The opening ODI match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sri Lanka had fans on the edge of their seats as Naseem Shah’s crucial over to Afghanistan’s Ikram Alikhil was marred by a missed wicket due to a misfield.
In a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and Afghanistan, tensions ran high as Naseem Shah delivered the third over to Afghanistan’s Ikram Alikhil. The pressure seemed to be building, but Alikhil seized an opportunity, elegantly driving the ball through the covers, sending it racing.
Alikhil, attempting a brave single, found himself in a mix-up with Gurbaz at the other end. However, a massive chance for a wicket went begging when Fakhar Zaman failed to hit the stumps. The fielder attempted an underarm throw but missed the target.
Adding to the chaos, the wicket keeper Mohammad Rizwan made a desperate attempt to palm the ball onto the stumps, but it proved to be a close call. The run-out decision was referred to the third umpire, creating confusion on the field. Ultimately, the replay showed that Rizwan couldn’t gather the ball in time, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Pakistan!
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 22, 2023
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Inaugurating their maiden bilateral ODI series, Pakistan and Afghanistan renew their cricketing rivalry, recalling their 2019 ODI World Cup encounter, where Pakistan clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory.
Previous showdowns between the two teams occurred in the 2014 and 2018 Asia Cup. This series offers a vital preparation phase ahead of the forthcoming Asia Cup in Pakistan and Sri Lanka this month, followed by the prestigious ODI World Cup in India scheduled for October.
Last Updated on August 22, 2023
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