed up, on off. Gurbaz gets low and slog-sweeps it. The ball goes miles in the air and over the deep mid-wicket fence. A top shot.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, A low full toss, outside off. Afghan offers the full face of the bat and plays it to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, On a length, on the pads. Afghan works it to short fine leg.
After a lot of thought, Babar Azam has decided to take the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved and Ball Tracker confirms that the impact was outside the leg stump. The onfield decision of NOT stays and Hazratullah Zazai can continue. Pakistan lose the review as well.
Asghar Afghan is in at number 4.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi gets his man and the crowd goes wild! On a length again, on middle. Mohammad Shahzad looks to go over mid on but does not middle it at all. The ball goes aerially to mid on and Babar Azam takes it with ease. Afghanistan have lost both their power-hitters and this is not the start they would have wanted after winning the toss.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Full ball, on off. Pushed to covers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run but is sent back.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! First boundary of the game! Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad hits it over covers and the ball races to the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, A short ball, down the leg side. It is ducked under and is called a wide.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Shahzad taps it to the off side, looks for a run but is sent back.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads and it is blocked out. A very good first over by Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Loopy ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it with ease.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is called early to the crease. He comes in at number 3.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Mohammad Shahzad works it past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! The dangerous Hazratullah Zazai is gone for a duck! Tossed up, wider outside off. He goes for the slog sweep but gets the top edge. The ball goes over short third man. Haris Rauf runs after it, circles under it and takes a very good catch! A dream start for Pakistan in this game.
We are done with the national anthems and ready for play. The umpires are out in the middle as the Pakistani team can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. All the players are seen placing their hands on the heart to show their support towards the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Let's play...
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, around off. Zazai taps it to short third man. Dot ball.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first as it looks dry at the top and looks good for batting first. Adds that they will look to put a good total on the board and try to defend it. Adds that national duty is totally different from franchise cricket and everyone works hard for this and they know their opponents well. Informs that they are going with the winning XI from the last match.
Who will bowl from the other end? It's going to be Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Worked past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Flatter ball, down the leg side. Mohammad Shahzad looks to flick but misses. Wide called.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, NOT ! A full toss, around leg. Zazai looks to heave but gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal but turned down. Babar Azam takes the review but the impact is outside leg.
Hello and a warm welcome to match number 24 in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in another mouth-watering sub-continental clash. The two neighbours have been in scintillating form so far in this year's competition and in this match everyone will be expecting more of the same from both these teams.
 Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Shahzad drives it past covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, A fiery yorker, on the pads. Zazai is beaten and gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal by Shaheen Afridi but the umpire is not interested. Pakistan do not take the review. Maybe, sliding down leg.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, On a length, around off. Shahzad runs it to third man for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Beaten! Fuller ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad walks down the track to drive but gets no bat on it. Tell you what, the crowd is really getting behind Shaheen Afridi here!
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, on the pads. Zazai misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, down the leg side. Zazai misses the flick. Wide called.
We are almost ready for play! The two teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by Pakistan's.
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that the mood in the camp is quite good. Adds that they want to continue that momentum forward. Says cricket is a team game but it is good to have match-winners in the side. Adds that they do not take any team for granted and that they are playing the same side.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin toss. Both the skippers are out in the middle. Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Afghanistan. They will bat first!
Afghanistan may be the least experienced side out of all the sub-continent teams but they have no shortage of world-class players when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai pack a punch at the top of the order but their middle order has run-scorers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who were the key in their last match against Scotland. The spin-twins, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up nine out of the 10 wicke
Pakistan started off with a bang against arch-rivals India as they won by 10 wickets and then in another high-profile clash, they got over the line with ease in the end against New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan continued his good form from the previous match and got into the thirties but the last match was all about the veteran Shoaib Malik and finisher Asif Ali, both of whom played contrasting yet match-winning knocks. Their bowling was right on the money again and it wouldn't be a surprise if
... MATCH DAY ...
A target for 148 should be an easy chase for Pakistan given their recent form but it will depend on how they play against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. An exciting chase is coming our way shortly so stay with us to find out who gets two points here.
