Afghanistan have the best spin line-up: Sarfraz
ABUDHABI: Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed admitted his side was shaken by Afghanistan but felt their rising opponents have the best spin line-up in the world.
Pakistan escaped defeat, winning their first Super Four match in the Asia Cup by three wickets with three balls to spare on Friday. Shoaib Malik saw them through with an unbeaten half-century.
Needing 10 off the last over, Malik smashed a six and four on the second and third deliveries to see the team through in the tough encounter.
Afghan spinners Rashid Khan (3/46) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/33) had applied the brakes as Pakistan, cruising at 154/1 in the 34th over, struggled in the later overs.
“We were completely rocked by the end,” Sarfraz said.
“Afghanistan batted very sensibly, and they have the best three spinners in the world, especially on these pitches. Anyone who chases against them will have to do really well.”
Malik (51 no) though was given a life on 11 when wicketkeeper Mohammed Shahzad dropped him off Rashid Khan.
Malik brought his experience into play as he rotated the strike, ran hard between wickets and negotiated the spinners before targeting paceman Aftab Alam in the last over. It dashed Afghanistan’s hopes of registering their first win over Pakistan.
“At one point the required rate was almost 10 but I kept telling myself to bat till the end because we had batsmen to hit the big shots later. I think even the good bowlers, when they’re bowling in the middle overs, are confident. But in the end (if you frustrate them), they are on the back foot,” Malik said.
RASHID, HASAN FINED
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali along with Afghanistan duo Rashid and skipper Asghar Afghan were fined 15 per cent of their match fee for poor conduct during the game.