AFG 300/5 (50)

PAK 302/9 (49.5)

Pakistan won by 1 wkt

Brief scores: Afghanistan 300/5 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 151, Ibrahim Zadran 80; Shaheen Afridi 2-58) vs Pakistan 302/9 (Imam-ul-Haq 91, Babar Azam 53, Shadab Khan 48; Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-69) 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (151) and Ibrahim Zadran (80) put on a slog-overs-long double-century opening partnership that propelled Afghanistan to a solid total of 300/5 against Pakistan in the second One-Day International.

Afghanistan chose to bat on a brand-new Hambantota surface, which performed far better than in the first ODI, despite their disastrous batting performance in the previous match. Although there was initially some activity, it rapidly diminished, allowing Gurbaz and Ibrahim to settle into their routine. While his partner took his time to find his rhythm, the former was the aggressor for the most of the inning. The innings didn't really pick up steam until Gurbaz increased the stakes at the 20-over point.

While captain Hashmattulah Shahidi delivered a few knocks towards the finish to guarantee that Afghanistan reached 300, Mohammad Nabi, who was promoted to number three, contributed with a useful cameo. With the start they had, the final score does seem to be roughly 25–30 short, especially when the dew started to form. However, Afghanistan will think they have a good chance of tying the series if the total is high enough.


Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, as well as Mohammad Wasim Jr., who was left out of the XI, have all demonstrated their talent before. So much so that in a game when the two sides were separated by 142 runs, the outstanding nine-wicket haul by Afghanistan's spin trio and the fact that the home team bowled out Pakistan for the first time in ODIs were forgotten about and made irrelevant.

The batsmen from both sides won't likely face any new hurdles in the second ODI on Thursday.

With only two games remaining until the Asia Cup, Pakistan has their starting lineup set. They would be fully aware that, despite the wide margin of victory, their batsmen struggled against Afghanistan's spinners. The batting order is largely likely to stay the same, however there may be occasions to play about with their backup bowlers.

Afghanistan's batting performance right now against Pakistan's pace attack is far from competitive. They would have the chance to be more prepared for Thursday's matchup if they knew more about the anticipated operating times for the second game. Their pacers may mimic Pakistan's strategies while their spinners would have little to work with.

When: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 3:00 M Local Time

Where: Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Hambantota

What to assume: Similar to way it played in the first ODI, the pitch is predicted to be slow and sluggish. Although a few brief showers are expected, the sky will generally be clear.

Team News:

Afghanistan: On the batting front, there will be a number of issues to overcome, but the hosts are expected to present an unchanged team. At best, Pakistan could be persuaded to choose Noor Ahmad as their fourth spin option given their difficulty countering spin.

Expected XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Abdul Rahman, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan: Even if the visitors appear to be in good shape when it comes to their bowling, there may be a temptation to play Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Mohammad Nawaz even though they are unlikely to make the starting lineup for the Asia Cup and the World Cup if everyone is healthy.

Expected XI: Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf/Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Tried to take advantage of the situation by using it. Although the game was low-scoring, as a bowling unit we had confidence and the pitch required hard length bowling, which is how I took my wickets, said Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf after taking his first ODI wicket.

Squads:

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Abdul Rahman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Najibullah Zadran, Wafadar Momand, Riaz Hassan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abdullah Shafique