Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2nd T20ILive Score and Updates from Sharjah

Right then, that is all we have from this game. Afghanistan have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in this three-match series and it has been a historic series so far. Can Afghanistan whitewash Pakistan? We will find it out on Monday, 27th of March. That game will start at 9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT). Do join us for the build-up. Cheers!

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that it is a proud moment for them to win against Pakistan and they feel good. Says that their bowling was excellent, and they were good in the Powerplay. He says that 130 was a good total and they gave their best. Ends by saying that the strategy was always to take the game deep and win it and the guys did well.

Shadab Khan, the skipper of Pakistan says that the way they started with the bat, they got to a good score at the end. Tells that if one loses so many wickets in the Powerplay, 70 per cent of the games you will lose. Mentions that the youngsters were a bit nervous and conditions have changed as well but adds that they need to back their players. States that sometimes you don’t perform but attitude matters and the young players do have talent. Feels that these players will become great and they will play for pride in the next game.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is the Player of the Match. He speaks in his local language. He says that it is a special moment for everyone as they defeated Pakistan. Adds that he kept it simple and just aimed at the wickets. Ends by saying that Pakistan is a strong team and it is a proud moment for them to win the series.

Time for the Presentation…

Pakistan, on the other hand, tried hard with the ball but have been outplayed again by a clinical Afghanistan unit. Imad Wasim played well in the first half and took his team to a respectable total of 130 after they were under the pump with three wickets down in the Powerplay. With the ball. they did not took wickets in the middle overs but managed to keep themselves in the game with some tight overs. However, the 17-run penultimate over from Naseem Shah took the game away from them as the equation came down to Afghanistan needing just 5 from the last over. It was too much to ask from young Zaman Khan in the final over and this could well be a big learning curve for this young Pakistan unit.

Afghanistan once again were good with the ball and managed to restrict Pakistan to 130 which was just a par score on this wicket. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghans and rocked Pakistan in the first over with a double-wicket maiden. With the bat, Afghanistan lost Ghani in the fourth over but Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran managed to steady the ship. However, both of them lost their wickets in quick succession and the pressure was back on them with 29 needed off 16 balls when Ibrahim Zadran departed. However, that’s when the duo of Najibullah Zadran and Nabi got together and for the second time in a row, they have finished off the chase.

Afghanistan have created history here in Sharjah! They have registered their first-ever series victory against Pakistan and the Afghan crowd has gone wild. Incredible scenes here and this will mean a lot to Afghanistan cricket, it will surely give them a lot of confidence.

19.5Zaman Khan to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to loft it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes aerially and lands just short of the fielder at third man who makes a diving attempt. He fails to stop it as the ball races away towards the fence. Afghanistan win by 7 wickets!

19.4Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Full and on off, Mohammad Nabi digs it towards mid off for a single. 2 needed off 2 now!

19.3Zaman Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to pull it but misses but runs anyway. The keeper fails to hit the stumps and they collect a bye.

19.2Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Short and on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it to mid-wicket for one.

19.1Zaman Khan to Mohammad Nabi, Too full, on middle, Mohammad Nabi miscues his flick towards the man at short covers.

18.6Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, SIX! All the way. On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran hangs back and heaves it over cow corner as the ball sails into the stands for a maximum. Just 5 needed off the final over now!

18.5Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, Short and on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

18.4Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, A yorker, on off, Mohammad Nabi flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

18.3Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, On a length and down leg, Najibullah Zadran shuffles across to loft it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters cross for a bye.

18.2Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, Short, on off, Mohammad Nabi pulls it to deep square leg for one.

We have a change of ball now!

18.1Naseem Shah to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Up, up and over! On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi hangs back and pulls it over deep square leg as the ball sails into the stands.

17.6Ihsanullah to Mohammad Nabi, On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket for one. 22 needed off 12 now!

17.5Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, Shorter and outside off, Najibullah Zadran looks to play at it but gets a top edge. The fielder does well to stop it at the third man fence as the batters cross.

17.4Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Fine shot. Touch fuller and on off, Najibullah Zadran picks it well and powers it over mid off for a boundary.

17.3Ihsanullah to Mohammad Nabi, On a length and on off, Mohammad Nabi guides it to point for one.

Mohammad Nabi walks out to the middle.

