Pakistan vs Afghanistan, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

FOUR! THERE IT IS! There is the winning runs! A full toss on the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi whips it over square leg and the ball races away to the fence. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 8 WICKETS!

Fuller and on off, this is driven wide of mid off for one more.

Fuller and on off, this is lofted over cover for one.

Outside off, this is guided through point for one more.

Around off, blocked again.

On off, defended.

Around off, this is guided to point.

Angled into the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Around off and on a length, this is punched to cover.

SIX! Over the fence! That is the shot which kills the game! Fuller and on middle, right in the slot, this is lofted over the long on fence for a biggie.

On middle, this is played to mid on.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Just the one! 11 needed only! On off, length, this is pushed towards cover. For one.

Two more! Just the two needed now! Fuller and around off, this is driven past the cover fielder and two is taken.

Everything going Afghanistan's way! This is on a length and around off, Rahmat Shah looks to defend, this goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

Another dot! A full ball on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

A full toss on middle, this is hit through square leg for one.

BEATEN! Good length and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to guide it down to third man but is beaten.

Two more! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two. 11 from the over and this is probably the over which kills the game. 19 needed in 24.

Fuller and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

BEATEN! Flatter and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut but is beaten.

Two more! Shorter again and outside off, this is slapped past cover and two taken.

WIDE! The game is slipping away totally! Shorter and outside off, spins away sharply. Wided.

FOUR! Fortunate runs! Hashmatullah Shahidi steps out, this is flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge, past the keeper and down to the third man fence.

Just the one! On middle, a full toss, this is eased down to long on for one. 29 in 29.

Just the one! Fuller and around off, Rahmat Shah looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for one.

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

A dot! Shorter and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi slashes but misses.

Overthrow! The wheels are coming off for Pakistan now! Fuller and on off, this is driven towards mid off. They take one. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. No one backing up. Two taken.

Shaheen is not happy there was a single there! Fuller and on off, this is pushed towards mid off for one.

35 needed in 35 now! A slower one around off, Rahmat Shah pushes it back to the bowler.

Two! Outside off, shorter, this is cut past point for a couple. Another good over for the batting side. 35 needed in 36.

WIDE! Short and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to play the upper cut but misses. Wided.

Another single as this is pushed down to long on.

On the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi works it down to fine leg for one.

WIDE! Extras will only help Afghanistan! Down the leg side. Wided.

Shorter and on the body, Rahmat Shah pulls it down to fine leg and gets one.

Another single! Fuller and ouside off, this is driven through covers for one.

Shorter and on the body, Rahmat Shah nudges it towards fine leg for one.

Two! Tossed up around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi hits it wide of long off for two. That is the kind of over Afghanistan needed! They need just the 44 in 42.

That is a beauty! This is tossed up on leg, it lands and spins away sharply. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend but is beaten.

Flatter and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Two more! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.

FOUR! Top shot with the pressure building and it comes off! The reverse sweep, it goes uppishly but wide of point and for a boundary.

Very well fielded! Tossed up around off, the slog sweep comes out, it is nailed towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs to his left, dives and keeps it down to two.

He does, that is a top over. 54 needed now in 48. Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Extra bounce! Shorter and outside off, Rahmat Shah looks to cut but is beaten. Can he end the over well now?

Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.

That is an easy two! Usama Mir drags it short again, this is slapped past cover for two.

On middle, this is hit down to long on for one more.

The reverse sweep comes out, this is played towards short third man for one.

Leg spin from both the sides as Usama Mir is on!

Two to end then! 58 needed in 54! Hashmatullah Shahidi steps out, this is way too full, he squirts it past point for two.

Make that three in a row! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Sharp turn again! A googly on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it.

Flatter and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

Outside off, shorter, this is cut past point for one.

Flatter and around off, this is guided to point.

Powerplay 3! Now a total of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the end og the game. Shadab Khan is back on. Not sure why Haris Rauf did not continue.

Two more! 62 needed in 60. Still Afghanistan's game to lose. Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers for two.

Fuller and on middle, Rahmat Shah works it to mid-wicket.

Drop and run! Good stuff! A slower one around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

65 in 63 needed! A full toss on off, this is driven through covers. Not off the middle but two.

Good length and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

A loud appeal but turned down! Pakistan review but that seems to be going down leg. NOT OUT! That is a poor review. A desperate review. This is angled into the pads. Rahmat Shah looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad. Pakistan lose a review.

Shaheen Afridi is back on! He got a wicket when his side needed it earlier on, can he get another one?

Another easy run! 68 needed in 66! Outside off, Rahmat Shah pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.

BEATEN! Fuller and outside off, Rahmat Shah looks to drive but is beaten.

A little too straight, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Angled into the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi works it to mid-wicket.

Easy two! Shorter and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi guides it past point for a couple.

Good length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi guides it to point.

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket. 72 needed in 72.

SIX! BANG! Over the fence! That is what Afghanistan! That is exquisite. Shot of the game so far! Takes a few steps down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. He just lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Shorter in length and around off, Rahmat Shah pushes it to covers.

Good length and on off, Rahmat Shah defends it.

Another easy run! Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.

Dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Flighted ball outside off, Rahmat Shah looks to sweep but misses. 79 needed in 78.

FOUR! This is the reason why we felt this is not a good move! Second boundary in the over. This is tossed up outside off. Rahmat Shah brings out the slog sweep, it goes over mid-wicket and into the fence.

