Ashraf four-for limits Afghanistan to 169

Web Desk

SHARJAH: All-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s maiden four-wicket haul lifted Pakistan to curtail Afghanistan to a par total in the fourth match of the T20I tri-series here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up a massive total of 169/5 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a monumental second-wicket partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Afghanistan got off to a shaky start to their innings as Saim Ayub dismissed their explosive opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (eight) in the second over with just 10 runs on the board. Following the early stutter, Zadran joined Atal in the middle, and together they raised 113 runs during their second-wicket partnership. The century-plus stand was eventually broken by Faheem Ashraf in the 16th over when he got Atal caught at long-on. The left-handed opener smashed three fours and as many sixes on his way to a 45-ball 64. Faheem picked two more wickets in his next overs, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai and set batter Zadran, and reduced Afghanistan to 146/4 in 17.5 overs.

Zadran remained the top-scorer for Afghanistan with 65 off 45 deliveries, laced with eight fours and a six. The right-arm pacer then dismissed veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi (six) in the final over to round up his career-best bowling figures of 4/27. Skipper Rashid Khan and fellow all-rounder Karim Janat remained unbeaten on eight each. Besides Faheem, Saim Ayub was the only wicket-taker for Pakistan, making one scalp for 18 runs in his four overs.