To say that the people of Afghanistan have been through a lot recently would be a tasteless understatement, but their national cricket team - still rank outsiders - has given the beleaguered country a glimmer of hope for the future. They performed admirably in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, have gained Associate status, and on Friday, played their first ODI against a Full Member team. Their opponents were their neighbors and allies in their quest to become an established cricket country, Pakistan, who were high off their first ever Test whitewash of England were looking to get ready for the ODI series to follow.
Afghanistan fight, but Pakistan too well-oiled
Bravely, Afghanistan's captain Nowroz Mangal chose to bat upon winning the toss. They made a bright start before Umar Gul made the first breakthrough, removing Noor Ali Zadran at 23/1. Mohammed Shazad blitzed quick boundaries, including a reverse sweep for 6 off Saeed Ajmal, but fell to a brilliant catch to become the first of Shahid Afridi's many victims. 54/2, and Afridi ran through the middle order to rock Afghanistan after they crossed 100 at 101/5.
Samiullah Shenwari and Mohammed Nabi almost took the Afghanis to 150, but Nabi was run out for 37. Afridi eventually claimed his 5th of the innings, as the death overs saw lusty blows and a rapid fall of wickets to leave Afghanistan 195 all out.
Hopes of an upset were briefly raised when Dawlat Zadran removed Mohammed Hafeez and Asad Shafiq before the 10th over to surprise Pakistan at 42/2, but there weren't enough runs scored to force a mistake. Imran Farhat reached a half-century with a trio of boundaries off Hamza Hotak, but fell with the score on 99. Misbah-ul-Huq and Younis Khan's breezy half-century saw off some good Afghani bowling and fielding to deliver Pakistan a comfortable victory by 7 wickets, with 77 balls left to spare.
A promising perfomance
The result was expected, but Afghanistan did well to almost bat out their 50 overs, then take a couple of quick wickets to put Pakistan on their toes. It wasn't enough, obviously, but for a first outing against a Full Member team, Afghanistan batted with pluck and acquitted themselves very decently.
Pakistan look ready for England
For Pakistan, no such concerns as they look forward to the England series. The bowling was on the mark, and Shahid Afridi continues to pick up five-wicket hauls almost at will. The batting wasn't really stretched, although the cheap dismissals of Mohammed Hafeez and Asad Shafiq will keep England's bowlers interested.
At the end of the day, this may not have been Afghanistan's game, but it was their story. Let's hope there are more to come.
Pakistan vs. Afghanistan:
- Afghanistan 195 all out (Karim Sadiq 40, Shahid Afridi 10-0-36-5) in 48.3 overs, at 4.02 runs an over
- Pakistan 198/3 (Younis Khan 70*, Dawlat Zadran 9-2-38-2) in 37.1 overs, at 5.32 runs an over
- Pakistan win by 7 wickets
- Man of the Match: Shahid Afridi
Michael Perera - The only rule in writing is honesty. If you're honest, the words will write themselves.
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