Imad Wasim says that it's a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium. Adds that this happens in cricket and Afghanistan played really well in the end but is hopeful that they'll chase it down. Mentions that the ball was stopping a bit early on but is coming onto the bat now. Adds that it is Dubai so the dew should come into play. Ends by saying that Afghanistan have got some world-class bowlers but Pakistan also have some world-class batters on their side.
Pakistan had a really good start with the ball. The aggressive intent of the Afghan batters gave them plenty of opportunities to take wickets and they grabbed them with both hands. The bowlers took wickets at regular intervals and did not let any of the batters from the top order settle down and put on a big score. They would have wanted to finish well but that did not happen. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf leaked runs in the last overs and that allowed Afghanistan to cross the 140-run mark. Shaheen A
The top order of Afghanistan came out with the intent of scoring runs quickly. They did get the boundaries but a few needless shots meant that they were 5 down at the halfway mark. Afghanistan needed a partnership after that as Nabi came to the crease. The Afghanistan skipper and Zadran did try to repair things but run-scoring became more and more difficult for them. Zadran lost his wicket and it was now for Nabi to take his side to a good score. Nabi and Naib then led the recovery and then loo
What an action-packed innings that was! It started with Afghanistan losing wickets in a heap and they were in big trouble. Still, the Afghans have ended with a competitive total on the board which their spinners can defend here. They ended up scoring 43 in the last 3 overs and have the momentum on their side. Pakistan, on the other hand, would be a touch disappointed with the finish.
There's some conversation going on between Babar Azam and the umpire. Azam definitely seems unhappy about the call and probably wants it checked. Nothing doing.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Just a run from the final ball. Very full and around leg, Naib flicks it firmly to deep square leg for a single. Afghanistan have recovered well to reach 147/6 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, NO BALL! Shaheen Afridi tries to bowl a yorker but fails to nail it on this occasion. It's a high full toss outside off, Naib swings and misses. Called a no ball for being over the waist. Babar is not happy. Free Hit coming up...
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Yorker on middle, at 90 mph, Nabi squeezes it out back past the bowler to long off. They cross for a run. Naib wants the second run but is sent back. A direct hit at the bowler's end would have found Nabi short.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Some great skills on show here. Shaheen Afridi again targets the pads of the batsman, bowls it at a sharp pace, at 91 mph, Gulbadin Naib tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the leg side and they collect a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A low dipping yorker around leg, Nabi moves his left leg out of the way and hits it across the line to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one from Afridi, a bit short and around off, Gulbadin Naib is way too early into his pull shot and mistimes it towards mid off. A single is taken.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller and on middle, Nabi stays deep inside the crease but only manages to drill it down to long on for a run.
Shaheen Afridi (3-0-16-1) to bowl the final over of the innings.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, ! It's raining boundaries in Dubai. Haris Rauf tries following the batsman down the leg side, it's short and Naib nails it behind, over short fine leg, for a boundary. 15 from the over, 36 in the last two.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Slower again, short and around off at 131 kph, Nabi drags his shot towards square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Afghanistan found some momentum in the last over and are riding it now. Short and around off at 130 kph, Mohammad Nabi hangs on the back foot and hammer-pulls it in front of square leg. No chance for the fielder in the deep.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Streaky! Change in pace, full and around off at 76 mph, Mohammad Nabi opens up to heave it over the leg side but it takes the outside edge and beats short third man.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Hurries up the batsman with his extra pace. Short and on middle at 90 mph, Naib plays a mistimed pull shot in front of square leg for a single.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Haris Rauf serves it short and around off, at 126 kph, Nabi heaves it over mid-wicket for a run. The 50-run stand comes up off just 36 balls.
