Key occasions
eleventh over: Afghanistan 67-0 (Gurbaz 30, Ibrahim 37) Target 283. Usama, who had a nightmare of a World Cup debut in opposition to Australia, takes up the assault as the sector spreads – the primary spin. But he falls into the identical entice because the seamers, too quick and broad to Zadran, who completely loves it on the market – again to smashing boundaries by means of cowl. The leggie recovers, seven from the over, however fast strain.
tenth over: Afghanistan 60-0 (Gurbaz 28, Ibrahim 32) Target 283. And in spite of everything that… a maiden to to Zadran end the facility play. We noticed how resilient Haris Rauf was on Friday when having 24 taken from his first over then backing as much as play a task, and he’s completed so straight away right here after his first went for 17. But nonetheless, Afghanistan are forward on this match, make no mistake. Pakistan should bowl them out.
ninth over: Afghanistan 60-0 (Gurbaz 28, Ibrahim 32) Target 283. Mike Atherton makes a great level on telly concerning the after-dark circumstances at Chennai being good for India when chasing in opposition to Australia earlier within the event – on that event, the pitch was much better for spin when the solar was shining. Back to the center, and Hasan has changed Shaheen – swung round to the opposite finish. And guess what? Another boundary – by means of the off facet, that’s the shot of the evening to date from Zadran who laces a canopy drive between two fielders contained in the circle. They’re as much as 11 boundaries in 9 overs to date. The pictures of Pakistan’s coach, Mickey Arthur, are telling – he’s completely ticking. Not uncommon for him, to be honest.
eighth over: Afghanistan 55-0 (Gurbaz 28, Ibrahim 27) Target 283. Haris Rauf is Pakistan’s quickest bowler and he’s on to exchange Hasan Ali, who hasn’t been crash-hot to date. But pace is a recipe for but extra boundaries, with Gurbaz overtaking Ibrahim within the area of an over – 17 runs coming from it! The first three boundaries are crunched by means of the luxury facet, taking benefit of tempo and width – actually dominant stuff, not giving the brand new bowler any likelihood to settle. The ultimate ball is a lot better, zipping again off the seam, however luck goes with the right-hander, an inside edge beating going over the center stump and racing to the rope as effectively. I stated initially that Afghanistanx wanted to place a dent on this chase by the tip of the tenth over, effectively they’ve completed that already with two overs left with the sector up.
seventh over: Afghanistan 38-0 (Gurbaz 12, Ibrahim 26) Target 283. Shaheen continues in search of a wicket – that is such an essential partnership. There’s just one ball for Gurbaz to throw his arms at and he does so by reducing exhausting into the turf, the ball leaping over the fielder contained in the circle and working away for 4. Babar must be cautious right here – it isn’t the plan to bowl Shaheen for 5 overs off the highest however there isn’t rather a lot of seam assist with three spin choices to comply with shortly.
sixth over: Afghanistan 34-0 (Gurbaz 8, Ibrahim 26) Target 283. Messy from Pakistan. Before the attraction/overturn there’s a misfield from Shaheen at deep third. It prices them one not three, however nonetheless, the vitality isn’t good from the boys in inexperienced to date. This is bolstered by Hasan’s ultimate ball right here, giving Ibrahim one thing quick and broad sufficient exterior the off stump to smash away, so he does simply that – 4 extra.
“If this is to be the last 50 over World Cup, then the format is done, right?” The query from Kevin Wilson. “I can’t see any logic in pointless bilateral series, and then what is the reason to play the game at the domestic level? I am sure the ECB are looking on, excitedly, having already sidelined this competition. I can guarantee there will be a T20 World Cup every year now for whatever spurious reasoning.”
Well, it is dependent upon how detailed and dramatic you need me to go right here. In a paragraph, I think there’ll be a dramatic discount of worldwide cricket by the point we attain the subsequent FTP, which from reminiscence kicks in by 2028. Of course, we’ll get our fill every summer time in England and Australia (as an illustration) the place Test cricket underpins the printed offers. But these drawn to the concept of IPL and IPL-adjacent T20 leagues dominating the calendar with worldwide home windows will likely be completely satisfied.
