Afghanistan Shock Pakistan with Dazzling All Round Display in Sharjah

Afghanistan demonstrated again why they are becoming the force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket as they pulled off a memorable victory over Pakistan in Sharjah. Their success was achieved through the team effort of their newcomers Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal who batted maturely and composedly and then an excellent performance by the bowlers who never let Pakistan pursue the target. The Afghan team achieved a 18 run victory and tied on points with their counterparts in the tri series that is now even more thrilling for the spectators.

The game started with Afghanistan opting to bat first and the initial loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a mere eight runs would have dented them. Instead, Atal and Ibrahim teamed up and formed one of the crucial partnerships for their side. Atal executed an eye-catching straight drive at the start of his innings that indicated his confidence whereas Ibrahim counter attacked Haris Rauf for a four and a six in an over to put the pressure again on Pakistan. The Pakistani fielders also had a few lapses which aided the Afghan batters to settle in. A misfield cost them five additional runs and the pair quickly completed their fifty partnership in the ninth over when Ibrahim executed a quite amusing sweep shot that went over the umpire's head for four.

The run rate was consistent but Saim Ayub bowled economically conceding only 18 runs in his four overs and kept things under wraps for Pakistan. But the 14th over totally revised the scoring of the innings as Atal and Ibrahim let loose a series of strokes against Sufiyaan Muqeem. That over cost 20 runs with Atal hitting his second international fifty. Their association reached 113 runs before Ashraf finally picked up by dismissing Atal. Ibrahim kept on firing and took his fifty too and attacked Rauf again with three boundaries in an over. Pakistan's top bowler on the evening Faheem Ashraf returned to bundle out both Omarzai and Ibrahim in the same over and then added Karim Janat to his list finishing with excellent figures of four for 27. In spite of all this a late burst by Mohammad Nabi who blasted a four and a six took Afghanistan to 169 for five from their 20 overs which was a difficult target on that pitch.

Pakistan's run-chase began with a six by Sahibzada Farhan off debutant Ghazanfar, which provided their fans with hope. However, any momentum was dashed as Saim Ayub got out first ball to Fazalhaq Farooqi. Fakhar Zaman appeared to be in form with a couple of successive boundaries while Farhan contributed a four and a six before being bowled by Farooqi. Pakistan reached 52 for two after the PowerPlay with Zaman and Salman Ali Agha hitting big shots but the innings soon lost direction. Zaman edged one straight to short third man and Agha was run out soon after leaving Pakistan wobbling.

Afghanistan sensed the opening and their bowlers tightened the grip. Hasan Nawaz fell to Noor Ahmad while Nabi dismissed Mohammad Haris to keep Pakistan under pressure. Nawaz and Ashraf attempted a rebuilding in the death overs but Rashid Khan snapped back with two scalps off successive balls which doused Pakistan's last hopes. Noor Ahmad then got rid of Ashraf which was the fatal blow before Haris Rauf gave the crowd some late fireworks. Rauf hit four sixes in the latter stages but the target was beyond reach and Pakistan closed on 151 for nine off their 20 overs.

The Afghan bowling attack should be commended for the manner in which they distributed the workload. Four different bowlers finished with two wickets apiece indicating it was a team effort. Farooqi attacked early and established the tone whereas Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan wrapped the middle order in a web. Nabi employed his experience astutely to shatter stand between partnerships at important moments. Every bowler remained true to their role and never allowed Pakistan batters to dominate for long periods.

For Pakistan the pick was easily Faheem Ashraf who demonstrated his worth with the ball. His four for 27 was by far one of the better spells in the match but not sufficient to mask the lapses elsewhere. The batting was devoid of partnerships and the middle order did not rotate strike when necessary. With the exception of Zaman's brief burst and Rauf's finishing sixes the innings never truly took off.

Conversely Afghanistan will draw huge confidence from this display. Their younger batters demonstrated that they have the ability to construct long stands under the gun and their bowling again demonstrated why it is regarded as one of the most perilous in the T20 game. Defeating Pakistan always means a lot to Afghan supporters and to do it with such a comprehensive team performance makes it all the more sweeter. The victory also places them in good contention for the tri series and instills them with belief that they are capable of defeating any top team with the right combination of batting and bowling.

This game showcased the increasing maturity of Afghan cricket. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal played patiently and aggressively at the right points which provided the ideal platform. The bowling unit then carried out their plans with discipline and distributed the wickets amongst themselves. Pakistan were left racking their brains after not being able to chase a target which seemed possible at one point in time but let go due to weak shot selection and incisive Afghan bowling.

The night in Sharjah will be one to remember as another landmark in the cricketing history of Afghanistan. It was not only a victory but a declaration that they are no longer the underdogs but serious competitors capable of defeating better sides with bat and ball. It was a wake-up call for Pakistan that despite individual brilliance the failure to come as a team can result in losing in the shortest form of the game where every over counts.