Fiery Pakistani bowlers helped Pakistan thrash Afghanistan in the first ODI match and take a lead of 1-0 in the series. Pakistan and Afghanistan are playing 3-match ODI series in Sri Lanka in preparation for Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan thrashed Afghanistan by massive 142 runs after bowling them out for a mere 59 runs at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. Nepal will be facing Pakistan on 30th August in the opening match of Asia Cup 2023.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan were wrapped up for 201 runs in 47.1 overs. Opener Imam-ul-Haq top scored with 61 runs. Down the order, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed contributed 39 and 31 runs, respectively. Meanwhile, Babar Azam was sent back for a duck.
Spinners picked up eight wickets for Afghanistan. Mujeeb ur Rahman picked up three, whilst Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan grabbed two each.
In response, Afghanistan were bundled out for a mere 59 runs – their second-lowest ODI total. Haris Rauf took a fifer to wrap up the opposition’s inning in 19.1 overs. Only Rahmanullah Gurbaz (18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (16) could score a double-digit figure. Four batters were dismissed for a duck.
Haris Rauf conceded 18 runs from 6.2 overs and grabbed five wickets (6.2-2-18-5). Shaheen Afridi pocketed two wickets, whereas Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah picked up one each.
Rauf was adjudged player of the match for his sensational spell. The next match will be played on 24 August at the same venue.
