Asian Games 2023: Afghanistan thrash Pakistan in the 2nd semifinal; set to take India for the Gold medal

In a low-scoring contest at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Afghanistan displayed remarkable resilience and secured a spot in the Gold medal match by defeating Pakistan by 4 wickets.

Pakistan Innings

Winning the toss and electing to first first, Afghanistan’s bowlers came prepared to stifle Pakistan’s batting lineup. They succeeded in doing so, limiting Pakistan to a total of 115 runs in 18 overs. Omair Bin Yousuf was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing 24 runs to the total. Fareed Malik was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, claiming three crucial wickets.

Afghanistan Innings

In response, Afghanistan faced early challenges but stayed composed. Noor Ali Zadran emerged as the hero for Afghanistan, anchoring the innings with a resilient 39 runs off 33 balls. Skipper Gulbadin Naib played a crucial late-innings cameo, scoring 26 runs off 19 deliveries, including three sixes. Afghanistan managed to chase down the target with 13 balls to spare, sealing their place in the Gold medal match.

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Arafat Minhas and Sufiyan Muqeem stood out with the ball for Pakistan, picking up two wickets each. However, their efforts fell short as Afghanistan reached 116-6 in 17.5 overs, securing a comprehensive victory.

Gold Medal match

With this win, Afghanistan have now advanceed to the Gold medal match, where they will face India in a highly anticipated clash. Cricket enthusiasts can expect an exciting showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses as they vie for the prestigious Asian Games T20I Gold medal.

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