NOT OUT! Flat line… it has missed the whole lot; no noise picked up. An odd one.
IS IBRAHIM OUT CAUGHT BEHIND HOOKING? He’s given out on the sector by Paul Reiffel following the attraction from Hasan Ali however the assessment comes straight away.
fifth over: Afghanistan 28-0 (Gurbaz 8, Ibrahim 20) Target 283. Just a pair of singles off Afridi right here, giving them nothing. The problem for Babar Azam, at all times so, is how he makes use of the remaining seven overs. They missed a trick in opposition to Australia, leaving him till over quantity 35 after 4 off the highest. But once you’ve acquired one apparent standout bowler like this, there’s no simple reply for a skipper.
As Tim talked about earlier, we’ve acquired unhappy information of Bishan Bedi’s passing. An all-time grasp of his craft, which he was artwork along with his lovely strategy. Vale.
4th over: Afghanistan 26-0 (Gurbaz 7, Ibrahim 19) Target 283. Zadran takes Hasan Ali over sq. leg for just a few – not fairly the timing for an additional boundary however retains the strain on. Better from the skilled right-armer, getting one to return again off the seam to find the within edge of Gurbaz however it misses the woodwork. Afghanistan’s batting has been robust by means of this comp with the exception of their misadventure in opposition to New Zealand final week. So a lot of that is about perception.
third over: Afghanistan 22-0 (Gurbaz 6, Ibrahim 16) Target 283. Better from Afridi, who belatedly finds his vary. The solely scoring shot is elevated by one after a pair of wayward throws from the identical supply – each sloppy and humorous.
The Cricketer understands that the ICC plans to stage conferences in November to debate the longer term of 50-over cricket, with a number of members involved about falling spectator numbers each on the grounds and on tv | @GeorgeDobell1 https://t.co/iZC6nzwmAO
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMagazine) October 23, 2023
Gee, what a shock this report is. So unhappy. So avoidable. Own targets in every single place.
2nd over: Afghanistan 18-0 (Gurbaz 5, Ibrahim 13) Target 283. Hasan will get the opposite new ball and begins effectively to Zadran – full and straight. But three dots are adopted by back-to-back boundaries. The first of these is minimize away with ease then the subsequent is one other of these sq. drives we noticed within the first over from the right-hander – what a sound that makes out the center of his bat. It was important they began this manner.
Now, a reminder of the place Pakistan are at. Having saluted of their first two video games in opposition to the Dutch and Sri Lanka, they had been then spanked by India and crushed in a high-scoring affair by Australia on Friday. They merely should win in the present day with South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England to return – a tricky run dwelling.
1st over: Afghanistan 10-0 (Gurbaz 5, Ibrahim 5) Target 283. Four from the primary ball! Gurbaz helps away a full swinging supply that’s off target, clipped to fantastic leg. Ibrahim’s flip later within the over, utilizing the tempo to hammer the left-armer by means of level on the sq. drive – too full, high batting. Just the beginning they wanted.
The gamers are again! Zadran and Gurbaz, can they take advantage of of the facility play? It would possibly assist Afridi get busy too, on the again of a five-wicket bag in opposition to Australia on Friday. Sure sufficient, he’s taking the primary over. 283 is the target. PLAY!
Adam Collins
Nice one, Tim. Lovely to be sharing duties with you over right here as soon as once more. I caught sufficient of the primary innings to get the sense that that is what we will count on within the second half of the group stage as these grounds take extra site visitors on them. So with that stated, Pakistan’s 282-7 is a contact higher than it appears; boundaries received’t be simple to return by as soon as the sweepers retreat. It makes Afghanistan’s upcoming energy play much more essential than regular with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, one of essentially the most thrilling opening partnerships in world cricket in the intervening time, greater than succesful of placing an actual dent into this, even in opposition to Shaheen Afridi.
And let’s hope this will get as tense because it was 4 years in the past when these groups met. Maybe to not the extent that it boiled over then with fisticuffs within the crowd (unlikely as that’s given how few Pakistan followers are about), however these groups don’t get alongside so you may count on to see a bit of that if the blue-and-reds get shut.
