Afghanistan Triumphs Over Pakistan in Thrilling Semi-Final Clash in Asian Games

In a nail-biting encounter at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field, Afghanistan emerged victorious over Pakistan by four wickets in the second semi-final of the 19th Asian Games Men’s Cricket tournament on Friday.

Winning the toss, Pakistan was asked to bat first and found themselves in a precarious position as they were bowled out for a modest total of 115 runs in 18 overs. Omair Yousuf was the top scorer for Pakistan with 24 runs from 19 balls, followed by Aamir Jamal (14), Arafat Minhas (13), and Rohail Nazir (10). Fareed Ahmed, the Afghan pacer, was the chief destructor, scalping three wickets while conceding only 15 runs in his three overs. Spinners Qais Ahmed and Zahir Khan contributed with two wickets each.

Chasing the target, Afghanistan showed remarkable composure and reached 116 for the loss of six wickets in 17.5 overs. Noor Ali Zadran was the star with the bat, scoring 39 crucial runs from 33 balls, including four boundaries and two towering sixes. Gulbadin Naib remained unbeaten with 26 runs from 19 balls, guiding Afghanistan to the final. Pakistan’s spin attack was effective, with Qasim Akram and Sufiyan Muqeem taking a wicket each, while Usman Qadir and Arafat Minhas contributed with two wickets apiece.

With this thrilling victory, Afghanistan secured their place in the final of the 19th Asian Games Men’s Cricket tournament. They will face the winner of the other semi-final in a bid to claim the gold medal.

On the other hand, Pakistan will now compete against Bangladesh in the bronze medal match at the same venue tomorrow. The match is scheduled to commence at 0600 local time.

Brief Scores:

• Afghanistan beat Pakistan by four wickets (13 balls remaining)
• Pakistan 115 all out in 18 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 24, Aamir Jamal 14, Arafat Minhas 13; Fareed Ahmed 3-15, Qais Ahmed 2-11, Zahir Khan 2-20, Karim Janat 1-12, Gulbadin Naib 1-29)
• Afghanistan 116-6 in 17.5 overs (Noor Ali Zadran 39, Gulbadin Naib 26 not out, Afsar Zazai 13; Arafat Minhas 2-11, Usman Qadir 2-20, Qasim Akram 1-18, Sufiyan Muqeem 1-18)