• Pakistan defeated Afghanistan in a thrilling 2nd ODI to bag the series.

  • Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match for his quickfire batting.

Twitter reactions: Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq shine as Pakistan pip Afghanistan in a nail-biting 2nd ODI to seal the series
Pakistan beat Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI (Image Source: Twitter)

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In a thrilling encounter at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan managed to secure a narrow victory by 1 wicket against Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI. With that the visitors also clinched the series 2-0, having won the opening fixture by 142 runs.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 300/5 in their 50 overs. The highlight of their innings was Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s exceptional century. He smashed 151 runs off 151 balls, including 14 fours and 3 sixes.

Gurbaz was well-supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 80 runs off 101 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Mohammad Nabi added 29 runs, while Hashmatullah Shahidi and others chipped in to help Afghanistan set a challenging target.

Pakistan’s bowling attack worked collectively to restrict Afghanistan’s batting onslaught. Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir both claimed 2 wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan took 1 wicket apiece. Despite the Afghan batsmen’s efforts, Pakistan managed to keep the total under control.

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Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq propels Pakistan to a thrilling win

Chasing a target of 301, Pakistan put up a spirited batting performance to reach 302/9 in 49.5 overs, securing a hard-fought victory. Imam ul Haq was the standout performer with a crucial 91 runs off 105 balls, including 4 fours. Captain Babar Azam contributed a well-crafted half-century, scoring 53 runs off 66 balls.

Shadab Khan‘s late surge added 48 runs off 35 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six, which proved vital in the final outcome. Afghanistan’s bowling attack fought valiantly but couldn’t prevent Pakistan’s determined chase. Fazalhaq Farooqi stood out with 3 wickets, while Nabi and Mujeeb both claimed 1 wicket each. In the end, Pakistan managed to scrape through with just 1 wicket remaining, clinching the victory in a nail-biting finish.

Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar picks India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2023

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.