Stay in contact with me over the subsequent few hours – e-mail or tweet, you determine.
Pakistan began effectively, completed very effectively, and went to sleep in between. Afghanistan’s 4 spinners had been glorious, as if placing on an prompt tribute to the late nice Bishan Bedi, chief of a spin quartet himself.
The teenage wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad loved a memorable debut, dismissing all the massive names within the Pakistan high order – Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. But then Iftikhar Ahmed took over, blasting 40 off 27 balls and including 73 off solely 7.3 overs with Shadab Khan. At the break Pakistan are again on high, however Afghanistan have a sporting likelihood.
That’s me completed: Adam Collins will likely be with you shortly. Thanks on your firm as ever.
PAKISTAN FINISH WITH 282 (Shadab c Nabi b Naveen 40)
fiftieth over: Pakistan 282-7 (Shaheen Shah Afridi 3) Naveen does effectively on the loss of life, not simply dismissing Iftikhar however stopping boundaries after which nabbing Shadab, caught at long-on off the final ball.
WICKET! Iftikhar c Azmat b Naveen 40 (Paistan 279-6)
Live by the sword, die by the sword. Iftikhar toe-ends a large one to deep additional, however he’s completed a terrific job right here – 40 off 27 balls, with two fours and 4 sixes.
forty ninth over: Pakistan 279-5 (Shadab Khan 40, Iftikhar Ahmed 40) Azmat dishes up a large after which a present – tempo on, within the slot, lofted for an additional six by the remorseless Iftikhar. The subsequent two balls are wides too, and that’s 16 off the over. The wheels have now left the constructing.
forty eighth over: Pakistan 263-5 (Shadab Khan 35, Iftikhar Ahmed 32) Naveen continues as Hashmatullah doesn’t have a lot selection now. He is pumped for six by Iftikhar, then edged for 4. Iftikhar has batted like a person who’s pissed off along with his captain for utilizing up so many overs.
Afghanistan have completed so effectively with their spinners, and but, as a way to win this match, they’re nonetheless going to have to drag off the best run chase of their historical past.
forty seventh over: Pakistan 250-5 (Shadab Khan 33, Iftikhar Ahmed 21) Rashid is finished now, with a thrifty 10-0-41-0, and the wheels are lastly coming off for Afghanistan. With the part-time seamer Azmat of their sights, the batters’ eyes gentle up. Shadab pulls for six, then dabs for 4; Iftikhar duplicates the dab and that’s 16 off the over. This partnership has already rattled up 44 off 5.1 overs.
forty sixth over: Pakistan 234-5 (Shadab Khan 22, Iftikhar Ahmed 16) Iftikhar’s crunchy cameo continues as he drop-kicks Naveen for six. With a number of singles and a pair of wides, the over goes for 13. That’s extra prefer it.
RIP Bishan Bedi
Ah, unhappy information. Bishan Singh Bedi of India, the perfect sluggish left-armer ever to play in a patka, has gone to the good dustbowl within the sky on the age of 77. Condolences to his household and his many mates within the recreation.
forty fifth over: Pakistan 221-5 (Shadab Khan 19, Iftikhar Ahmed 8) Matthew Hayden, on commentary, is simply saying how exhausting it’s to hit a comfortable ball on a sluggish pitch – “like trying to hit an orange” – when Iftikhar manages to swing Rashid into the group for six. “That’s out of the orchard!” says Hayden. Nice restoration.
forty fourth over: Pakistan 215-5 (Shadab Khan 19, Iftikhar Ahmed 2) The four-spinner coverage has labored effectively, however Hashmatullah has to return to seam now, so Naveen returns. His first ball is a freebie on the pads that goes for 4 leg-byes however the remaining of the over is tight – two singles, 4 dots.
forty third over: Pakistan 209-5 (Shadab Khan 18, Iftikhar Ahmed 1) After choosing up the wicket of his reverse quantity, Hashmatullah can sniff blood within the water. He gave Noor two slips for his ultimate ball, and now he has a slip in for Rashid. He hasn’t taken a wicket in the present day, however he’s gone for just one boundary in 54 balls: 9-0-35-0.