On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.

FOUR! Releases the pressure by smacking it down the ground. The series of dot balls ends with a boundary! Tossed up on off, this is slammed down the ground and to the long off fence.

Make that 11. Big turn too. Hashmatullah Shahidi steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Starts well by landing it well! Tossed up on off, this is pushed back to the bowler. 10 dots in a row.

Shadab Khan comes back on. Yet again, not sure if this is the right move. He has not had the best of nights so far.

That is a maiden! What an over. What a spell so far from Hasan Ali! He is bowling his heart out. Especially with the ball reversing, he is causing problems. This is on a length, this one tails back in too. Rahmat Shah looks to drive but misses to get hit high on the pads. A little too high and hence, the appeal is turned down.

Can't really do a lot though about a delivery like that. This is a length ball and it comes back in late. Rahmat Shah looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Dots building and so is the pressure! Another fuller one, a little bit of tail back in. This is pushed to mid on. This is fine for now though for Afghainstan but something tells me, something is going to give here. Sense a big shot coming.

Make that three in a row! Good fielding too! Length and around off, this is pushed straight to cover.

Run rate needed now 6! A good slower one on middle, Rahmat Shah hits it uppishly but short of mid on.

Another dot! Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.

Yet another tidy over! Sharp turn too! Flatter and on off, this lands and spins away. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to point. Things starting to happen for Pakistan now. 88 needed in 90.

Make that two! Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to go after him. He sees the flight and tries to heave it acorss the line but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed back to the bowler. He bowls one here.

One again! On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one. Pakistan need dots and Iftikhar Ahmed is not providing it.

Two more! On middle, Rahmat Shah works it through square leg. Takes two. Easy runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi gets off strike though! On middle, tossed up, this is eased down to long on for one.

They won't mind that single! It gets the new man back on strike! Outside off, this is hit through covers for one.

Make that 4 now! On a length and around off, this is pushed to cover.

Another dot! The runs needed and the balls left is decreasing. Just 5 now! Around off and on a length. Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it solidly.

Hashmatullah Shahidi walks out to bat!

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! That is the wicket Pakistan needed! They are pumped up. Hasan Ali provides it. He has been really good in this spell and deserves this wicket. Also, now with the wicket slowing down a touch, they cna apply pressure with a new batter out there. This is a length ball outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to slash at it, it goes off the outside edge and the keeper does the rest. Really good knock from Ibrahim Zadran! He deserved a ton but it was not to be. 93 needed in 99.

Good length and on off, Zadran pushes it to the fielder at cover.

Another good run! Length and on off, this is pushed towards cover. The fielder dives and makes a half stop. A single taken.

Tossed up on off, kept out. 94 needed in 102. The difference between ball and runs needed is 8.

Two! Shorter and around off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it past cover. Mid off runs to his left, dives and keeps it down to two. Not sure if Iftikhar Ahmed is the right bowler to go to at the moment.

Floats it up on off, kept out.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle, the paddle scoop comes out, this is played fine on the leg side. Two taken.

Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

A little bit of reverse for Hasan Ali! That is a top over. Need a few more of these do Pakistan! This starts outside off and comes back in. Zadran looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. 99 needed in 108.

Almost! That was very close! This starts outside off and tails back in. Ibrahim Zadran looks to drive but misses it. It goes just past the off pole.

Around off, Zadran pushes it to covers.

One! Outside off, Shah plays it through covers for one.

Yet another dot! Length and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Good length and on off, Rahmat Shah pushes it to covers.

DRINKS! Afghanistan's game to lose now! They are well and truly in driver's seat and they should not lose it from here. Both batters are playing sensibly. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah are doing that and need to conitnue to do so. Pakistan on the other hand, need wickets as that is the only way they can win this. Will there be a turn around?

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Around off, defended.

FOUR! Out comes the reverse sweep and it is nailed! Tossed up outside off, this is hit past point and it races away to the fence.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

On middle, the paddle scoop comes out, it is played towards fine leg for two.

A slower one on off, defended.

On the shorter side, this is punched through covers for one more.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Angled into middle, this is workjed through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Bangs it short but it is way too short. It has been wided.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Length and on middle, this is pushed back to mid on.

Change! Hasan Ali is back in!

FOUR MORE! Short and on middle, Rahmat Shah hangs back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder. This is another boundary. This is top over for Afghanistan, all the pressure that was built has been let off. 112 needed more in 126.

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! That is the pressure releaser his side needed. Shorter and outside off, this is cut uppishly past the point fielder and into the fence behind.

On middle, tossed up, defended.

He had to hit that! That was on middle, Shah sweeps but to short fine leg.

Another easy single! Tossed up around off, this is hit through covers for one.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

He does! It is yet another tidy over! Shorter and around off, Ibrahim Zadran guides it to point.

Two more! Angled into the pads, Ibrahim Zadran woks it through mid-wicket and takes two. Just the three from the over. Can he end it well now?

Shortish and outside off, Rahmat Shah looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for one.

Around off, this is defended. Three in a row now. 125 more needed in 135.

Make that two in a row! The energy in the Pakistan camp has gone up now. They can sense they are coming back into the game. Around off and on a length, this is pushed to cover.

One more dot! A short one now on middle, Rahmat Shah ducks under it.

The physio is out as Ibrahim Zadran is suffering from cramps. He is fine now and all set to continue.

He does end it well! This is a decent passage of play for Pakistan. Things have gone quiet. 125 more needed in 138. Shorter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut but misses.

