Prime News Network
ASIA CUP PREPARATIONS
Zadran-Atal Century Stand Powers Afghanistan Victory
Cricket headlines highlight Ibrahim Zadran’s 65 and Sediqullah Atal’s 64 guiding Afghanistan to a pivotal 18-run win against Pakistan during Asia Cup preparations in Sharjah. A structured bowling display saw four Afghan pacers take two wickets apiece, with Prime News Network providing live updates from the UAE tri-series. Faheem Ashraf emerged as Pakistan’s top performer with 4/27, though his efforts couldn’t prevent the neighbors from climbing the standings.
First Innings Drama: Spinners Strike Early
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Afghanistan faced an immediate setback with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s dismissal for 8 by Saim Ayub in over 2 (0-8-21). Atal and Zadran’s 113-run partnership began cautiously at 18/1 after 4 overs before accelerating with innovative strokeplay. Zadran especially targeted Haris Rauf’s short balls with back-to-back boundaries, while Atal’s inside-out six over umpire’s head emphasized their aggressive approach according to Prime News Network live coverage.
Game-Changing 14th Over Unleashes Afghan Middle Order
The match’s pivotal moment occurred when Sufiyaan Muqeem was punished for 20 runs in over 14, including three fours and a six. Atal registered his second T20I half-century while surviving setbacks: both batsmen ran well before his dismissal to Ashraf. Azmatullah Omarzai’s fortunate survival on the last ball became crucial as Afghanistan posted 169/5 with strategic contributions from Mohammad Nabi’s final over onslaught (16 runs off Rauf).
Pakistan’s Chasing Effort Collapses Despite PowerPlay Promise
Pakistan’s chase gained momentum in the PowerPlay (52/2) mainly through Fakhar Zaman’s early boundaries. However, Farooqi’s inspired bowling at the death phase turned the tide, removing key batsmen including Sahibzada Farhan (34) and Salman Agha. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad restricted scoring opportunities, although Rauf’s explosive batting cameo (34*) featuring four sixes put late pressure. Despite their 151/9 total, Afghanistan’s -12 run rate proved decisive according to Prime News Network match analysis.
Match Statistics: Key Performers
Match Scorecard: Afghanistan 169/5 (Zadran 65, Atal 64; Ashraf 4/27, Ayub 1/18) defeated by 18 runs. Pakistan 151/9 (Rauf 34*, Fakhar 25; Noor 2/20, Nabi 2/20).
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Prime News Network
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