Noor Ahmad finishes with 3-49
forty second over: Pakistan 206-5 (Shadab Khan 16, Iftikhar Ahmed 0) It was a slightly weary final over from Noor, however he has taken the three massive wickets and he deserves them for his fearless persona in addition to his wristy talent. At 18, he appears a beautiful prospect: Afghanistan cricket might effectively have discovered its second celebrity.
WICKET!! Babar Azam c Nabi b Noor 74 (Pakistan 206-5)
Babar lastly hits a six – after which perishes! It’s a poor ball from Noor, however it does the trick as a flailing minimize shot produces solely a straightforward catch at extra-cover.
forty first over: Pakistan 196-4 (Babar Azam 65, Shadab Khan 15) Babar has acquired the message ultimately. He pulls Rashid for 2, then tries to flat-bat him for six – and will get solely a single as Noor Ahmad, at long-on, comes flying in, dangers a damaged tooth, and makes a terrific tackle the half-volley. The child is a star.
fortieth over: Pakistan 191-4 (Babar Azam 61, Shadab Khan 14) Afghanistan are in all probability the worst fielding facet within the World Cup, however they’re sharpening up now. Babar, dealing with Noor, is tied down by two good stops in a row on the off facet. Frustrated, he goes for an enormous pull, will get an edge, virtually performs on and could possibly be caught behind – however the ball results in the groin of the keeper, Ikram Alikhil. Happily he’s smiling, not wincing.
thirty ninth over: Pakistan 189-4 (Babar Azam 60, Shadab Khan 13) Babar hits a 4! Mujeeb feeds him a protracted hop, probably pondering it’s a protected wager, and he manages to shovel it into the hole to the left of deep sq.. That’s Babar’s first boundary for a number of years 47 balls.
thirty eighth over: Pakistan 183-4 (Babar Azam 55, Shadab Khan 12) Back comes Noor. He’s oozing confidence, telling his elders the place to face within the area. The batters are discovering the singles, 5 of them on this over, and Babar even tries an enormous shot – a lofted sweep, too half-hearted to go for six and even 4. Off these final 12 overs, he must get 60.
thirty seventh over: Pakistan 178-4 (Babar Azam 52, Shadab Khan 10) Hashmatullah, at all times eager to maintain a bit of Rashid up his sleeve, brings again Mujeeb, who will get labored round for 4 singles and a two. “He’s been good, Babar,” says a commentator. No, he hasn’t! After beginning in fourth gear, he’s acquired caught in second.
thirty sixth over: Pakistan 172-4 (Babar Azam 49, Shadab Khan 6) That was Mohammad Nabi’s final over. His ultimate ball goes for 3 as Shadab whips it previous him, however it’s nonetheless been an imposing spell: 10-0-31-1.
Fifty to Babar
Milestones normally get an exclamation mark on the OBO, however I’m sorry, Babar simply doesn’t deserve one. Except for this: he hasn’t hit a 4 for 38 balls!
thirty fifth over: Pakistan 167-4 (Babar Azam 49, Shadab Khan 2) Babar, nonetheless unsure in opposition to Rashid, virtually performs on as he pats the ball down into his crease. He might not really feel any extra comfy on being joined on the crease by Shadab, whom he had simply dropped and solely introduced again when Mohammad Nawaz fell ailing this morning.
thirty fourth over: Pakistan 163-4 (Babar Azam 47) Shakeel had simply performed his private shot of the day, a reverse sweep for 4. But then he takes one liberty too many, when Pakistan have principally been enjoying too protected. Half the blame for that wicket rests with Babar, who has been so passive since his perky begin.