Another dot! Now he needs to end the over well. Floats it up on off, this is pushed to cover.

Rahmat Shah misses out! Shorter and on off, Shah pulls it towards long on for one.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

BEATEN! Another dot! Shortish and outside off, this lands and turns away. Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut but misses.

Usama Mir who comes on now starts off with a tossed up ball on off, this is pushed to cover.

A yorker on middle, this is jammed out to mid on.

Outside off, left alone.

Around off, defended.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

On middle, this is nudged through square leg for one.

Haris Rauf comes back on!

Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Outside off again, this is pushed through covers. A run taken.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off, this is hit down to long off for one.

7 from the over! On the pads, shorter, this is worked through square leg for one.

Just the 136 more needed! Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

Two more! This is turning out to be another good over! Fuller and outside off, this is guided past point for a couple.

Singles coming easy! They need to find a way to stop these singles! Angled into the body, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

A full toss outside off, Ibrahim Zadran carves it past point. Two more taken.

Fuller and on middle, Zadran pushes it to mid on.

Floats it up on off, Shah pushes it back to the bowler.

Good run again! Floats it up on off, this is pushed to cover.

Tosses it up around off, defended.

The googly, it lands on off and spins back in. Defended.

FOUR! Slapped away! That is poor from Shadab Khan! They just got a wicket in the last over and he offers a freebie. This is short and asking to be hit. Zadran places it wide of extra cover for a boundary.

On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

A single to end. Despite the wicket, Afghanistan managed to get 5 from the over. The pressure wasn't built after it. On middle, this is worked on the leg side for one.

Uppish but wide! Outside off, Ibrahim Zadran hangs his bat out, it goes off the outer half wide of point and down to third man for one.

Rahmat Shah is off the mark now! Tip and run! Singles is what will do it for them. Around off, this is pushed towards cover for a quick run.

Rahmat Shah though can take his time to get in! Such was the start! Outside off, fuller, Rahmat Shah shoulders arms to this one.

Yet another wide. Tries the slower one but this comes out wrong, it is down the leg side. Wided.

This is exactly what Babar wants. Dots, dots is what will build pressure. This is shortish and around off, it is guided to point.

WIDE! Not what Babar would have wanted. A wide to the new batter as this is banged in short. Very short.

Rahmat Shah walks out to bat!

OUT! TAKEN! Usama Mir holds onto one! Shaheen Afridi comes on and strikes. Gets the wicket his side wanted. Excellent change from Babar Azam! This is short and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull, this goes off the top edge and towards third man. Usama Mir hangs onto it. He dropped Warner in the last game but this time takes a really good catch. Is this the opening Pakistan needed? Can they build on this now? Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the other hand, has played a fine knock. He has got his side into a good position. Can the middle and the lower order capitalize now?

Change! Shaheen Afridi comes back on now! He needs to pick a wicket for his side here.

That is a good over from Shadab Khan! This is the kind of over they need! The googly, on off, it turns back in. Zadran works it to mid-wicket.

Outside off, this is cut past point for one.

Pushes this through and on off, Gurbaz pushes it to covers.

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Just short! Tossed up outside off, this is driven but straight to cover.

Nicely tossed up and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Gives it air and lands it on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for oen more.

On off, this is blocked.

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

SIX! Over the fence! The game is slipping away from Pakistan here. They need a wicket. Gurbaz is taking it away along with Ibrahim Zadran! This is tossed up around off, this is lofted over the long off fence for a biggie.

Quicker and on off, defended.

Flatter and on middle, kept out.

FOUR! That will release the pressure that was building! Fuller and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran carves it past cover and this one races away to the fence.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Around off, kept out.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

SHOT! Full and on middle, this is hit down the ground and to the long off fence.

That is a tight over by Iftikhar Ahmed! Flatter and on off, defended.

On middle, shorter, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Make that thee in a row! On middle, this one turns in sharply. It is worked to square leg.

Dots is what is needed to build pressure. Two in a row here. On middle, this is worked to square leg.

Flighted ball on off, Gurbaz defends.

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Outside off, this is guided through point for two.

Shorter and on off, this is punched through covers for one.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed to cover.

WIDE! This is well wide outside off. Left alone.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

On middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

DRINKS! Afghanistan are bossing the game, they are well and truly on top, sensible batting is all they need to win this game now. Pakistan on the other hand, need wickets and quickly, if not, they are going to go down in this all important game.

On middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

Shortish again and on middle, defended.

Shortish and outside off, this is flayed past point for a run.

FOUR! Pulled away! That is poor fielding again and the 100 is up! Shorter and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it towards long on. This lands and spins. Shaheen Afridi is wrong footed. Boundary.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Floats it up on off, this is pushed  towards cover.

Shadab Khan comes on!

Ibrahim Zadran misses out! He steps out, makes it into a full toss, this is hit towards deep mid-wicket for one.

NO BALL! Not good. Pakistan are under a lot of pressure here and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has overstepped. This is shorter, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Fifty for Ibrahim Zadran! Solid knock from him. He has not been in the best of forms in this tournament but has done well here. Needs to keep going now. On middle, this is eased down to long off for one.

Gives it air and lands it on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Floats it up on off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Carved away! Pakistan are under tremendous pressure here! This is tossed up, full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran carves it past point, the fielder in the deep, runs to his left, dives and saves two for his side.