17.2Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Shorter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to slap it but misses and gets a thick top edge. It carries behind the sticks where Azam Khan makes no mistake. Ibrahim Zadran walks back for 38 and Afghanistan are in a spot of bother now!

17.1Ihsanullah to Najibullah Zadran, Lands it on off, Najibullah Zadran miscues his loft towards gully for one.

16.6Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran eases it to covers for one.

16.5Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran miscues his slap towards mid-wicket for one. Hundred up for Afghanistan now!

16.4Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, A yorker, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran digs it back towards the bowler.

16.3Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, Shorter and slower one, Najibullah Zadran awkwardly pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

16.2Naseem Shah to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter and on leg, Najibullah Zadran works it towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

16.1Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to the vacant mid-wicket region for one.

15.6Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls it outside off, Najibullah Zadran lofts it over extra covers for a brace.

15.6Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Two Wides! Lands it wide outside off as the keeper fails to collect it. They collect one.

15.5Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Well timed. Slightly shorter and on off, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary!

15.4Shadab Khan to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls it on off, Najibullah Zadran flicks it t square leg for one.

Najibullah Zadran is the next man in.

15.3Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! RUN OUT! Slightly shorter and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to reverse sweep it but doesn’t connect well. It goes towards short third man as Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off for a run. Ibrahim Zadran sends him back and Naseem Shah makes a direct hit at the batter’s end. The replay shows that he was well off his crease and the partnership is finally broken.

15.2Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker one on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets a leading edge as the ball carries and lands just short of the bowler. Close!

15.1Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran slaps it to deep point for one.

14.6Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off. Gurbaz defends it back to the bowler. 46 needed now from 30 balls!

14.5Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, On the shorter side, on off. Zadran pulls it without much timing to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.4Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and angling into leg. Zadran tries to scoop it as he gets across to his right and misses.

14.3Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, on off. Gurbaz drives it to extra cover for a single.

14.2Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good running! On a length, on middle. Gurbaz works it to deep square leg and takes two.

14.1Naseem Shah to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on off. Zadran makes room and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

13.6Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gurbaz has been given out LBW here! However, the Afghan opener has taken the DRS straightaway. The replays roll in and the UltraEdge shows that Gurbaz has got a glove on it. The decision will be overturned and it will be NOT OUT! This is a googly that pitches on middle. Gurbaz tries to paddle it but gets a glove on it. Just a run from the over!

13.5Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another dot ball! A flatter delivery on off. Gurbaz skips down the track and blocks it.

13.4Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Serves it full and on off. Zadran drives it to deep cover for a single.

13.3Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Three dots in a row! Bowls it quick and on leg. Zadran tries to clip it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

13.2Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and on off. Zadran punches it to covers.

13.1Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower through the air, on off. Zadran blocks it off the front foot.

12.6Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it fuller on off. Zadran drives it to covers and takes a single. 52 needed now from 42 balls!

12.5Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fires it on the pads. Gurbaz tucks it to wide of short fine leg for a single.

12.4Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Targets the stumps again and Zadran punches it easily to long on for a single.

12.3Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter delivery again angling into middle. Gurbaz works it to long on for a single.

12.2Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fires it on off. Gurbaz plays it back to the bowler.

12.1Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch shorter on off. Zadran punches it to long off for a single.

11.6Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, Angles it on the stumps again and Zadran is just happy to ease it down to long on for a single.

11.5Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it quick and on leg. Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket.

11.4Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls it full on middle. Gurbaz knocks it to long on for a single.

11.3Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch shorter on off. Zadran punches it to long off for a single.

11.2Imad Wasim to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Serves it full and on the pads. Gurbaz clips it to deep square leg for a single.

11.1Imad Wasim to Ibrahim Zadran, Fires it quicker on middle. Zadran pushes it to long on for a single.

10.6Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another flatter one on off. Gurbaz blocks it out again.

10.5Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls it quick on middle. Gurbaz defends it back to the bowler.

10.4Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and on off. Zadran paddles it off the glove to short fine leg and takes a single. Meanwhile, there is a big appeal for an LBW from Nawaz but neither umpire nor his skipper is convinced with it.

10.3Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Nice turn there! Pitches it short of full length and outside off. Zadran tries to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

10.2Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter and quicker on off. Gurbaz defends it to mid-wicket for a single.

