Pakistan beat Afghanistan by three wickets in a nail-biting contest in Leeds on Saturday, winning their second last group stage match of the World Cup 2019 and keeping their hopes alive for the semi-final.
The unpredictable Pakistani batting order faltered once more, until all-rounder Imad Wasim came to the rescue, taking the team over the finishing line in the final over with an unbeaten 49.
Minnows Afghanistan looked on course for their first victory of the tournament as Pakistan fell to 156-6 chasing a total of 228, but a much-needed four from Imad Wasim saw the 1992 champions over the line with two balls to spare.
Courtesy Shaheen Afridi’s 4-47, complemented with Wahab Riaz and Imad Wasim’s two wickets each, Pakistan restricted Afghanistan to 227. What appeared to be a smooth sailing score for Pakistan became a tough challenge after back-to-back wickets.
Here’s how Twitterati reacts:
Imad Wasim is a pro at banging afghanis. Afghan jalebi for a reason.
— umar. (@Umarhehe) June 29, 2019
Muhammad Umair Tariq marked himself safe during Pakistan’s match against Afghanistan.
— Muhammad Umair Tariq (@cricRebel) June 29, 2019
CAUSE OF DEATH: PAKISTAN CRICKET TEAM.
— nma (@namaloomafraaad) June 29, 2019
Thukraa k mera pyar, mera intaqaam dekhy giiii.#AfghanJalebi #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/6V57NvGOiG
— HAMAS ?? (@HamasulGhani) June 29, 2019
main janaza parhnay gaya hua tha wahan har banda mobile nikaal kar bas score hi dekh raha tha
— A h m e d (@Ahlvled_) June 29, 2019
WAHAB RIAZ, NUMBER 8 BATSMAN, WITH A FRACTURED FINGURE, DID MORE TO PAKISTAN BATTING IN THIS WORLD CUP THAN HAFEEZ, A MIDDLE ORDER BATSMAN WHO HAS BEEN IN TEAM FOR 17 YEARS.
— Jerry Smith (@TireddTedIII) June 29, 2019
First I get into their beds then I get onto their nerves pic.twitter.com/KcK0u3MD2B
— KHURRAM NASEER ?? (@BhattiGalSun) June 29, 2019
subah tek ruk ja beta, humaray karan arjun aa rehy hain https://t.co/g18Kc70laV
— Amirr (@ammirrr) June 29, 2019
1992 ke World Cup mein bhi Allah ne hee jeetaya tha.
— SIR .. (@SirJohnRoe) June 29, 2019
India aaj Pakistan ki jeet pe itna khaffa hai aur eik Pakistani hain jo apne pyaray humsaya mulk Bharat ki sunday ko England ke khilaaf match mein jeet ki duaen maang rahe hain. Huge difference between the two countries.
— SIR .. (@SirJohnRoe) June 29, 2019
I kinda get it now how Bob Woolmer died.#PAKvsAFG#CWC19
— Moiz Qazi (@MoizQazi14) June 29, 2019
Ser Imad Wasim of Swansea pic.twitter.com/DB94jmkggI
— az?? (@AzLannister) June 29, 2019