A single as this is pushed down to long on for one.

Shorter and on off, Zadran pushes it towards cover.

WIDE! Another short one but this is way too high. Wided.

A short one outside off, left alone.

Fuller again and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on for one more.

FOUR! Pulled away! Shorter and on middle, this is hammered through mid-wicket and this one races away to the fence.

Angled into the pads, Ibrahim Zadran works it around the corner for one.

Fuller and on off, Gurbaz pushes it towards cover for one more.

On the stumps, kept out.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one more.

Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

FOUR! Cut away! On the shorter side and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and hammers it through point. No chance of stopping that.

Fuller and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid on.

Shorter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut but misses.

Shorter in length and on off, Zadran guides it down to third man for one more.

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

FOUR! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Shortish and around off, this is pushed towards cover for another one.

Outside off, on the shorter side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to cut but is beaten.

Tossed up on off, blocked.

Shortish and around off, this is punched to covers.

SHorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

FOUR! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point for four.

Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut but misses.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Outside off, Ibrahim looks to cut but misses.

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed to cover.

A sharp bumper on middle, Ibrahim Zadran ducks under it.

Around off, this is defended.

A bumper on middle, Sharp bumper on middle, ducked under.

On the stumps, this is kept out.

Around off, kept out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Good length and on off, defended.

FOUR! Glorious shot! Shorter and on off, this is pulled through square leg for a boundary.

Around off, this is kept out.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Off the inside edge! Length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to drive but it goes off the inside edge down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Cut away again! Runs flowing now. Shorter and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it past point and this one races away to the fence.

On off, defended.

FOUR! Dispatched! Another one on the shorter side, This is cut past point and it races away to the fence.

FOUR! It finds the gap! Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary. Gurbaz is on a roll here.

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Shortish and outside off, this is cut to point.

Around off, kept out.

FOUR! Cut away! Shorter in length and outside off, this is cut past point and it races away to the fence.

On off, defended.

Around off, kept out.

Shorter and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to cut but misses.

FOUR! Shorter and outside off, this is cut over point for a boundary.

Around off, this is kept out.

Around off, this is kept out.

Around off, defended.

Outside off, this is guided through point for two.

Outside off, Zadran looks to push but misses.

Shortish and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Shorter and on the body, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.

Back of a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and keeps it out.

Good length and around off, defended.

Outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides it down to third man for one.

On the off pole, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it out.

Around off, defended.

Fuller and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to drive but it goes off the inside edge and onto the pads.

Around off, defended.

On the stumps, blocked.

Three more! Angled into the pads, this is worked over the mid-wicket fielder and into the fence.

Around off, Ibrahim plays it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and on off, defended well.

Back of a length and on off, defended well.

Three more! Overthrow, really sloppy! Back of a length and outside off, this is guided down towards third man. They take one. The throw from Hasan Ali is a wild one. No one backing up. Two more taken.

Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and defends it nicely.

Around off, on a length, defended well.

Angled nito the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Back of a length and on off, this is defended. Another top over for Afghanistan.

FOUR! Carves it away! Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and guides it past point. There were three fielders in that region but still manages to put it away.

FOUR! Slammed away! Too short and too wide and Ibrahim Zadran hits it away! He slaps it through covers. Another boundary. Afghanistan off to a flier.

Back of a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran defends it.

Back of a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and defends.

Some nice away shape for Hasan Ali but the line is outside off. Left alone.

Hasan Ali to bowl from the other end!

Drags his length back a little as there is no swing. Ibrahim Zadran looks to defend but it goes off the inner half down to fine leg for one. A really good first over for the chasing side.

FOUR! That is glorious! That is a serious shot! This is full and outside off, a half volley, this is caressed through covers. Shaheen has not had the best of times with the new ball in this World Cup.

Ibrahim Zadran this time was ready for it, this is on a length and on middle, he manages to push it towards mid-wicket. He does not plant his front foot across this time.

Yet another one which tails back in but is on the leg pole. Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Just short! But the fielder could have stopped that! On middle, tailing back in again, this is worked towards mid-wicket. The fielder dives over the ball, it goes towards mid on for one.

FOUR! Perfect start for Afghanistan! Shaheen Afridi gets a little bit of swing but his line is on the pads, Gurbaz works it fine on the leg side and it races away to the fence.

OUT! TAKEN! That is a fine last over from Naveen-ul-Haq! Really good! A short ball outside off, Shadab Khan looks to flat bat it down the ground. He holes out to the fielder at long on. Pakistan END WITH 282!

Shorter in length and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one more.

Slower one outside off, Shaheen Afridi swings but misses.

Two! On middle, Shaheen Afridi jams it out towards mid-wicket and takes two.

OUT! TAKEN! Iftikhar Ahmed falls but he has done a fine job for his side. This is full and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to go over cover. There is a fieler in the deep and he takes it. Really good stuff. Bowled to his field there.

Dot to begin the last over! Outside off, fuller, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to carve it out but misses.

A very unfortunate news coming in! The former Indian captain and a legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi, has passed away. He was 77 years old. Bedi sir was a part of Indian cricket's golden quartet of spinners. His words of wisdom will be missed. Rest in peace, legend!

Two again to end! 16 from the over. This is a massive over for Pakistan. Shorter and outside off, Shadab slaps it towards cover. The fielder dives to his right and makes a half stop. Two taken.

Two! A low full toss, this is hit wide of long on and two is taken.

