Pakistan secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare. Naseem Shah played a heroic role, just as he did in a previous Asia Cup encounter against Afghanistan, guiding Pakistan to a close win.
Chasing a target of 301, Pakistan had a solid start with openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq putting on a 52-run partnership. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq then added a crucial 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Imam-ul-Haq was the top-scorer for Pakistan with 91 runs.
However, Afghanistan fought back, taking quick wickets and reducing Pakistan to 211/6. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan added a cautious 47-run partnership to stabilize the run chase. Shadab Khan was playing a vital role until he was dismissed for 48.
In the final over, Pakistan needed 11 runs to win, but the game got even more interesting when Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi mankaded Shadab Khan during his run-up. Despite the tension, Pakistan’s tailenders, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, showed nerves of steel to secure the victory on the penultimate delivery. Naseem Shah remained unbeaten on 10 off five deliveries, hitting two crucial boundaries.
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 300/5, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s outstanding 151-run innings. Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran formed a brilliant 227-run opening partnership, the second-highest against Pakistan in ODI cricket. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Shaheen Afridi, managed to restrict Afghanistan in the death overs, ensuring the target was achievable.