10.1Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, A fullish delivery, around off and Zadran pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Drinks break. Afghanistan have paced this chase quite well so far. They have 9 wickets in hand and with 65 more to get, they would be backing themselves to chase this total down now. However, the pitch is not easy to bat on and it is important that a set batter bats till the end. Pakistan would hope that they can pick some quick wickets and bring some panic in the Afghan dressing room. Can they do it? Let’s find out.

9.6Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

9.5Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to short covers.

9.4Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep square leg for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

9.3Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but misses.

9.2Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to covers for one.

9.1Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran slaps it to deep point for a brace.

8.6Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Another single as a fuller ball is flicked towards square leg.

8.5Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

8.4Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it outside off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to covers for one.

8.3Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Another one on middle, this is again defended back towards the bowler.

8.2Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower one, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.

8.1Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lands it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it to long off for one.

7.6Shadab Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to covers for a quick single.

7.5Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to covers for one.

7.4Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Flighted up, on off, Ibrahim Zadran picks it well and drills it through mid off for a boundary!

7.3Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the man at point.

7.2Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to covers.

7.1Shadab Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the left of the bowler who does well to stop it.

Shadab Khan is into the attack.

6.6Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly shorter one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid on.

6.5Mohammad Nawaz to Ibrahim Zadran, Lands it on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to deep covers for one. He wanted a second run but Rahmanullah Gurbaz sent him back.

6.4Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to mid-wicket for one.

6.3Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another quicker one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it back again.

6.2Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker one, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it back.

6.1Mohammad Nawaz to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it to deep extra covers for a comfortable two.

5.6Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

5.5Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly shorter one, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it but finds the man at covers.

5.4Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid on for a quick single.

5.3Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it solidly off the front foot.

5.2Zaman Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Errs in line and lands it down leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it and just manages to get his bat to it. The keeper fails to grab it as it races away from the fine leg fence.

5.1Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it to mid off for one.

4.6Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls it full and on leg. Gurbaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 93 needed now from 90 balls!

4.5Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off. Gurbaz makes room and slaps it to covers.

4.4Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it full and angles it on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket and takes three before Nawaz cuts it off.

4.4Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Short and angling down leg. Zadran tries to pull it but misses.

4.3Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A full delivery on off. Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.

4.2Ihsanullah to Ibrahim Zadran, Serves it on a length and around off. Zadran steers it towards third man for a single.

4.1Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A full delivery on leg. Gurbaz works it to fine leg for a single.

Ibrahim Zadran walks in.

3.6Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Brilliant slower delivery from Zaman Khan! Lands it on a length, on off. Takes the pace off and Ghani if foxed by the lack of pace here. He tries to check his shot but gets an inside edge that knocks over the stumps. Zaman Khan is elated and Afghans lose their first.

3.5Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A yorker on off. Gurbaz manages to dig it out wide of mid on for a single.

3.4Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, Back of a length, on leg. Ghani tries to tuck it but misses again. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and a leg bye is taken.

3.3Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, Bouncer again, a sharp one on middle and Ghani ducks under it.

3.2Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On the shorter side, on off. Gurbaz punches it to covers for a single.

3.1Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, Back of a length, on middle. Ghani tries to work it towards the leg side but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the umpire denies the appeal. A single is taken as well as the ball rolls towards the off side.

2.6Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, A fullish delivery angling on leg. Ghani tries to flick it but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. There is an appeal from the bowler too but it is going down leg.

2.5Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, Good bouncer on off. Ghani does well to duck under it.

2.4Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls it full and on off. Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.

2.3Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, A fullish delivery on middle at 148 clicks! Ghani tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

2.2Ihsanullah to Usman Ghani, FOUR! In the gap! Short and outside off. Ghani cuts it through backward point for a boundary.

2.1Ihsanullah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just short of good length, on off. Gurbaz fends it off the outside half of his blade to third man for a single.

1.6Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hits the hard length again, on middle. Gurbaz dabs it to mid on and takes a quick single.

1.5Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortish and outside off. Gurbaz makes room and tries to slap it away but misses.

1.4Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortish and on off. Gurbaz punches it to covers.

1.3Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Runs are flowing here for Afghanistan! Back of a length, on leg. Gurbaz glances it to deep backward square leg where Haris puts in a dive running to his right but fails to stop it.

1.2Zaman Khan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short and outside off. Gurbaz lets it go.