Well fielded! Outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed guides it towards short third man. The fielder dives to his left and stops it well. Only one.

WIDE! Well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.

WIDE! Pressure, pressure getting to the bowler! Goes short but way too short. Ducked under.

SIX! Another strong hit! Iftikhar Ahmed seems to be playing on a different wicket. Right i the slot though. Fuller and on middle, this is heaved over the long off fence.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Another slower short ball, this is pulled down to long on for one more.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

A single as this is hit down to long off.

Slower one outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes but misses.

FOUR! Edgy! Pakistan won't mind how they come as long as they do. Outside off, fuller, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

SIX! BANG! Over the fence! Right in the slot and it is put away! Fuller and on middle, this is heaved over the long off fence for a biggie.

BEATEN! Shorter and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes at it but misses.

A short one outside off, Shadab Khan looks to pull but it goes off the inside edge towards the keeper.

Around off, this is lofted down towards long off for one.

FOUR! Deft! That is nicely played! Really good shot! This though is a poor ball. Shorter and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed waits and then guides it past point for boundary. Iftikhar Ahmed is playing a gem here.

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

FOUR MORE! This is excellent placement! Full and outside off, Shadab Khan jams it out past the point fielder and it races away towards the third man fence. The fielder runs to his left, dives but his effort goes in vain.

SIX! BANG! Over the fence! Runs flowing now! Short again and on middle, this is haved over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Way too short. Wided.

Shorter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

SIX! KABOOM! That is all power! This is short and on middle, it sits up to be hit. Iftikhar Ahmed waits for it and then slams it over the long on fence for a biggie.

WIDE! A bumper but it is way too short. Ducked under.

A yorker on off, this is jammed down to long off for one.

Short and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

SIX! BANG! The slog sweep is out. It lands around off, it is nailed over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

On the off pole, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it to cover.

Shorter in length and outside off, this is guided to point.

Around off, blocked.

Shortish and outside off, this is guided to point.

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

BEATEN! Length and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to push at it but is beaten.

A yorker on middle, this is jammed through mid-wicket for one.

Fuller and outside off, Shadab Khan looks to drive but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

Better! Fuller and on off, Shadab pushes it to the left of the bowler. Wants a run but is sent back.

FOUR! That is a poor ball to begin with! On the pads, Shadab tickles it fine and this one races away to the fine leg fence.

Change! Finally a seamer comes back into the attack as Naveen-ul-Haq is introduced.

Shortish and on off, Iftikhar Ahmed plays it to point. Tidy over this.

Outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed guides it to point.

On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Tossed up on off, defended.

Another one on the shorter side, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it through covers for one.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Flatter and on off, defended. An excellent spell from Noor comes to an end. He has justified his selection.

OUT! TAKEN! Noor has his third. He gets his revenge on Azam. That is such a timely wicket. Azam was looking to break free and now he falls. Pakistan will now have a new and a relatively new batter out there in the middle at a time where they would have been looking to step on the gas. Perfect chance for Afghanistan to turn the tide in their favor. Not the best of balls by Noor. Shorter and outside off, Azam looks to slap it hard but does so straight to the cover fielder. Nabi takes it. A good knock from Babar but he needed to kick on from here.

A single as this is pushed down to long on.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Brilliant running! On middle, flatter, this is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken.

SIX! BANG! Azam has decided to step on the gas! A biggie to begin this over. Noor under pressure now. 200 up. Tossed up around off, Azam lofts it over the long on fence. That was not a very bad ball but such is the class of this man.

That is some effort! Wow! A serious effort from Noor Ahmad! This is tossed up around off, Azam looks to go downtown but it goes more off the inner half. Noor at long on, runs in, slides but it lands just short. He takes it on the bounce.

Shortish and outside off, it turns back in, this is guided to point.

Around middle, this one spins back in. Shadab Khan looks to defend, it goes off the inner half on the leg side for one.

Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Around off, kept out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket for two.

Shorter and outside off, this is pulled down to long on for one.

That was a chance! Not an easy one but a chance! Shorter and around off, Babar Azam looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It hits his leg and then lobs towards the keeper who fails to react in time.

Outside off, this is guided to point. Azam wants a run but is sent back in time.

Shorter and outside off, this is hit hard to the left of the cover fielder who dives and stops it.

Outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

Tossed up on off, Shadab pushes it to covers.

Around off, defended well.

FOUR! Up and over! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket and it races away.

Around off, kept out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.

Around off, kept out.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On the shorter side again, this is punched through covers for one.

On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Another single as this is swept towards deep square leg.

Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point for one.

Shorter again, this is punched through covers for one more.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Fuller and on off, Azam strokes it through covers for one.

Another single in the cover region.

On middle, kept out.

Two! Outside off, this is hit wide of sweeper cover for two.

Another single as this is punched through covers.

Shortish and on off, this is pushed towards cover.

Three! Fuller and on off, this is driven past mid off for three.

Flatter and on off, blocked.

Around off, defended.

Fifty for Azam! Another good knock from him and he will be eyeing a big one here. His team needs him to bat through as he has a hang of this surface. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

On off, defended.

Angled into the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.

Around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On off, this is kept out.

A single as this is pushed down to long on.

On middle, kept out.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards point for one.