WICKET! Saud Shakeel c Rashid Khan b Mohammad Nabi 25 (Pakistan 163-4)
Just when he was getting on high, Shakeel miscues an enormous hit and chips a easy catch to deep mid-on.
thirty third over: Pakistan 158-3 (Babar Azam 46, Saud Shakeel 21) Hashmatullah will get the message about his prodigy needing a relaxation and brings again his most important man, Rashid. He bowls one dangerous ball, giving Shakeel the possibility to chop for 4, with a little bit assist from a misfield. Shakeel, so shaky at first, is settling in now.
thirty second over: Pakistan 151-3 (Babar Azam 44, Saud Shakeel 16) Newsflash. Pakistan have hit a 4! And Mohammad Nabi has conceded one! After seven overs of superlative accuracy, he drags the primary ball of this over down and permits Saud Shakeel to get maintain of the pull. Nabi retains calm and goes again to dishing up dots and the odd single, however his figures have taken a tiny dent: 8-0-21-0.
thirty first over: Pakistan 145-3 (Babar Azam 43, Saud Shakeel 11) Hashmatullah opts to maintain Noor on despite the fact that he’s visibly tiring. He bowls one other broad after which a no-ball, however Babar has been treading water for a while now and he can solely sky the free hit into the arms of the person at midwicket.
thirtieth over: Pakistan 139-3 (Babar Azam 41, Saud Shakeel 9) Anybody bear in mind Flat Jack Simmons? Mohammad Nabi is bowling like Jack in his portly pomp. He now has seven overs, none for 15, and except my reminiscence is enjoying tips all of these 15 have are available in singles. Fabulous.
twenty ninth over: Pakistan 137-3 (Babar Azam 40, Saud Shakeel 8) The batters can’t hit a 4 to avoid wasting their lives in the intervening time. Instead they set about amassing some singles, which matches fairly effectively. Noor bowls his worst over to date, together with two wides, one of which bobbles away for 2 byes. After six overs, two for 26, it’s time for Hashmatullah to present him a breather.
twenty eighth over: Pakistan 128-3 (Babar Azam 38, Saud Shakeel 5) Hashmatullah, having some enjoyable along with his hand of 4 spinners, determine to avoid wasting up 5 overs of Rashid Khan (5-0-16-0) and convey again Mohammad Nabi. He is simply as economical now as he was earlier, going for simply two singles.
twenty seventh over: Pakistan 126-3 (Babar Azam 37, Saud Shakeel 4) Another good over from Noor, who has Babar Azam, normally so serene, bottom-edging a minimize like an absolute newbie. I take all of it again concerning the center overs, which have instantly gone from boring to bewitching.
twenty sixth over: Pakistan 124-3 (Babar Azam 36, Saud Shakeel 3) Shakeel, dwelling dangerously, will get an inside edge to Rashid Khan which might be the traditional spinner’s dismissal, if solely there have been a brief sq. leg. Off the previous 5 overs, Pakistan have scraped 17 for 2. Great stuff from Afghanistan.
twenty fifth over: Pakistan 120-3 (Babar Azam 35, Saud Shakeel 0) Now Noor has a left-hander to bowl at, which makes for a good trickier ballgame as a result of he can pitch within the tough. He thinks he’s acquired Saud Shakeel LBW first ball, and Hashmatullah evaluations – much less correctly this time, because the contact was exterior off. Noor appeals once more subsequent ball, additionally in useless, however he’s on a roll with the figures to show it: 4-0-15-2.
WICKET!! Rizwan c Mujeeb b Noor 8 (Pakistan 120-3)
Another one for Noor! He persuades Rizwan to brush at one that’s too far exterior off stump and yields solely a easy catch to the person on the 45. Noor has now eliminated each the shape gamers within the Pakistan high order. Teenage kicks, all by means of the evening.
twenty fourth over: Pakistan 118-2 (Babar Azam 33, Mohammad Rizwan 7) Rizwan, such a resourceful operator, sees the necessity to get again on high right here. After just a few dots, he surprises Mujeeb by pulling out the slog-sweep and hitting a six.
twenty third over: Pakistan 110-2 (Babar Azam 33, Mohammad Rizwan 0) After bamboozling one in-form batter, Noor promptly beats one other as Rizwan pushes down the incorrect line. That’s a wonderful over from an 18-year-old. And an odd innings from Shafique, who took cost early on after which went into his shell.
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