Twitter reactions: Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq shine as Pakistan pip Afghanistan in a nail-biting 2nd ODI to seal the series

In a thrilling encounter at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan managed to secure a narrow victory by 1 wicket against Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI. With that the visitors also clinched the series 2-0, having won the opening fixture by 142 runs.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 300/5 in their 50 overs. The highlight of their innings was Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s exceptional century. He smashed 151 runs off 151 balls, including 14 fours and 3 sixes.

Gurbaz was well-supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 80 runs off 101 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Mohammad Nabi added 29 runs, while Hashmatullah Shahidi and others chipped in to help Afghanistan set a challenging target.

Pakistan’s bowling attack worked collectively to restrict Afghanistan’s batting onslaught. Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir both claimed 2 wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan took 1 wicket apiece. Despite the Afghan batsmen’s efforts, Pakistan managed to keep the total under control.

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Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq propels Pakistan to a thrilling win

Chasing a target of 301, Pakistan put up a spirited batting performance to reach 302/9 in 49.5 overs, securing a hard-fought victory. Imam ul Haq was the standout performer with a crucial 91 runs off 105 balls, including 4 fours. Captain Babar Azam contributed a well-crafted half-century, scoring 53 runs off 66 balls.

Shadab Khan‘s late surge added 48 runs off 35 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six, which proved vital in the final outcome. Afghanistan’s bowling attack fought valiantly but couldn’t prevent Pakistan’s determined chase. Fazalhaq Farooqi stood out with 3 wickets, while Nabi and Mujeeb both claimed 1 wicket each. In the end, Pakistan managed to scrape through with just 1 wicket remaining, clinching the victory in a nail-biting finish.

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Here is how Twitter reacted:

What a nail-biting match 😲

Pakistan hold their nerve in a final-over thriller to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against Afghanistan 👏

📝 #AFGvPAK: https://t.co/7adcSs5ZCu pic.twitter.com/vikDL0ibcs

— ICC (@ICC) August 24, 2023

Excellent win Pakistan👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) August 24, 2023

What a close game! Great knocks by @RGurbaz_21 @ImamUlHaq12 and @76ShadabKhan 👏🏼 Proud of the boys in Green for chasing this total down and @INaseemShah tumhare to Sadqe Jaon Main 😉 what a finish boy 2-0🏆 . Keep it up larko 🇵🇰💚

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) August 24, 2023

.@iNaseemShah does it again! 🤩

Pakistan ride on @76Shadabkhan's excellent knock and @ImamUlHaq12's glorious 91 to gain an unassailable 2️⃣-0️⃣ lead 💪🇵🇰#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/olIrabso3e

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 24, 2023

Pakistan beat Afghanistan in a thrilling contest 🤯#AFGvPAK #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/tovthS6ELz

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 24, 2023

Pakistan vs Afghanistan is the new blockbuster contest in this generation. pic.twitter.com/Riww8ABvdn

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2023

What a crazy match between Pakistan and Afghanistan!

Pakistan emerges victorious with just 1 wickets and a ball to spare. Afghanistan made a great comeback in this match, tough luck for them! pic.twitter.com/14mMap3ptU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2023

Pakistan winning ODI match by 1 wicket in final over that involved a run-out backing up.

Also in 1987 WC, Pakistan won by 1 wicket in final over that involved a run-out backing up. Except that the run-out didn't happen and batter was let off with a warning.#AFGvPAK

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) August 24, 2023

MOMENT OF THE DAY, NASEEM SHAH🔥💯. #NaseemShah #PAKvAFG #AFGvPAK #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/wDyLBLUw54

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) August 24, 2023

'Naseem Shah really performs well for us with the bat in crunch situations' – Babar Azam ❤️❤️#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/OAnnVGohHQ

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 24, 2023