SHARJAH: Naseem Shah hit two straight sixes to help Pakistan pull off a thrilling one-wicket win over Afghanistan on Wednesday and set up an Asia Cup title clash with Sri Lanka.
Chasing 130 for victory, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 118-9 before number 10 Naseem smashed Fazalhaq Farooqi over the fence in successive balls in the final over in Sharjah.
It was a second Super Four defeat in a row for Afghanistan, and one that also eliminated reigning champions India from the running for a place in Sunday s final.
President, PM appreciate Naseem Shah, national team for their amazing performance
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday appreciated the performance of fast bowler and tail-ender Naseem Shah for his superb performance in the final moments of a nail-biting match between Pakistan and Afghanistan the Asia Cricket Cup 2022.
The president, on his Twitter handle, said that Green Shirts brought smiles on their faces despite the worries of floods.
The president was also impressed with the improved performance of the Afghan team.
“Well done Naseem Shah. Despite our worries because of floods, green shirts bring smiles to our faces. Exciting cricket. I commiserate with Aghan cricketers for excellent and improving performances in the last few years,” the president posted.
The prime minister, on his Twitter handle, praised the youngest talent and posted “Wow (Pakistan)… thank you Naseem for such an amazing finish.”
Young Naseem Shah snatched victory from the clutches of talented Afghan team in the crucial super-four round match in the ongoing Asia Cricket Cup 2022, played in Sharjah stadium by hitting two consecutive towering sixes in the final over of the match, surpassing a challenging target of 129 posted by the Afghan team. Pakistan won the match by one wicket and qualified for the final.