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

OUT! TAKEN! Nabi gets Saud Shakeel and yet again, just as a partnership was starting to grow, it has been broken! That field change probably was on Saud's mind. The mid-wicket was taken out and there was an extra point fielder after the reverse sweep. Saud Shakeel steps out and looks to whip it over mid-wicket. It goes off the leading edge as it turns away down towards long on. Rashid Khan takes a good catch. Saud walks back after getting a start.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

FOUR! Nicely played! Excellent innovation! Brings out the reverse sweep, just uses the pace and plays it past short third man for a boundary.

An appeal but not given! On middle, Saud steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He defends.

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Steps out but the length is shortened again, this is worked to square leg.

A single as this is pushed through covers.

Another googly, Saud waits and then guides it towards point for one.

FOUR! Runs starting to come now! Shorter and outside off, Saud Shakeel waits and then guides it towards short third man. The fielder ends up diving over the ball. Boundary.

Floats it up on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Tossed up on off, Azam plays it to covers.

Around middle, blocked.

Another dot! On middle, this is defended.

Floats it up on off, defended.

Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

On off, kept out.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

FOUR! Up and over! Welcome boundary! This stand is now flourishing. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence.

On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Just the one! The googly, Babar Azam goes for the slog sweep but gets a top edge towards mid-wicket. It is taken by the fielder. One.

Another wide as this is bowled down the leg side. HOLD ON! It is a no ball as the siren goes on. Free Hit coming up.

Around off, defended.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Short and down the leg side. Saud Shakeel looks to pull but misses. Wided.

On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Flatter and on off, defended.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket for one.

Around off, kept out well.

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Quicker and on middle, Saud Shakeel blocks.

Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Bonus runs! Shorter and down the leg side. Shakeel looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to take it cleanly. Two taken.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

On the shorter side, this is pushed through covers for another one.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

Shorter and outside off, this is slapped down to long off for one.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Outside off, this is swept through square leg for one.

Nabi has gone for only 13 runs in his 6! Brilliant! On middle, Azam works it to mid-wicket.

Another dot as this is worked to mid-wicket.

Floats it up on off, kept out again.

Tossed up on off, defended.

Another single as this is punched through covers.

A single as this is pushed through covers.

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Noor felt it was pad first! Looked close! The leg spinner this time, it lands utside off and spins back in. It did hit both bat and pad but not sure what first.

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

On the stumps, kept out.

Outside off, left alone.

Around off, defended.

Shortish again, this is guided past point for one.

Close! Better from Rashid. He needs to be on the stumps and on this length a lot more. He has not been at his best so far. On middle, this one turns back in. Saud looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge towards short fine leg.

Flatter and outside off, Saud Shakeel shapes up to pull but this turns away, it goes to point.

A low full toss, this is wide of long off for one. Saud Shakeel is off the mark.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Brilliant from Noor again! He has bowled with really good control after the first wicket and he looks deadly at the moment. Saud goes back to this googly which lands outside off. He gets an inside edge onto the pads.

A loud appeal but not given! It is reviewed. Impact seems to be outside off! NOT OUT! It indeed is. Not a good review that. This lands outside off and spins back in. Saud Shakeel looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the back pad. Not a good review that. It just never looked out. Noor was pretty much excited but the keeper should have not encouraged the review.

OUT! TAKEN! What a day Noor is having. Back into the side and now has two wickets. He gets the big fish. Rizwan continues to look to sweep him but this time it is slower, it is outside off and it is the googly. There is some extra bounce too. Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep but it goes off the top edge towards short fine leg. Mujeeb Ur Rahman takes an easy catch. Pakistan in a spot of bother all of a sudden.

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Shorter and just outside off, this is chopped towards cover.

On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

Angled into the pads, Rizwan works it past square leg for one.

SIX! BANG! Off the mark in style! That was in the slog and Rizwan puts it away! He plays the sweep and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.

Shorter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

On the stumps, kept out again.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed wide of the bowler and down to long off for one.

Another beauty! This lands around off and then spins away. Mohammad Rizwan is beaten again as he tries to defend. Noor is getting into his own here. A really good over. Landed it well and got the reward.

Rizwan is probably not picking Noor! This is floated up outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep but misses.

BEATEN! Noor has his tail up here! Bowls a googly, it lands on off and spins away. Mohammad Rizwan looks to defend but is beaten.

An appeal but not given! It is reviewed. Has the ball straightened? OUT! THREE REDS! It has straightened enough! Excellent review. This lands around middle and then spins away. Abdullah Shafique looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pad. A successful review. Abdullah Shafique falls shortly after getting past his half ton again. Another stand which was going along well has been broken.

On off, this is pushed to cover.

On off, this is eased down to long on for one.

Dot to end! On middle, defended well.

Quicker and on middle, kept out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle, kept out.

FOUR! Off the outside edge! Pakistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! Outside off, flatter, Abdullah Shafique looks to drive but this ges off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

From around the wicket. This is bowled outside off. Left alone.

Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Brings out the sweep and it is played through square leg for one.

Around off, blocked.

On off, kept out.

Single to end as this is pushed down to long off.

On muffle, defended.

WIDE! Well wide outside off, wided.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Around off, kept out.

Tossed up on off, defended.

FOUR! PUNCHED AWAY! Short and wide outside off this is pushed past cover and it races away.

Around off, defended.

Another googly, it lands around middle and spins back in. Abdullah Shafique looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Fifty for Abdullah Shafique! His good form continues! On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a couple.

That is a beauty! This lands around off and then spins away sharply. Abdullah Shafique is beaten as he tries to defend.

