PAK vs AFG: Watch – Afghanistan seal first-ever T20I series win over Babar Azam-less Pakistan, full stats

Pakistan were two down without opening their account after Fazalhaq Farroqui struck twice in the first three balls of the first over. Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed Mohammad Haris (15) in the fourth over to reduce Pakistan to 20 for three before the end of fourth over.

It was then that Tayyab Tahir (13 off 23) held fort from one end and helped Imad Wasim, who came down to bat at number five, to take Pakistan past the 50-run mark. After Tahir was dismissed on the second last ball of the tenth over, captain Shadab Khan joined hands with Wasim.

The duo forged an unbeaten 66-run partnership off 54 balls to help Pakistan post a 131-run target. Wasim scored 64 not out runs off 57 balls while Shadab Khan scored 32 unbeaten runs off 25 balls. Three Afghanistan bowlers including Rashid Khan carried an economy rate under five.

Later, Afghanistan easily chased down the total comfortably courtesy Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 44 and handy contributions from Ibrahim Zadran (38), Najibullah Zadran (23*) and Mohammad Nabi (14). Five runs were needed off the last over, and later two was required of two balls when Zadran finished the match with a four.

What a momentous occasion for Afghanistan cricket! ????????

AfghanAtalan have created history by securing their first-ever T20I series win over traditional rivals Pakistan. It’s a triumph of grit, courage, and teamwork. pic.twitter.com/nQ7jjqmm14

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 26, 2023

At the start of the series, Afghanistan had lost each of their three T20I matches. However, the team have turned the tables in the absence of senior Pakistan members Babar, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi.

In the first T20I, Pakistan were restricted to 92/9 after a stunning bowling performance from Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan who chased down the target with six wickets in hand.

The last match – a dead rubber now – will be played on Monday, March 27.

PAK vs AFG: Let’s have a look at the keys stats from the series so far

• Abdullah Shafique have now got out for four consecutive ducks in T20I cricket. He scored 41 unbeaten runs in his debut T20I before getting out without scoring in his next four matches in the format.

Most Runs

Imad Wasim (PAK) – 82 runs at a strike rate of 92.13

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) – 60 runs at a strike rate of 90.90

Mohammad Nabi (AFG) – 52 at a strike rate of 110.63

Most Wickets

Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG) – 4

Ihsanullah (PAK) – 3

Mohammad Nabi (AFG) – 2

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG) – 2

Rashid Khan (AFG) – 2

Naveen-ul-Haq (AFG) – 2