1.1Zaman Khan to Usman Ghani, Back of a length and outside off. Ghani steers it to third man for a single.

Zaman Khan will bowl from the other end.

0.6Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Another boundary to end the over and Afghans are off to a flier! A fullish delivery on off. Gurbaz dances down the track and heaves it to deep square leg for a boundary.

0.5Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, around off. Gurbaz dabs it to the point fielder.

0.4Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A fullish delivery on off. Gurbaz drives it to the cover fielder.

0.3Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! That’s on the roof! On a length, on off. Gurbaz dances down the track and launches it straight down the ground for a biggie.

0.2Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gurbaz and Afghanistan are underway! On a length, on middle. Gurbaz works it through mid-wicket for a couple.

0.1Naseem Shah to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back-of-a-length delivery and outside off. Gurbaz tries to punch it but gets beaten as the ball shapes away.

We are back for the chase. The umpires and the players have made their way out in the middle. Usman Ghani and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will open with their blades for Afghanistan. Naseem Shah comes to bowl. Here we go…

… The Run Chase …

Right then, Pakistan managed to put up a total of 130 runs and they will look to defend it. For Afghanistan, the onus is on their batters to put up a gritty stand and chase this down. Can they win the series? Or will Pakistan manage to level it? Let’s find out together. Chase coming up shortly…

Afghanistan were excellent with the ball! It was Fazalhaq Farooqi who ran a havoc over the batters at the start and he got support from the rest of their bowlers. He chipped in with two wickets while Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq had one in their bank. They will be happy with their performance and will be hoping to win this series.

Well, the struggle with the bat continues for Pakistan. They were under the pump from the word go. They lost two wickets in the very first over. Imad Wasim was the only batter who stood for them, but the non-strikers kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. They moved the gear up at the very end and made their side reach a par total of 130 runs.

19.6Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, OUT! RUN OUT! Shadab Khan is run out off the last delivery but Pakistan have managed to get 130 on the board. This one is bowled full and outside off. Khan steers it to backward point and tries to steal a second run. However, the throw is pretty good from Usman Ghani and Rahmanullah Gurbaz whips the bails off as Shadab Khan fails to make his ground even with a big dive.

19.5Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, On a length and outside off. Khan hoicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

19.4Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Much-needed boundary this! A full toss outside off. Khan powers it over mid off for a boundary.

19.4Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, NO BALL! A fullish delivery on off. Wasim tries to power it away but fails to get any timing. They go off for a run and Naveen-ul-Haq who tries to fire a throw towards the bowler’s end off his own bowling, misses. Oh, wait it is a NO BALL as well and we have a free hit coming up now!

19.3Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, On a length, on off. Khan tries to heave it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards the off side and a single is taken.

19.2Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, FOUR! In the gap! A fullish delivery and outside off. Khan goes for a big drive but gets a thick outside edge that goes between the backward point fielder and short third man for a boundary.

19.1Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, A fullish delivery, around leg. Wasim reverse-paddles it to backward point for a single

18.6Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Superb yorker on off at 140.7 kph. Wasim manages to dig it out to long on for a single.

18.5Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, A very full delivery, around off. Khan slices it to backward point for a single.

18.4Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Shortish and outside off. Wasim makes room and slaps it without much timing to covers for a single.

18.3Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, A full delivery on off. Khan slices it to sweeper cover for a single.

18.2Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Back of a length, on leg. Wasim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

18.1Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Pakistan get a boundary off the first delivery! Short and on leg. Wasim makes room and tries to pull it but gets an inside edge that runs past the stumps towards the fence.

17.6Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Fine shot. Full and outside off, Shadab Khan picks it well and slices it past backward point as the ball races away from the fence.

17.5Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, Back of a length, on off. Wasim hammers it to long off for a single.

17.4Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, A full delivery and outside off. Wasim squeezes it to deep point for a couple.

17.3Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim,  A fullish delivery and around off. Wasim tries to reverse paddle it but seems to have missed it on the way to the keeper. However, Afghanistan take the DRS for a caught behind but the UltraEdge shows that the ball brushes the pads. So, the original decision of NOT OUT stays.

17.2Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, A length delivery on off. Khan heaves it off the inside half of his blade to deep mid-wicket for a single.

17.1Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, On a length and angling into leg. A cutter too and Wasim pushes it to covers for a single.

16.6Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Goes full and on off. Wasim backs away and drills it to sweeper cover for a single.