Flatter and on middle, defended.

Outside off, this is cut past point for one.

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

Yet another one as this is nudged on the leg side.

On the pads, this is nudged around mid-wicket for one.

Outside off, Abdullah Shafique guides it past point for one more.

Short and outside off, Azam slaps it through covers for one.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Yet another dot to end! On middle, blocked.

That is a beauty! This lands around off and then spins away. Abdullah Shafique looks to defend but is beaten. The ball is starting to turn. Signs it is going to be tough to bat on as the game goes on.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

BEATEN! Flatter and on off, this lands and spins away. Babar Azam is beaten as he tries to defend.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one more.

A single as this is worked down to long on.

Good from Nabi! Watching the batter till the end! Steps out but does not get to the pitch of it, he pushes it back to the bowler.

Another single as this is eased down to long on again.

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Yet another single as this is eased down to long on.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

This one lands on middle, it seems to be the leg spinner. Defended.

Nicely bowled! Slows it up, lands it outside off and gets it to turn back in a little. Babar Azam looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Flatter this time and around off, Azam defends it.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On the bounce! Shorter and on middle, Azam looks to pull, it goes more off the splice towards long on. One taken.

Tossed up on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Angled into the pads, Azam flicks but finds square leg. Nabi continues to keep it tidy.

Varies his pace well! Slows it up and lands it around off, blocked.

Flatter this time and around off, defended.

Abdullah Shafique steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He pushes it down to long on for one.

Another easy run as this is worked down to long on.

Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Better! Length and around off, Azam defends. This is where he needs to be bowling.

FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai is not learning here! He goes short again to Azam. He is pulled off the front foot. This time Azam gets it over mid-wicket and to the fence. Runs continue to flow.

Extra bounce. An effort ball by Azmatullah Omarzai! Outside off, this one takes off after landing. Babar Azam looks to cut but misses.

Two more! Good stuff again! Shorter and around off, this is pushed past cover for a couple. They need to go a touch fuller.

Two more! Can't bowl short on this surface. Azam pulls it through mid-wicket. Rashid runs to his left and keeps it down to two.

On the stumps, Babar Azam looks to guide it down to third man but ends up underedging it to the keeper.

Nabi continues to keep it tight! Flatter and on off, Abdullah Shafique hangs back and defends it back towards the bowler.

A little bit of hold there! On middle, Abdullah Shafique flicks it but to mid-wicket.

Another dot! Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

Steps out and then works it down to long on for one.

On middle, Azam works it back to the bowler.

Floats it up on off, Azam blocks.

Dot to end a successful over! Shorter and on middle, defended.

Angled into the pads, Azam works it around the corner for one.

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

That is sloppy from Afghanistan! This is shorter and around off, it is pushed towards cover. The fielder has a needless shy at the bowler's end. The fielder backing up does not stop it cleanly and a run is taken.

FOUR! That is glorious! What a shot that is! Shorter and around off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it through covers. He is impecable through that off side.

OUT! TAKEN! Omarzai is making it a habit to take wickets when needed. Did it against the Kiwis and now here when this stand was going along so nicely. This is short and on middle, Imam will feel a little hard done, he pulls it hard but straight to Naveen who takes a sharp catch. Much-needed wicket.

Good stop! Saves a run for his side. On middle, this is pushed to the right of the bowler who dives and stops it.

Fires it on middle, this is blocked.

Angled into middle, this is worked wide of mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up on middle, this is kept out well.

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Tossed up on off, Abdullah Shafique plays it back to the bowler.

A good bumper on middle, Imam-ul-Haq ducks under it.

A slower one now on middle, Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique times it sweatly to mid off. The new ball for now is coming on nicely.

Outside off, Imam-ul-Haq guides it down to third man for one.

Angled into the pads, Abdullah Shafique works it through square leg and takes one.

Good length and on off, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

Around off, blocked.

Now takes one as this is worked through mid-wicket.

FOUR! Way too full and put away! Runs flowing for Pakistan! This is full again and outside off, Abdullah Shafique leans into it and creams it through covers. No chance of stopping that.

SIX! That is a lovely stroke! Held his shape brilliantly. This is tossed up on off, Abdullah Shafique steps out and gets to the pitch of it. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Tossed up on off, blocked.

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Tidy from Mohammad Nabi! On middle, Abdullah Shafique pushes it back to the bowler.

Another one on middle, defended well.

Quicker and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid-wicket.

This is pushed through, it is on off, Abdullah Shafique keeps it out.

Angled into the pads, Imam-ul-Haq works it down towards fine leg for one.

Flatter and on middle, this is defended well.

FOUR! That is a poor delivery! A hit-me ball. Short and down the leg side. Abdullah Shafique pulls it past short fine leg and this one races away. Pakistan are off to a flier here.

Around off, defended.

On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

Overthrow! On middle, shorter, this is pulled down to long on for one. The fielder hits the stumps at the non-striker's end. It deflects away from the fielder backing up. Two taken.

FOUR! Cut away! Way too short and it is punished. This is cut past point and the ball races away to the fence.

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

A good short one, around off, Imam-ul-Haq evades it.

On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

A quick run now! Around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.

SIX! Over the fence this time! This is banged in short and on middle, it sits up to be hit nicely. Abdullah Shafique rocks back and hammers it over the square leg fence for a biggie. Not a wicket you want to bowl short on.

FOUR! Lovely stroke again! This is full and around off, a half volley, this is timed nicely through covers and it races away to the fence.

