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In the second ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan, tensions ran high as the two teams battled it out in a last-over thriller in Hambantota on Thursday, August 24. Matches between these two sides often stir emotions, and this encounter was no exception. The climax of the game witnessed a contentious incident when Fazalhaq Farooqi ran out Shadab Khan at the non-striker’s end in the final over. This dramatic turn of events marked the ninth wicket to fall for Pakistan, and with 11 runs still required for victory, the pressure squarely rested on Naseem Shah to steer his side across the finish line.
Naseem Shah’s last over heroics with the bat
As the contest reached its climax, Naseem and Haris Rauf kept their composure. Naseem’s heroic four off the penultimate ball of the innings secured a sensational one-wicket victory for his side against Afghanistan, propelling them to a 2-0 lead in the series after successfully chasing down a daunting target of 301.
Farooqi, the same bowler who had been at the receiving end of Naseem’s heroics earlier, bore the brunt once again. Notably, it was Farooqi whom Naseem had hit for two crucial sixes to secure a dramatic one-wicket win for his side, a victory that had cemented Pakistan’s place in the 2022 Asia Cup T20 final.
At one point, Pakistan had stumbled to 211/6, and defeat seemed imminent. However, the all-rounder Shadab took charge and breathed new life into Pakistan’s run chase. He played a remarkable knock of 48 off 35 balls, putting Pakistan on the brink of victory.
Naseem’s touching words after thrilling victory
Naseem’s game-winning heroics earned him the admiration of his teammates, who welcomed him back to the boundary ropes with applause. The jubilant scenes in the Pakistan dugout were captured in a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board‘s social media channel. The 20-year-old, deeply moved by the significance of the moment, expressed his emotions.
“I’d just say one thing – I wish my mother could have seen this today. I don’t have words right now.” Naseem said.
Here’s the video:
Still not over last night's incredible finish❓
Revisit the winning moments and reactions of the players after the second ODI 🤩#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/ZORuk52Blj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 25, 2023
For the unversed, Naseem’s s mother had tragically passed away just before his Test debut in 2019 in Australia.
Speaking of the game, Afghanistan had set a daunting target by amassing 300 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The linchpin of their innings was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who crafted a spectacular 151. Pakistan’s response had been a rollercoaster, but thanks to Shadab’s tenacity and Naseem’s nerve-wracking heroics, they clinched a memorable victory.
With this win, Pakistan surged to a 2-0 lead in the series. The anticipation now builds for the third and final ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled for August 26.