16.5Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Shortish again and takes the pace off this time. He follows the batter too as Wasim makes room. He tries to smash it again but misses.

16.4Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, SIX! Fifty for Imad Wasim! This has been a brilliant knock from the all-rounder! Short and on off. Wasim makes room and cuts it over deep point for a maximum.

16.3Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, Hits the hard length, on middle. Khan makes room and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.

16.2Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Short again and angling into the body. Wasim only manages to pull it to long on for a single.

16.1Fazalhaq Farooqi to Imad Wasim, Back of a length and angling around leg. Wasim makes room and tries to pull it but misses.

15.6Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Just a single! A full toss on leg. Wasim makes room and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Another brilliant over!

15.5Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, A slower length delivery on off. Wasim makes room to smash it away but gets no timing.

15.4Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Tad shorter and around off. Khan punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

15.3Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, A fullish delivery and outside off. Khan hits it hard to the cover fielder.

15.2Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Short and wide outside off. Khan tries to cut it but misses.

15.1Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, A full delivery on middle. Wasim drills it to long on for a single.

14.6Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Lands it outside off, Imad Wasim guides it to point for a quick single.

14.5Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Full and on off, Shadab Khan taps it to covers for one.

14.4Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Bowls it on off, Shadab Khan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace. The fielder throws it to the keepers who whips the bails off. The umpire goes upstairs to check. The replay shows that the batter was well in. Safe!

14.3Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Full and on middle, Shadab Khan turns it to deep mid-wicket for a brace. This is excellent running between the wickets.

14.2Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Full and on off, Shadab Khan blocks it to short covers.

14.1Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Quicker one, on off, Imad Wasim taps it to covers for one.

13.6Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Ful and on off, Imad Wasim flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

13.5Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Lands it down leg, Shadab Khan looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls towards the on side. They cross.

13.4Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Bowls it on leg, Imad Wasim looks to heave it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg. They cross.

13.3Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, A yorker, on leg, Imad Wasim digs it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

13.2Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Full and on off, Imad Wasim eases it to mid off.

13.1Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, On a length, outside off, Shadab Khan drives it to covers for one.

12.6Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Bowls it on off, Imad Wasim blocks it back.

12.5Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Slightly shorter and on off, Shadab Khan punches it to covers for one.

12.4Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Flighted up, on off, Imad Wasim works it to mid-wicket for one.

12.3Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Quicker one, on middle, Imad Wasim blocks it watchfully.

12.2Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Full and on off, Shadab Khan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

12.1Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Lands it down leg, Imad Wasim looks to flick itb ut gets rapped on his pads. They collect one.

11.6Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Bowls it on off, it keeps a tad low, Shadab Khan drives it to deep covers for a brace.

11.5Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Slower one, outside off, Imad Wasim guides it to point for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler’s end but misses. A direct hit would have been close.

11.4Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Touch fuller and on off, Shadab Khan taps it to extra covers for one.

11.3Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Slightly shorter and on off, Shadab Khan punches it to the man at covers.

11.2Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Good length, angling in, Shadab Khan covers his line and blocks it back.

11.1Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Lands it on off, Imad Wasim turns it to square leg for one.

Shadab Khan walks out to the middle now.

10.6Rashid Khan to Azam Khan, OUT! PLUMB! Another one bites the dust. Quicker one, it turns back in, Azam Khan looks to flick it but gets beaten as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Azam Khan looks towards Imad Wasim and decides not to review it. Half of Pakistan’s squad is back in the hut now!

10.5Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Bowls it on off, Imad Wasim turns it to mid-wicket for one.

10.4Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Lands it on off, Imad Wasim eases it to covers.

10.3Rashid Khan to Azam Khan, Some turn and bounce, Azam Khan looks to play at it but edges it to point for one.

10.2Rashid Khan to Azam Khan, A googly, outside off, Azam Khan looks to play at it but gets beaten.

10.1Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Bowls it on off, this is played towards covers for one.

Rashid Khan is back on.

9.6Karim Janat to Azam Khan, On a length and on off, Azam Khan punches it but finds the man at covers.

Drinks break. Afghanistan have been pretty good so far. They bagged three wickets in the Powerplay and have now got a timely wicket just when the partnership was brewing up. Pakistan batters, on the other hand, have once again failed to show application and Azam Khan needs to support Imad Wasim here as he walks out to bat.

