Afghanistan cricket team served a timely reminder to Pakistan to not take them lightly ahead of Asia Cup 2025. The underdogs registered a 18-run win against Salman Ali Agha and co. in the tri-series that precedes the 8-nation tournament that will begin on September 9. Afghanistan bounced back in stellar fashion against Pakistan, especially after losing the opening match of the tri-series by 39 runs.
Afghanistan spin Pakistan into misery
Spinners were the star of the show for Afghanistan, providing early glimpses of how they could wreak havoc in the Asia Cup. Batting first in the contest, Rashid Khan and co. set a 170-run target for Pakistan, powered by Sediqullah Atal’s 64-ruun knock and Ibrahim Zadaran’s 65. Faheem Ashraf’s 4-wicket haul helped Pakistan contain Afghanistan for 169 runs at the end of 20 overs but that wasn’t enough.
Fazalhaq Farooqi provided the first couple of breakthroughs for Afghans, including getting rid of Saim Ayub for a golden duck. It was then the spinners who stole the show. Rashid, Noor, Nabi picked up two wickets each as Pakistan were restricted to 151/9 at the end of 20 overs.
Afghanistan cannot be taken lightly at the Asia Cup as they have time and again proven themselves to be a team that can take down an opposition. Pakistan, on the other hand, have had mixed fortunes leading up to the Asia Cup. They will surely not forget being outclassed by the USA at the T20 World Cup 2024 and will hope they won’t get the same treatment from other minnow teams in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are not scheduled to lock horns in the group stage of the tournament but can potentially face each other in the knockout stages.
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