Who will bowl the penultimate over? It's going to be Haris Rauf.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and around off, Naib swings his bat at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to the off side and they cross. It's a no ball for overstepping, this over is just going from bad to worse for Hasan.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Nails the yorker around off, Nabi digs it out down towards long on for one. 21 from the over, a big one for Afghanistan!Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hasan Ali has been taken to the cleaners in this over by Gulbadin Naib. Delivers it full and outside off, Naib gives it the full whack of his bat and smashes it down towards long on. The fielder in the deep, Shadab Khan, runs across to his right, puts in a dive but it falls wide and goes to the fence. Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Terrific stop in the deep by Fakhar Zaman, saves two for his team. Fuller in length and outside off, it's lofted over extra cover. Zaman stops it near the fence with a lovely dive.Â
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Short in length, slower in pace, Gulbadin Naib drags his attempted heave over the leg side to deep square leg. Two more.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Afghanistan are targeting this over from Hasan Ali. This one is fuller and around off, Gulbadin Naib stays deep inside the crease and whips it to the cow corner fence.Â
Hasan Ali (2-1-10-1) is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, ! Gulbadin Naib has sent one in the stands. Short in length, outside off, Naib stays back, fetches it and dispatches it over square leg for a biggie. Smart batting, targeted the short boundary.
Hasan Ali (3-1-17-1) comes in to finish off his spell.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower again, a touch short and around off, Naib heaves it over square leg for a run and again Mohammad Nabi will be off strike.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, A fiery delivery, very full and around off at 92 mph, Gulbadin Naib drives it straight and it goes on to hit the stumps at the other end.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one now, at 80 mph, on a length and outside off, Gulbadin Naib is deceived, pushes at it early and misses.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Beaten all ends up! A 91 mph delivery, on a good length around off and holding its line, Gulbadin Naib is opened up like a can of beans as he tries to work it around. Gets beaten comprehensively.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Delivers it on a length around off, Nabi taps it down to point for a single.
Haris Rauf (2-0-19-1) is back into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, full and around off at 80 mph, Naib clips it off the inner half to fine leg for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, Shaheen Afridi nails his yorker around off, Mohammad Nabi brings his bat down in time as he digs it out back towards the bowler. Afridi speeds forward, collects the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end. Nabi though is safely in.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, on top of off, Naib goes on his toes and pushes it in the gap at covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Nabi, A touch short and around off, Nabi opens the face and pushes it towards backward point. Shadab Khan dives across to his right and makes a good partial stop. The batsmen cross.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Around off on a length at 144 kph, Naib stays back and steers it to the right of point for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Fuller in length around leg at 89 mph, Gulbadin Naib picks it off his pads and clips it neatly behind square leg for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Wide called for height! Shaheen bends his back to go short but it goes way over the head of the batsman. The camera pans to Boom Boom Afridi and the crowd goes bonkers.
Shaheen Afridi (2-0-8-1) is brought back into the attack.
Shaheen Afridi to Gulbadin Naib, Shaheen Afridi speeds in and delivers it on a length around off, Gulbadin Naib gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fractionally short and around off, Naib gets across the stumps a bit and works it behind square leg for one. 30 more balls left in the innings, how many more can Afghanistan add to their total?
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Serves it on a length around off, shaping back on, Gulbadin Naib stays back and pushes it away towards covers.
Hasan Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller and on off, angling in at 86 mph, Naib flicks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length around off, at 85 mph, Mohammad Nabi lifts his front leg as he rocks back and whips it behind square leg. Takes a single, wants the second run but it's not on.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Play and a miss! Pace on, this time. Shortish and outside off at 86 mph, Nabi rocks back to slam it over point but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, ! Nabi is playing a fine little knock here. Hasan Ali goes for the slower one but serves it a little too full outside off, Mohammad Nabi picks it up and smacks it over covers for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Mohammad Nabi, Wide! Hasan Ali starts a new over by slipping a full ball down the leg side, Nabi tries his best to get some bat behind it but fails.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, On the pads, Nabi tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, on off. Nabi gets caught on the crease and gets a leading edge on the off side.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! A rank half volley, outside off stump. Mohammad Nabi sits deep in his crease and creams it over extra cover for a boundary. Top shot.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, WIDE! Length again, on leg and angling further down. Nabi looks to pull but misses and the umpire signals a wide. The bowler doesn't look happy as he thinks Nabi got something on it. Was there any bat? Mohammad Rizwan shakes his head as he is not sure. Rauf fails to convince his skipper. No DRS taken. Nothing was found on the replays later on.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off, Nabi hops on the back foot and dabs it down towards cover-point.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, Length again, hitting the top of middle. Mohammad Nabi stays solid in defense.
Haris Rauf to Mohammad Nabi, ! Edgy boundary but Mohammad Nabi won't mind at all. Good-length ball, outside off. Nabi just hangs back and looks to play it really late. The ball goes off the outside edge and races away into the vacant third man boundary.
Change. Haris Rauf (1-0-9-1) is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter, outside off. Naib taps it on the off side. Shadab Khan is done with his 4-over spell, 1 for 22 from him this evening.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batter.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Six and out for Najibullah Zadran and Shadab Khan has the last laugh. Here comes the googly, on off and just turns away sharply from the left-hander. Zadran looks to open the face of the bat and guide it behind but ends up getting a faint edge. Mohammad Rizwan takes a sharp catch behind the stumps and Najibullah Zadran immediately starts to walk. The finger has also gone up. Afghanistan are in danger of getting all out inside 20 o
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran has had enough of it and finally decides to break the shackles. On the pads and Zadran slog-sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie. The Afghan spectators in the crowd get the chance to make some noise.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle again. Mohammad Nabi nudges this one through mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Slight turn on this occasion. On middle and Nabi blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Floated up, on the pads. Nabi works it through mid-wicket and races back for the second. Haris Rauf attacks the ball coming in from the deep, has a shy at the bowler's end but it hits the bat of Zadran. Good running between the wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A maiden! Fullish ball, around off and Zadran drives it towards point. Shadab Khan puts in the dive and doesn't allow a run. The energy in the field from Pakistan is brilliant.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, A touch short, on off and this is crunched but straight to point.Â
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, around off and Zadran can't get it through the cover region.
Hasan Ali is brought back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Seventh dot on the trot if we count the previous over as well! A well-directed short ball, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on off, but it's the slower ball this time. Zadran blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, Ali hurls across a length ball from around the wicket and bowls it on off stump. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, A wrong 'un to finish. Mohammad Nabi keeps it out towards cover-point.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker one, on off. Nabi stays solid in defense.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted ball, outside off but Nabi can't get it through the gap at covers.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, around off and turning away. Nabi caresses it off the back foot towards mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Slower through the air, on the pads. Zadran nudges it towards mid-wicket for another single.
Shadab Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, on middle. Nabi works it towards wide long on for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Excellent end to the over from Imad Wasim, a wicket and a single off it. Flatter one, on off and Zadran defends it back to the bowler. Wasim ends with figures of 4-0-25-2.
Drinks break! Pakistan would be very happy with the start they have got. The batters of Afghanistan have come out with aggressive intent. While they have gotten the boundaries, they have also lost wickets. What they need now is a partnership otherwise this strategy of slogging away will not get them very far. A lot will depend on Mohammad Nabi if Afghanistan are to get to a good score on this track, which is looking like a really good one to bat on. Here comes Mohammad Nabi as the next batt
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, On middle and flicked through square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter delivery, outside off and this one just straightens after pitching. Nabi looks to cut but is beaten on the outside edge.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Slowed up, around off and Nabi watchfully keeps it out on the off side.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter one, darted in on off stump. Nabi taps it off the back foot to point.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Just when a partnership was brewing between these two, Karim Janat has given his wicket away. Imad Wasim tosses this one up, outside off and Janat goes after it, looking to slog sweep. The ball bounces a bit extra and Janat gets a top edge which is skied towards the deep mid-wicket region. Fakhar Zaman is stationed over there and takes the simplest of catches. Half the Afghanistan side is back in the shed now and Wasim has his second.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! This time Najibullah Zadran takes full advantage. Another one down the leg side, Zadran goes deep in his crease and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Zadran will feel he missed out on this one. Down the leg side, Zadran flicks it straight to the man at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Nicely tossed up, on middle, Zadran defends it to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cheeky from Najibullah Zadran and he gets a much-needed boundary. A full toss, on middle, Zadran reverse-sweeps it behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter delivery, on off and blocked out by Zadran from the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Tossed up, on middle. Janat drives it through cover, with the spin, for a single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated, down the leg side. Najibullah Zadran rocks back and helps it around the corner but Haris Rauf races to his left from deep square leg and puts in the dive, keeping it just to a couple.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Darted in around middle and leg, Janat pushes it down to long on for one.
Imad Wasim to Karim Janat, Outside off and this one turns away a bit, Janat caresses it towards covers.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on the pads. Zadran tucks it towards short fine leg for a quick single.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted ball, around off and this is squeezed to point.
Imad Wasim to Najibullah Zadran, Floated up, on a length and on middle, Zadran looks to work it away on the leg side but it takes the leading edge and lobs to the off side. Falls safely.
Change. Imad Wasim (2-0-20-1)Â is back on.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Dot to end the over. This is shorter but chopped straight towards point. Excellent over from the leggie.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Nicely flighted, outside off. Janat drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Janat chops it towards point.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.
Shadab Khan comes in to roll his arms now.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter again, around off. Janat pushes it wide of sweeper cover. The fielder gets to his left, dives and keeps it to a couple.
Shadab Khan to Karim Janat, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, ! Cracking shot to end the Powerplay! Short of a length, outside off. Zadran cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary. Afghanistan have had a good start in terms of runs scored, but would have liked to lose a couple of fewer wickets.
Hasan Ali to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran taps it towards the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, Quick running. Length ball, on off. Janat pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Blocked out. Well, it is called a no ball by the TV umpire as Hasan Ali has overstepped the line. Free Hit coming up.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, A perfect yorker, on the pads. All that Janat can do is block it out.
Najibullah Zadran comes in at number 6.
Hasan Ali to Karim Janat, ! Poor ball and punished! Length ball, down the leg side. Janat clips it past short fine leg for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! TAKEN! Another one falls and Pakistan have the game in their firm control now. Short of a length, around off, Gurbaz goes for the pull but gets the top edge. Babar Azam runs across to his right from mid on and takes it with ease. The tactic of slogging their way out of trouble is not working for Afghanistan. One wicket apiece for all the bowlers who have bowled so far for Pakistan. Team effort. Not sure what Afghanistan are trying to achieve though. T
A change from both ends as Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, ! Oh, my word! What a way that is to get off the mark! Short ball, outside off. Janat gets on his toes. Perhaps, he even jumps a bit and cuts it way, way over the point fence.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, On a length, around off. Janat is solid in his defence of this one.
Karim Janat, the younger brother of Asghar Afghan, is the new man in.
Haris Rauf to Karim Janat, A fiery yorker, on off. Janat gets his bat down in time and blocks this one. That was bowled at 153 kph, the equal fastest delivery of the tournament so far.
Haris Rauf to Asghar Afghan, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Haris Rauf gets his man now! Asghar Afghan goes back after scoring only 10 runs. Length ball, around off at 143 kph, Asghar looks to work it away but gets the leading edge. The ball goes back to the bowler and Rauf takes it with ease. Phew, what an eventful game this has been so far!
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single as this is played down to third man. Tell you what, every single run is getting cheered by the Afghanistan fans.
Haris Rauf to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, on the pads. Gurbaz works it past square leg. They run back for the second and Gurbaz has to dive as the throw comes in from the fielder.
Haris Rauf comes into the bowling attack now.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! Almost a wicket! Full ball, on the pads. Aghan flicks it aerially. The man at short fine leg dives to his left but cannot get there. The ball runs to the fence. 17 from the over, an eventful one!
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, ! That is out of here! Tossed up, around leg. Afghan comes down the track and whips it over the square leg fence.
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, BIG MIX-UP! Pakistan have failed to take advantage of that situation. That should have been a run out! Darted on the pads. Afghan gets hit on the pads while looking to flick. The ball goes to the leg side. Gurbaz is off for the single but Afghan is going nowhere. Rizwan runs to the ball and all he needs to do is throw the ball back to Wasim. But the throw is a wild one. Wasim dives but only gets his fingertips to it. Gurbaz gets back safely in the end. Rizwan ha
Imad Wasim to Asghar Afghan, Flatter ball, on off. Afghan looks to work it to the leg side but gets the leading edge to covers.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads. Gurbaz works it past short fine leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Wow! That is such a clean strike! Tossed up, on off. Gurbaz gets low and slog-sweeps it. The ball goes miles in the air and over the deep mid-wicket fence. A top shot.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, A low full toss, outside off. Afghan offers the full face of the bat and plays it to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Asghar Afghan, On a length, on the pads. Afghan works it to short fine leg.
