Afghanistan have the best spin line-up: Sarfraz
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed admitted that his side was shaken by the Afghans and added that the newcomers have the best spin line-up in the world.
Pakistan escaped defeat, winning their first Super Four match in the ongoing Asia Cup by three wickets in the last over late on Friday night. Shoaib Malik saw them through with a half-century. Needing 10 off the last over, Malik smashed a six and a four on the second and third deliveries to see the team through in a tough encounter.
Spinners Rashid Khan (3/46) and Mujeeb Ur Rehman (2/33) applied the brakes and picked wickets as Pakistan, cruising at 154/1 in the 34th over struggled in the latter overs.
“We were completely rocked by the end.” said Sarfraz after the match.
“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 SHINES
Malik (51* off 43 balls) was the standout performer although he was given a life at 11 when wicketkeeper Mohammed Shahzad dropped him off Rashid Khan.
Malik brought all his experience to the table, digging deep and negotiating the spinners while targeting paceman Aftab Alam in the last over. “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, they are confident. But in the end (if you frustrate them), they are on the back foot. As a batsman, you can show authority on them,” said Malik after the game.
Both Afghanistan and Pakistan had a poor day in the field with Pakistan fieldsman dropping three catches off the bowling of debutant paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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