9.5Karim Janat to Tayyab Tahir, OUT! TAKEN! Slightly shorter and on off, Tayyab Tahir looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes high up in the air. Azmatullah Omarzai calls for it and takes an excellent catch diving to his left. Tayyab Tahir makes his way back into the shed.

9.4Karim Janat to Tayyab Tahir, Too full and on off, Tayyab Tahir drives it but finds the man at mid off.

9.3Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Full and on off, Imad Wasim drills it to mid off for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler’s end but misses.

9.2Karim Janat to Tayyab Tahir, Slightly shorter and on off, Tayyab Tahir punches it to deep extra covers for one.

9.1Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, On a length, on leg, Imad Wasim tucks it to mid on for one.

Karim Janat is into the attack now.

8.6Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, Too full and on off, Imad Wasim turns it to square leg for one.

8.5Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Lands it outside off, Tayyab Tahir guides it to point for one again.

8.4Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, Quicker one, on off, Imad Wasim flicks it to mid-wicket for one again.

8.3Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Full and on off, Tayyab Tahir works it to mid-wicket for one.

8.2Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, Lands it on off, Imad Wasim taps it to deep covers for one.

8.1Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, SIX! All the way. A full toss, on off, Imad Wasim moves forward and heaves it over cow corner for a biggie.

7.6Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, Lands it on off, Imad Wasim taps it to covers for one.

7.5Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, Back of a length again, Imad Wasim pulls it to deep mid-wicket for two more.

7.4Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, Slightly shorter one, Imad Wasim flicks it to mid-wicket. A slight misfield allows the batters to take one more. Two taken.

7.3Azmatullah Omarzai to Tayyab Tahir, On a length, angling in, Tayyab Tahir pushes it to covers for a quick single.

7.2Azmatullah Omarzai to Imad Wasim, Full and on off, Imad Wasim nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

7.1Azmatullah Omarzai to Tayyab Tahir, Slightly shorter, down leg, Tayyab Tahir looks to flick it but the ball brushes his thigh and rolls towards the on side. They cross.

6.6Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Quicker one, on off, Imad Wasim blocks it back.

6.5Rashid Khan to Tayyab Tahir, Slightly shorter and on off, Tayyab Tahir works it to mid-wicket for one.

6.4Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Full and on off, Imad Wasim taps it to covers for one.

6.3Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Bowls it on middle, Imad Wasim covers his line and blocks it away.

6.2Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim, Quicker one, outside off, it skids through, Imad Wasim looks to heave it but misses.

6.1Rashid Khan to Tayyab Tahir, Too full and on off, Tayyab Tahir drives it to deep extra covers for one.

5.6Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Bowls it down leg, Imad Wasim misses his flick and gets rapped on his pads. A stifled appeal turned down.

5.5Naveen-ul-Haq to Tayyab Tahir, Lands it outside off, Tayyab Tahir turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

5.4Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Slightly shorter and on off, Imad Wasim gently pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

5.3Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Full and outside off, Imad Wasim drives it but finds Rashid Khan at mid off. Three dots now.

5.2Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Touch full, around off, Imad Wasim works it to the man at mid on. Dot again.

5.1Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, On a length, on off, Imad Wasim eases it to short mid-wicket.

4.6Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Angles it on the pads and Tahir works it straight to the short fine leg fielder.

4.6Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, WIDE! Bowls it quick and down the leg side. Tahir tries to clip it but misses.

4.5Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Flatter and quicker on off. Tahir punches it back to the bowler.

4.4Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, A full delivery on middle. Wasim drives it to long on for a single.

4.3Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Nicely timed again! Fires it full and quick on leg. Wasim flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.2Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Fires it quicker on middle. Tahir works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

4.1Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, A full delivery on off. Wasim drills it to long on for a single.

3.6Naveen-ul-Haq to Tayyab Tahir, Short and outside off. Tahir tries to cut it but misses.

3.5Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, Bowls it full and on leg. Wasim clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

3.4Naveen-ul-Haq to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Wasim is off the mark in style! An overpitched delivery, around off. Wasim drives it beautifully past mid off for a boundary.

Imad Wasim walks in.

3.3Naveen-ul-Haq to Mohammad Haris, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Haris perishes in a bid to up the ante! On a length and outside off. Haris throws his bat at it but gets only an outside edge. The keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes an easy catch and Naveen-ul-Haq strikes in his first over.

