Pakistan A overwhelmed Afghanistan by 150 runs in the second One-day International to gain decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Friday. A remarkable piece of bowling by Sadaf Hussain (4 for 46) played vital role in the hosts’ victory. Earlier, Skipper Sohail Tanvir decided to bat first after winning the coin’s battle and Pakistani batsmen piled up 327 for 7 in the 50 overs. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam laid a solid foundation by aggregating 108 runs for the first wicket.
Sharjeel scored 64 and Babar 63 runs after facing 54 and 67 balls respectively. During the blistering innings of 64 runs, Sharjeel smashed 10 fours and a huge six while his partner Babar hit eight fours. Umer Amin also scored 63 runs with the help of four boundaries and a six, as he played 81 balls and was dismissed by Samiullah.
Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed played an unbeaten innings of 46 runs in just 28 balls. He hit four fours and one six. Usman (23) and Naved (13) were the other main contributors for the winning team. Dawlat captured three wickets for Afghanistan by conceding 82 runs in his 10 overs while Sami and Mohammad Nabi shared each one wicket by giving 21 and 55 runs respectively in 4 and 10 overs.
Left arm pacers Sadaf Hussain and Sohail Tanvir crushed Afghan batsmen and did not allow them to settle on a batting friendly pitch as both shared six wickets. Sadaf claimed 4 for 46 while Sohail got two wickets by conceding just 23 runs in 8.5 overs. Zulfiqar Babar grabbed two wickets giving away 34 runs in 10 overs.
Interior Minister, Rehman Malik graced the closing ceremony as chief guest. Sadaf Hussain was declared best player of the match. Member National Assembly Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, President, Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA) Shalik Sheikh and other officials were present on this occasion.
