AFG vs PAK: Naseem Shah Jokingly Credits Afghanistan's Bowlers For Improved Batting Performance During Series Opener
Updated - 23 Aug 2023, 05:10 PM
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Pakistan’s fast bowler, Naseem Shah, humorously discussed his batting performance in the first ODI of the three-match series against Afghanistan in Hambantota. Naseem Shah credited Afghanistan’s bowlers for his improved batting performance in the series opener.
Pakistan beat the Afghan team by 142 runs in a low-scoring clash at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium on Tuesday, August 22. The Men in Green were bowled out for 201 runs in 47.1 overs. Pakistani bowlers restricted the opposition to 59 runs in just 19.2 overs.
Credit Goes For Afghanistan Bowlers – Naseem Shah
During a recent PCB video talk with Mohammad Haris, Naseem Shah emphasized the importance of runs at the end of Pakistan’s innings, stating that those runs made a significant difference in the match outcome.
“Credit goes to their [Afghanistan] bowlers,” Naseem said.
“Look, the team needed it, and we are making efforts. We practice on all aspects of batting, so when the team needs it and we have scored a few runs; in the end, it benefits the team because we had to defend a low total, and our runs were very few, and when these twenty runs were added, we scored 200 runs; and then you saw what happened,” he added.
Naseem Shah contributed to a 35-run partnership with Shadab Khan for the ninth wicket in Pakistan’s innings. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 18 runs off 27 balls, including two boundaries.
Pakistan Secured Convincing Victory In First ODI
The Babar Azam-led team won the toss and opted to bat first. Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up three wickets, while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan secured two wickets each. Opener Imam-ul-Haq emerged as the highest scorer, contributing a crucial 61 runs to the team’s total.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers seemed unplayable during Afghanistan’s innings. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three early wickets within the first four overs. Haris Rauf dismantled Afghanistan’s middle-order batters with his fiery spell, ending with a remarkable 5-wicket haul.
Haris Rauf was named the Player of the Match for his bowling performance. The Men in Green will be hoping to secure the series victory when they take on the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team in the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday, August 26.
