HAMBANTOTA: Pakistan showcased their dominance in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against Afghanistan with a resounding 142-run victory, thanks to a remarkable five-wicket haul by Haris Rauf. The Afghan batting lineup struggled to chase down a target of 202 runs, eventually being bundled out for just 59 runs in the 13th over.
Opting to bowl first, Afghanistan’s spin attack initially restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 201 runs, despite Imam-ul-Haq’s battling half-century. Mujeeb Ur Rahman led the attack with three crucial wickets, including that of Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with a wicket each.
Pakistan faced a shaky start, losing both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman early on, reducing them to 7-2 in just two overs. However, Imam-ul-Haq steadied the ship with a patient innings of 61 runs from 94 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab Khan (39). The partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Iftikhar Ahmed stood out as they stabilized the innings with a crucial 50-run stand.
Afghanistan’s spinners managed to take seven wickets, with Mujeeb-ur-Rehman leading the way with three wickets, and Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi taking two wickets each.
Afghanistan Batting Collapse Against Pakistan’s Face Attack
In response, Afghanistan’s batting collapsed against a fierce Pakistan pace attack, spearheaded by Haris Rauf’s maiden five-wicket haul. The Afghan batsmen struggled to find their footing and were eventually dismissed for just 59 runs in the 13th over.
Afghanistan looked in trouble from the start, as they scored only 1 run in the first over of Shaheen Shah Afridi and then again 1 run in second over of Naseem Shah. Shaheen Shah Afridi got a breakthrough in the third over, when he dismissed Ibrahim Zadran for a duck. On the next ball, he got the wicket of Rahmat Shah to send him back for a golden duck. Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi was next, who made sure that Shaheen Shah Afridi did not get his hat-trick. But in the next over Naseem Shah got his wicket for a duck.
Afghanistan’s first three batters who got out, failed to score any run, as they lost three wickets for just four runs. The top order crumbled, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah causing early damage. Haris Rauf’s exceptional bowling performance ensured that the Afghan batsmen had no chance to settle.
With this victory, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The second match of the series is scheduled for August 24, followed by the final showdown on August 26.