On the stumps, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

On the shorter side, this is pushed to the man at cover.

On middle, Imam-ul-Haq walks across and nudges it to mid-wicket again.

Angled into the pads, Imam-ul-Haq works it to mid-wicket.

Angled into the pads, Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

Around off, this is kept out.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

On the stumps, defended.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Up and over! That is a top shot from Abdullah Shafique! This is full and around off, Abdullah Shafique lofts it over the bowler's head and it goes to the fence.

This lands just short! Around middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but closes this face of the bat early. It goes off a soft leading edge towards mid off. The wicket already seems quite slow.

Around off, Abdullah Shafique defends it.

WIDE! Well wide outside off, left alone.

Fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

A single to end! Around middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Another one on the pads, Abdullah Shafique misses the flick and gets hit on the pads.

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Around middle, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

Another single as this is hit towards mid on.

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

FOUR! The last ball spoils the over! On middle, on the pads, this is flicked past the mid-wicket fielder and this one races away to the fence. Good first over for Pakistan.

Good length again and around off, this is pushed to cover.

Another dot! Length and around off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it to covers.

In the air but wide! Fuller and outside off, Abdullah Shafique carves it uppishly but wide of point and down to third man for one.

Makes the batter play this time, on a length and around off, this is defended.

Starts off with one just outside off, Abdullah Shafique watches it go to the keeper.

Done with the Anthems! It is time for the action to begin. The Pakistan openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdul Rahman walk out to the middle. A lot of spinners on show for Afghanistan today so we expect them to open with spin. Let's wait and watch who gets the new ball. It is pace to begin with, Naveen-ul-Haq has the first new ball in hand.

Time for the National Anthems! The players make their way out to the middle. Afghanistan will sing their first and then it will be Pakistan's turn.

Afghanistan (PLAYING XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad.

Pakistan (PLAYING XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf.

Hashmatullah Shahidi says they wanted to bat first too but the toss is not in their hand. Informs they have one change, Noor Ahmad comes in for Fazalhaq Farooqi! Adds more spin will be better for them.

Babar Azam says the wicket seems a touch dry and hence, they want to bat first. Informs they have one change, Mohammad Nawaz is out and Shadab Khan comes back in. Adds they need to step up in all three departments. Ends by saying they want to give their 100 percent and hope to do well in this game.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT!

PITCH REPORT - Pommie Mbangwa and Aaron Finch doing the pitch report say the straight boundaries are longer than the short boundaries. Adds there won't be a lot of pace on this surface as there is not a lot of grass. Ends by saying, this could be the slowest pitch.

We are closing in towards the business end of the tournament and each and every game is of high importance now especially for the teams languishing in the lower-half of the table and the two sides, battling it out in this game and in that category. It is Pakistan and Afghanistan. This game is a must-win for both of them. Especially for the likes of Afghanistan who are right at the bottom of the table. They'll need a win if they are to keep their hopes of going through to the next round alive. Pakistan on the other hand, have been a tad disappointing so far in this tournament. However, a win here will see them enter into the top 4. They are surely favourites for this encounter and will be hoping to get back to winning ways. Toss and teams in a bit.

... MATCH DAY ...

We are approaching the halfway point of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and it is now time for match number 22, which sees two Asian rivals, Pakistan and Afghanistan, square off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Babar Azam's Pakistan find themselves fourth in the standings with two wins and two losses from four games, whereas Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan are languishing at the bottom with a solitary win from the four games played. Having stunned the reigning champions, England, Afghanistan went up against New Zealand riding high on confidence, but the Kiwis proved too good for the Asian side. While chasing 289 runs for victory, the Afghan batters could never really get going, and in the end, they were bowled out for 139. Afghanistan were pretty ordinary in the field, dropping crucial chances, and they were made to pay for it. If they are to get the better of Pakistan, they will have to pick themselves up with the ball and in the field. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were not able to have the impact expected from them with the new ball and will have to step up in this game. In the middle phase, the experienced duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will have to weave their magic on a surface likely to assist spin. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has stood out with the bat for Afghanistan but has not found much support from the rest of the batters. His opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, is having a lean run in the competition, as is Rahmat Shah. Ikram Alikhil has shown a lot of promise and will be expected to forge partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai in the middle order. On the other hand, Pakistan also suffered a defeat in their last outing against Australia. Having conceded back-to-back losses, they will be eager to return to winning ways. Pakistan failed to turn up in the field, which allowed Australia to post a massive total. In their pursuit of 368, the two openers started well, but once this stand was broken, the loss of wickets at crucial intervals meant that they ended up on the losing side. With only one fifty from the last seven innings, Pakistan will need their skipper, Babar Azam, to fire and fire quickly. Mohammad Rizwan continued his brilliant form, while fifties from Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq should give the two openers some much-needed confidence. When it comes to the bowling department, one name that stands out is Shaheen Afridi, whose five-wicket haul in the previous encounter restricted Australia to a lower total. Haris Rauf has been taken to the cleaners, and a senior bowler like him will have to pull his socks up. Playing in place of Shadab Khan, Usama Mir was not able to justify his selection and even dropped David Warner early on. It will be fascinating to see if Usama gets another game or if Shadab is called back into the playing XI. Having never faced an ODI defeat against Afghanistan, Pakistan are the favourites to come out on top. Will they cruise to a victory? Or does Afghanistan have another upset up their sleeves? We will find out together.