After a lot of thought, Babar Azam has decided to take the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved and Ball Tracker confirms that the impact was outside the leg stump. The onfield decision of NOT stays and Hazratullah Zazai can continue. Pakistan lose the review as well.
Asghar Afghan is in at number 4.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi gets his man and the crowd goes wild! On a length again, on middle. Mohammad Shahzad looks to go over mid on but does not middle it at all. The ball goes aerially to mid on and Babar Azam takes it with ease. Afghanistan have lost both their power-hitters and this is not the start they would have wanted after winning the toss.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Full ball, on off. Pushed to covers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run but is sent back.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! First boundary of the game! Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad hits it over covers and the ball races to the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, A short ball, down the leg side. It is ducked under and is called a wide.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Shahzad taps it to the off side, looks for a run but is sent back.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Darted on the pads and it is blocked out. A very good first over by Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Loopy ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it with ease.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is called early to the crease. He comes in at number 3.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Mohammad Shahzad works it past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! The dangerous Hazratullah Zazai is gone for a duck! Tossed up, wider outside off. He goes for the slog sweep but gets the top edge. The ball goes over short third man. Haris Rauf runs after it, circles under it and takes a very good catch! A dream start for Pakistan in this game.
We are done with the national anthems and ready for play. The umpires are out in the middle as the Pakistani team can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. All the players are seen placing their hands on the heart to show their support towards the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Let's play...
Imad Wasim to Hazratullah Zazai, Flatter ball, around off. Zazai taps it to short third man. Dot ball.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first as it looks dry at the top and looks good for batting first. Adds that they will look to put a good total on the board and try to defend it. Adds that national duty is totally different from franchise cricket and everyone works hard for this and they know their opponents well. Informs that they are going with the winning XI from the last match.
Who will bowl from the other end? It's going to be Imad Wasim.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Darted on the pads. Worked past square leg for one.
Imad Wasim to Mohammad Shahzad, Flatter ball, down the leg side. Mohammad Shahzad looks to flick but misses. Wide called.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, NOT ! A full toss, around leg. Zazai looks to heave but gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal but turned down. Babar Azam takes the review but the impact is outside leg.
Hello and a warm welcome to match number 24 in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in another mouth-watering sub-continental clash. The two neighbours have been in scintillating form so far in this year's competition and in this match everyone will be expecting more of the same from both these teams.
 Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Shahzad drives it past covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, A fiery yorker, on the pads. Zazai is beaten and gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal by Shaheen Afridi but the umpire is not interested. Pakistan do not take the review. Maybe, sliding down leg.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, On a length, around off. Shahzad runs it to third man for a single.
Shaheen Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, Beaten! Fuller ball, outside off. Mohammad Shahzad walks down the track to drive but gets no bat on it. Tell you what, the crowd is really getting behind Shaheen Afridi here!
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, on the pads. Zazai misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they sneak in a leg bye.
Shaheen Afridi to Hazratullah Zazai, Full ball, down the leg side. Zazai misses the flick. Wide called.
We are almost ready for play! The two teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by Pakistan's.
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that the mood in the camp is quite good. Adds that they want to continue that momentum forward. Says cricket is a team game but it is good to have match-winners in the side. Adds that they do not take any team for granted and that they are playing the same side.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
TOSS - We are all set for the coin toss. Both the skippers are out in the middle. Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Afghanistan. They will bat first!
Afghanistan may be the least experienced side out of all the sub-continent teams but they have no shortage of world-class players when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai pack a punch at the top of the order but their middle order has run-scorers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, who were the key in their last match against Scotland. The spin-twins, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up nine out of the 10 wicke
Pakistan started off with a bang against arch-rivals India as they won by 10 wickets and then in another high-profile clash, they got over the line with ease in the end against New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan continued his good form from the previous match and got into the thirties but the last match was all about the veteran Shoaib Malik and finisher Asif Ali, both of whom played contrasting yet match-winning knocks. Their bowling was right on the money again and it wouldn't be a surprise if
... MATCH DAY ...