AFG vs PAK: Watch: Naseem Shah Gives Fitting Reply To Fazalhaq Farooqi After Latter Runs Out Shadab Khan At Non-Striker's End

The second ODI between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Hambantota ended in a thrilling manner as the latter registered a 1-wicket win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan were on the verge of sealing a historic first ODI win over their bitter rivals but were denied by Naseem Shah’s heroics in the final over.

Batting first, Afghanistan bounced back from their disastrous batting display in the first ODI and posted a big total of 300 for 5 in the allotted 50 overs. The architect of the big total was their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a run-a-ball 151 to guide his team to the big total.

He also shared a big stand of 227 runs with opener Ibrahim Zadran who scored 80. At one stage, Afghanistan were looking set to post well above 300 runs but they failed to finish strongly. In reply, Pakistan were on 170 for 1 at one stage before losing wickets in a heap to find themselves reeling at 211 for 6. A 47-run stand between Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan then steadied the ship for them.

Naseem Shah’s fitting response to Fazalhaq Farooqi:

In the end, Pakistan needed 11 runs from the final over with two wickets in hand. The onus was on fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi to seal the historic victory for his side. The left-arm pacer had 11 runs to defend in the final over against Naseem and Shadab Khan. He had the chance to become a hero for his country. However, the left-arm pacer failed to defend the 11 runs.

He only increased the pressure on himself by running out Shadab Khan at the non-striker’s end before the first ball after the Pakistan star left his crease early. Farooqi had to contain Naseem Shah who had famously hit him for back-to-back sixes to seal a thrilling win for Pakistan in Asia Cup last year. Naseem Shah looked really angry after Shadab’s run-out and the platform for another pulsating duel between him and Farooqi was set.

And once again, Naseem Shah won the battle as he hit the pacer for two fours to seal another memorable win for Pakistan. His reaction after hitting the winning runs said it all as the Pakistan pacer celebrated the win in an animated manner.

Watch:

Farooqi’s gonna remember this one for his life.#AFGvPAK #NaseemShah #BabarAzam #Shadabkhan pic.twitter.com/YH3r7zFuXC

— N (@metanoiaaa1) August 24, 2023