3.2Naveen-ul-Haq to Mohammad Haris, Bowls it full and outside off. Haris drives it to the cover fielder.

3.1Naveen-ul-Haq to Tayyab Tahir, A fullish delivery on off. Tahir drives it to mid off for a single.

2.6Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Goes fuller and around off. Haris drives it to the cover-point fielder.

2.5Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, On a length, on off. Haris defends it towards the point fielder.

2.4Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Risky run! On a length, on middle. Tahir defends it towards the leg side and sets off for a run. Naveen-ul-Haq at mid-wicket runs forward and fires a quick throw at the bowler’s end. However, he misses by just an inch and the batters complete a single.

2.3Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, On a length and outside off. Tahir fends it towards point.

2.2Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Keeps it touch short on middle and leg. Tahir tries to pull it but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

2.1Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, On the shorter side and outside off. Tahir punches it to backward point.

1.6Azmatullah Omarzai to Tayyab Tahir, Tahir is off the mark as well with a lovely shot! On the shorter side and outside off. Tahir just punches it off the backfoot through covers and gets three before the fielder cuts it off.

1.5Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Haris, Back of a length, on off. Haris works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

1.4Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Haris, SIX! Haris is looking in the mood today! Short and off. Haris picks the length quickly and smashes it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

1.3Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Haris, Fraction short on off. Haris tries to pull it but gets a toe-end of his blade.

1.2Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Haris, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries now! Shortish and around off. Haris punches it nicely through covers for a boundary.

1.1Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Haris, FOUR! Haris knows only one way to bat and gets off the mark with a boundary! Back of a length, on off. Haris flat-bats it over mid off for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack from the other end.

0.6Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, On a length, on off. Tahir blocks it off the front foot. Fazalhaq Farooqi starts off with a double-wicket maiden!

0.5Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, A full delivery on middle and leg. Tahir fends it towards the leg side.

0.4Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, No hat-trick! Bowls almost a yorker tailing into middle but Tahir somehow manages to block it.

Tayyab Tahir is the next batter.

0.3Fazalhaq Farooqi to Abdullah Shafique, OUT! LBW! Fazalhaq Farooqi gets two in two and Fazalhaq Farooqi is on a hat-trick! Abdullah Shafique becomes the first player in T20I cricket to get four ducks in a row. This is beautifully bowled, a fullish delivery shaping into middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique tries to flick it but misses. The ball hits his pads and after a big appeal, the umpire raises his finger. Abdullah Shafique takes the DRS though but the UltraEdge shows no bat and the Ball Tracking ends up showing three reds. So, the original decision stays and Pakistan is rocked early.

Abdullah Shafique walks in.

0.2Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a stunner and Afghanistan have got an early breakthrough! Lands it on a good length, around off. The ball nips away a bit after coming in with the angle and Saim Ayub who tries to defend the ball gets an outside edge. The ball goes left of the keeper and Gurbaz takes a brilliant catch diving to his left. Fazalhaq Farooqi is pumped up!

0.1Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Starts off with a full delivery on off. Ayub drives it crisply to the mid off fielder.

We are done with the anthems now and are all set to get the action underway in few minutes time. Afghanistan players are out there in the middle. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris are the openers for Pakistan. Fazalhaq Farooqi to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go…

We are ready for the national anthems now. First up it will be Pakistan’s anthem followed by the Afghanistan one. It is a must-win game for Pakistan and we can expect a better performance from them in this game.

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan says that they wanted to bowl first. Mentions that Sharjah pitch sometimes look different and behaves differently. Adds that they just want to enjoy their game and the important thing is to adjust to the conditions. Informs that they have one change with Gulbadin Naib missing out and Usman Ghani back in the side.

Shadab Khan, the skipper of Pakistan says that they will bat first. Tells that it is a typical Sharjah pitch and in the last game it was different. Mentions that they are looking forward to this game as the four debutants were bit nervous in the last game. Informs that they have one change with Mohammad Nawaz coming in. Talks about Ihsanullah and says that he has shown his talent in PSL and they are excited about him.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani (In place of Gulbadin Naib), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.

Pakistan (Playing XI) – Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Azam Khan (WK), Shadab Khan (C), Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz (In place of Faheem Ashraf), Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah.