Highlights, Pakistan vs Afghanistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match, Full Cricket Score: Imad Wasim helps Pakistan clinch thriller

Sarfaraz Ahmed: Thank you for the crowd for cheering us. It’s not an easy pitch to bat. Credit to Imad for how he batted, taking the pressure in and winning the match for us. It’s not an easy game. The way Wahab Riaz also batted, his 12-15 runs also helped us. Shaheen is also working very hard. All the bowlers bowled really well.

Gulbadin Naib: We fought very well but in the end, we missed opportunities to win. Credit goes to Pakistan to show how to win. In the end, Shadab and everyone did very well to rotate the strike and stay in the match. The matches we lost, we lost in the end. Bad luck for us today as Hamid Hassan was injured today. Credit goes to Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid but losing Hamid was the turning point for us.

Imad Wasim is adjudged the player of the match!

Imad Wasim: I think when I went in, Rashid was bowling brilliantly. I just decided to stick there. We had decided to bat for fifty overs and see the result after that. Gulbadin was the only bowler we could have targetted. The credit goes to the crowd. This win gives us a lot of confidence.

What a brilliant game of cricket that was. Whilst off the pitch there were some ugly incidents, on the field the action was incredible. 
 

Who says low-scoring matches are dull and boring and the best matches are high-scoring encounters.
 

Afghanistan will point to some umpiring decisions that didn’t go their way, but their lack of experience told in the end. When it really mattered they fluffed 
 

Pakistan will breathe a huge sigh of relief after that result. They looked down and out but an unlikely hero emerged with the bat, Imad Wasim. 
 

Ugly scenes at the end of the match as fans of both teams ran onto the field. Spoiling what was a great game of cricket.

Pakistan win thriller!

You have got to feel for Afghanistan here! They bowled so well to keep themselves in contention. The spinners led by Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman brought Pakistan to their knees only to see captain Gulbadin Naib squander a brilliant chance to notch a memorable win over Pakistan with his bowling. Pakistan are still alive in the World Cup!

Pakistan win by three wickets!

After 50 overs,Pakistan 230/7 ( Imad Wasim 49 , Wahab Riaz 15)

Gulbadin Naib takes the mantle of bowling the last over. This despite giving away 18 in his last over His first ball is a wide full toss which Imad whacks to sweeper cover for a single. Right then, Riaz on strike. Will he clobber Gulbadin for the winning runs? He looks to scoop the ball behind but only gets a single. And Naib misses a run ouy chance! Fails to collect the ball from the fielder and Imad survives and comes back for a second off the overthrow. Imad Wasim smacks the fourth ball to the cover boundary to bring up the winning runs for Pakistan! Pandemonium at Headingley as Pakistan clinch a thriller!

After 49 overs,Pakistan 222/7 ( Imad Wasim 42 , Wahab Riaz 14)

Rashid will bowl the penultimate over of the match. Riaz smacks the ball for a huge six to put the pressure on Rashid and give voice to the fans in green! The following ball is hit through covers for a double. He fails to pick the googly which flies dangerously past the off stump. He reverse sweeps the fifth ball and Imad ends the over with a single. Pakistan need 6 runs off 6 balls!

SIX! Wahab Riaz goes down on one knee and slog-sweeps the fuller felivery over deep mid-wicket for a huge six!

After 48 overs,Pakistan 212/7 ( Imad Wasim 42 , Wahab Riaz 5)

Mujeeb into the attack and he begins with three dot balls to put the pressure back on Pakistan. However, he looks to have injured his ankle after Imad whacks the ball back at the bowler. He soldiers on and end the over by conceding just three singles. He completes his quota of 10 overs and hobbles off the field. Pakistan need 16 runs off 12 balls.

After 47 overs,Pakistan 210/7 ( Imad Wasim 41 , Wahab Riaz 4)

Rashid into his ninth over. A lucky boundary for Shadab Khan on the second ball but he throws away his wicket going for an unnecessary second run. Wahab Riaz is bamboozled by the first ball but ends the over with a smashing cover drive. It’s going down to the wire! Pakistan need 18 runs off 18 balls.

FOUR! What a shot from Wahab Riaz! The new man smacks his second ball through covers for a boundary!

OUT! And just like that, Pakistan have lost their seventh wicket! There was no need for a second run at this stage and Shadab Khan finds himself short of the crease! Shadab Khan run out (Naib) 11(17)

FOUR! Shadab strides forward to defend but the ball takes a thick edge and races past the keeper for a boundary!

After 46 overs,Pakistan 200/6 ( Imad Wasim 40 , Shadab Khan 6)

This is poor bowling from Gulbadin! The Afghan captain is undoing the good work put in by his spinners. His first ball is a full toss which is hit away for a boundary. The second ball is full and Imad mistimes it. The ball flies in the air towards mid-off. But Asghar Afghan misreads the flight of the ball and sees the ball land in front of him. To add insult to injury, Imad comes back for a second. The third ball is hit to deep mid-wicket for another double. Two poor balls give Pakistan two back to back boundaries. Eighteen off that over! Just what Pakistan wanted! Pakistan need 28 runs off 24 balls.

FOUR! Back to back boundaries for Imad! A wide bowl once again and Imad cuts it behind backward point for a boundary!

FOUR! Imad flashes at a wide ball and the ball flies off the edge for a boundary with third man in the circle!

FOUR! Poor bowling from Gulbadin! A full toss wide off stump on the first ball and Imad sweeps it away on the leg side for a four!

After 45 overs,Pakistan 182/6 ( Imad Wasim 23 , Shadab Khan 6)

Chance for Shinwari on the first ball! The ball takes the leading edge off Shadab but the ball falls just short of the diving Shinwari! After four dot balls, Shadab finally gets off strike. This is frustating to watch from Pakistan. Pakistan need 46 runs off 30 balls.

After 44 overs,Pakistan 180/6 ( Imad Wasim 22 , Shadab Khan 5)

The skies have darkened and the lights have come on at Headingley. Rashid to bowl his eighth over and he has a slip in place. Imad dabs a first-ball googly to short third-man for a single. The required rate has just climbed above 8. Imad and Shadab sneak a couple of singles but it is boundaries that their team needs. They have to make do with a couple on the last ball.  Pakistan need 48 runs off 36 balls.

Pakistan shooting themselves in the foot here at Headingley with some dismissals that you would find at a schoolboy’s match.
 
What a farcical dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed – the skipper who should have been leading from the front and ensuring that he saw his team home succumbed to pressure yet again. There has to be question marks over Sarfaraz’s ability in pressure situations as time and again he flops when calmness and responsibility is needed.
 
With not much batting to come, Afghanistan must fancy their chances as Rashid Khan is all over Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim.
 
Heart in mouth moments for Pakistan fans – most definitely.

After 43 overs,Pakistan 174/6 ( Imad Wasim 18 , Shadab Khan 4)

Mujeeb resumes. Imad looks to play the reverse sweep off the first ball but only finds the fielder at short third man. Brave yet futile. The Afghani spinners have shown tremendous discipline is sticking to their line and lengths and not straying away from it. Mujeeb doesn’t do that on the last ball. Imad plays a late cut for a couple of runs. Pakistan need 54 runs off 42 balls.

After 42 overs,Pakistan 169/6 ( Imad Wasim 14 , Shadab Khan 3)

Pakistan have been able to get singles but at this point, they desperately need boundaries. They have only hit 13 fours and no sixes. Gulbadin comes back into the attack. His third ball is short which Shadab pulls towards deep mid-wicket. A better batsman would have been able to clear the fielder for a six. However, the next delivery is a low full toss which Imad slams down the ground for a four. Eight runs off the over. Pakistan need 59 runs off 48 balls.

FOUR! Gulbadin bowls a low full toss and Imad whacks it beyond the fielder at mid-off for a much-needed boundary.

After 41 overs,Pakistan 161/6 ( Imad Wasim 8 , Shadab Khan 1)

The required rate is now above 7 runs per over. The Pakistani batsmen have failed to navigate spin today at all and so Gulbadin brings back Shinwari. The leg-spinner continues being stingy with the ball as he gives away only four. Pakistan need 67 runs off 54 balls.

Good question

After 40 overs,Pakistan 157/6 ( Imad Wasim 5 , Shadab Khan 0)

Shadab Khan has joined Imad Wasim in the middle. Mujeeb comes back for his third and final spell. He gives just a single. Pakistan need 71 runs off 60 balls.

After 39 overs,Pakistan 156/6 ( Imad Wasim 4 , )

Rashid continues. Begins with a googly and Imad pulls out of the shot at the last moment. Nearly edged it behind. He finally gets off strike on the penultimate ball. However, Sarfaraz throws away his wicket going for a second run. Pakistan need 72 runs off 66 balls.

OUT! Sarfaraz has just gone and thrown his wicket, and possibly Pakistan’s World Cup chances! He pushed for an impossible second run and he runs himself out! Foolish from the Pakistani captain! Sarfaraz run out (Najibullah) 18(22)

After 38 overs,Pakistan 154/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 17 , Imad Wasim 3)

The required run-rate has climbed above six now. Do we smell an upset here? Gulbadin comes back into the attack. The skipper concedes eight runs as Pakistan bring up their 150. Pakistan need 74 runs off 72 balls.

FOUR! A slower ball from Gulbadin and Sarfaraz pulls it behind square leg for Pakistan’s first boundary in 10 overs!

Nail-biting time for Pakistani fans as once again they give followers of Pakistan cricket concerns about their ability to chase a total. The Pakistani fans have puzzled and worried looks on their faces and so they should.
 
Mohammad Hafeez has largely been a liability with the bat at this World Cup and one again he flattered to deceive. Hafeez looked like a walking wicket during his stay at the crease today. The question that should be asked is should he be batting at number 4 or further down the order with Haris Sohail at the number 4 position.
 
Time for a captain’s innings? You bet. The focus will be on Sarfaraz to guide his team to a much-needed victory for his team and himself.

After 37 overs,Pakistan 146/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 11 , Imad Wasim 1)

Rashid continues and there’s a big appeal for LBW on the third ball! Looked like it was pitching just in line but replays show that the ball might have hit the bat first. Another appeal and this time the inside edge saves Imad Wasim.

After 36 overs,Pakistan 144/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 11 , Imad Wasim 1)

Nabi comes back for his final over. Can he cap off a brilliant day with the ball with another wicket? Unfortunately, he can’t. Nevertheless, he finishes with figures of 2/23 off his 10 overs. Almost his entire team comes to congrotulate him. Pakistan need 84 off 96 balls.

After 35 overs,Pakistan 142/5 ( Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 10 , )

Rashid comes back onto the attack. He has six over to go out of his team’s 16 and needs to bowl an attacking line. He also desperately needs a wicket here and he gets it! Now that’s called being impactful!

OUT! Rashid Khan strikes and it is the big wicket of the in-form Haris Sohail! Pitched on leg and came back in to rap Haris on the pads! Paul Wilson doesn’t hesitate and Pakistan don’t even have their review. They are in deep trouble! Haris Sohail lbw b Rashid Khan 27(57)

After 34 overs,Pakistan 140/4 ( Haris Sohail 27 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 9)

Nabi into his penultimate over. Sarfaraz and Haris play it safe and knock the ball around the park for five singles.

After 33 overs,Pakistan 135/4 ( Haris Sohail 25 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 6)

Shinwari resumes. Sarfaraz drives through covers to get a single off the first ball. Haris rocks back and cuts the fifth ball for a couple at deep backward point.

After 32 overs,Pakistan 132/4 ( Haris Sohail 23 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 5)

Nabi is brought back into the attack. His job will be to get the wicket of the in-form Haris Sohail and/or captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to expose the tail. Three runs off the over.

After 31 overs,Pakistan 129/4 ( Haris Sohail 22 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 4)

DROPPED! Shinwari bowls a low full toss and Sarfaraz hits it straight back at the bowler! However, Shinwari can’t keep it in and Sarfaraz gets a lifeline. Sloppy fielding from Mujeeb at sweeper cover allows Haris to come back for a second run.

After 30 overs,Pakistan 124/4 ( Haris Sohail 19 , Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (W) 2)

Brilliant captaincy from Gulbadin to bring back his strike bowler Mujeeb. Hafeez and Haris had just about settled in and Hafeez’s dismissal will no doubt raise the Afghan spirits and plant doubt in the mind of the Pakistanis. Sarfaraz Ahmed joins Haris out in the middle. Instant impact from Mujeeb. A wicket and three runs off his over.

OUT! Mujeeb strikes and Hafeez has to walk back! The ball was short and wide but too wide to be cut. Hafeez reaches out for it nevertheless and ends up giving a simple catch at backward point! Hafeez c Shahidi b Mujeeb 19(35)

After 29 overs,Pakistan 121/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 19 , Haris Sohail 18)

Shinwari bowls another tidy over. Just three runs off it. This is very good bowling from the leg-spinner.

After 28 overs,Pakistan 118/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 17 , Haris Sohail 17)

Gulbadin continues. The second ball is a slow leg cutter which goes past Hafeez’s edge. However, it drops short of Ikram who can’t collect it cleanly. That allows Hafeez and Haris to sneak a bye. The third ball is cut away for a boundary. A big shout on the last ball and once again Afghanistan are left to rue their decision to waste their review early on! The ball drifting down the leg side but there was a sound as it went past Haris. On the replay, ultra edge shows there was a definite nick there! A huge let off for Haris and Pakistan.

FOUR! Gulbadin bowls it short and wide and Haris punishes him by cutting the ball towards backward point for a four.

After 27 overs,Pakistan 113/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 17 , Haris Sohail 13)

Poor start from Shinwari to his third over. The first ball is cracked through covers by Haris and Shinwari follows that up with a wide down the leg side. However, he makes a good comeback and bowls five dot balls to end the over.

It’s the Afghanistan fans who are dancing in the stands at the moment as they look to their team to cause a huge upset against Pakistan. Afghanistan are right in this match with their spinners looking threatening.
 
The experience of Mohammad Hafeez is crucial here for Pakistan. During the World Cup he has been dismissed by part-time bowlers 3 times and has played some injudicious shots which have not gone down well with Pakistani fans. If ever there was a time for Professor to show that he still has the appetite for international cricket it’s now.
 
Meanwhile trouble continues in the stands with more fans being removed from the stadium by security after entering the stadium without tickets.

FOUR! Shinwari bowls it short and wide allowing Haris to drive through covers for a much-needed boundary.

After 26 overs,Pakistan 108/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 17 , Haris Sohail 9)

Gulbadin brings himself back into the attack. Tidy over. Five singles off it.

After 25 overs,Pakistan 103/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 15 , Haris Sohail 6)

Shinwari continues. Haris gets off the strike with a single down at long-on. Nabi comes in at first slip for Hafeez. The third ball is short and wide and good enough to be cut away which is exactly what Hafeez does for a couple of runs. A much-needed boundary brings up the 100 for Pakistan!

FOUR! Hafeez picks up the short ball perfectly and rocks back to pull the ball over mid-wicket for a much-needed boundary!

After 24 overs,Pakistan 96/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 9 , Haris Sohail 5)

Nabi resumes and bowls a snorter to Haris! The ball dipped and turned away sharply even as Haris takes a big step forward to defend it. Nabi is tigthening the screw here. Just two runs conceded. Both Haris and Hafeez are yet to get into double figures.

After 23 overs,Pakistan 94/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 8 , Haris Sohail 4)

Rahmat Shah was all ready to replace Rashid Khan but after a long chat with Gulbadin, walks away. Looks to be an issue with his shoulder. Instead, it is Samiullah Shinwari who comes into the attack. He bowls a short one on the last ball which Hafeez pulls to deep mid-wicket. Rashid is at hand to keep it to just a single but his throw ends up hitting Gulbadin straight on the butt. He runs up to apologise to his skipper. A good tidy over to begin with. Just three runs off it.

After 22 overs,Pakistan 91/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 6 , Haris Sohail 3)

Nabi continues and elicits a lot of spin and bounce on the second ball which turns into Hafeez who looks to cut it off the back foot. He gets off strike with a single at fine leg. Just the single off the over. This is tremendous bowling from Nabi.

After 21 overs,Pakistan 90/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 5 , Haris Sohail 3)

Rashid continues. What Haris and Hafeez need to do now is to pick the easy singles and exploit the bad deliveries off the spinners. Both Imam and Babar lost their wickets trying to attack Nabi. Meanwhile, just three runs come off the over.

After 20 overs,Pakistan 87/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 3 , Haris Sohail 2)

Nabi into his fifth over now. Hafeez and Haris happy to sit back and take the easy singles. Three of them in the over.

Another occasion where Imam-Ul-Haq has got a start and failed to build on it. His critics will point once again to his temperament which has let him down again. He was trying to hit the ball to Bradford but failed to connect and looked rather foolish when he was comfortably stumped.
 
Now the big wicket of Babar Azam and Afghanistan are right back in this match. There will be some nervous individuals in that Pakistan dressing-room at the moment glancing nervously towards the scoreboard.
 
This was never going to be a comfortable run-chase, they rarely are, but Pakistan are not helping themselves with some rather amateur and unnecessary stroke-play.
 
There’s a nervous hush amongst Pakistani fans at the moment at Headingley and they have every right to be nervous.

After 19 overs,Pakistan 84/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 1 , Haris Sohail 1)

Rashid continues. The first ball is drifted down the leg side and the ball runs down to short fine-leg for a leg bye. Clumsy fielding from Gulbadin at short third man gives Hafeez an easy single much to Rashid’s displeasure. A big appeal on the last ball for LBW but given not out! Afghanistan had no reviews to use!

After 18 overs,Pakistan 82/3 ( Mohammad Hafeez 0 , Haris Sohail 1)

Haris Sohail walks in to replace Babar after drinks. Nabi’s twin strikes have given Afghanistan hope! The onus is on Haris and the out-of-form Hafeez to steer Pakistan home.

OUT! Timber! Mohammad Nabi bowls Babar Azam around his legs! Babar looked to sweep but couldn’t get any connection to the ball and departs five short of another half-century. What a big wicket for Afghanistan! Babar Azam b Nabi 45(51)

After 17 overs,Pakistan 81/2 ( Babar Azam 45 , Mohammad Hafeez 0)

Mohammed Hafeez joins Babar Azam in the middle. Rashid Khan continues. An expensive over from the leg spinner with Babar milking him for nine runs.

FOUR! Good effort from Gulbadin in the end but unfortunately for him, he can’t stop the ball from rolling away for a boundary.

After 16 overs,Pakistan 72/2 ( Babar Azam 36 , )

Nabi continues. Babar gets off strike on the first ball. Nabi keeps it tight to Imam as the southpaw struggles to get runs. And the pressure pays off as Imam is stumped off the last ball. Brilliant bowling from the wily Nabi!

OUT! Imam looked to release the pressure off him by trying to come down the track and smack Nabi down the ground. But he misses the ball altogether and is stumped by Ikram Ali. Babar Azam is disgusted with Imam. Imam st Ikram Ali Khil b Nabi 36(51)

After 15 overs,Pakistan 71/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 36 , Babar Azam 35)

Rashid Khan comes into the attack. Babar cuts the first ball behind point for a couple before whacking the second ball for a four over mid-on. On the first ball, Rashid raps Imam on the pads but the impact looked to be too high. Seven runs off Rashid’s first over.

FOUR! Rashid bowls it too short and Babar rocks back and smacks it over mid-on for a boundary.

After 14 overs,Pakistan 64/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 36 , Babar Azam 28)

Nabi continues. He has kept it tight with his bowling. He is turning the ball sharply as evident from the two balls which turned sharply and just beat Imam’s outside edge.

After 13 overs,Pakistan 60/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 33 , Babar Azam 27)

Gulbadin replaces Mujeeb from the other end. Babar drives the first ball straight back to Gulbadin and the captain looks like has injured his fingers trying to catch the ball on his follow through. Rashid does well to sweep in from the deep to deny Babar a second run. The fourth ball is also driven towards Rashid but this time Imam and Babar win the race and come back for a second. A misfield in the deep by Mujeeb on the last ball allows Imam to sneak in a second run. Oh it looks like Gulbadin has walked off the field to get treatment on his fingers.

After 12 overs,Pakistan 54/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 30 , Babar Azam 24)

Mohammad Nabi is introduced into the attack now. A risky single there! Imam punches it towards cover and sets away for a single. Hashmatullah charges in but he gets off balance while picking up the ball. A direct throw and it would have been all over for Babar at the keeper’s end. Only two runs come off Nabi’s first over.

After 11 overs,Pakistan 52/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 29 , Babar Azam 23)

Once again good running from Imam and Babar to put pressure on the backward point fielder and running two. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two. Good batting from them. Not taking any risks and punishing the bad balls. Babar presents a catching opportunity for Mujeeb but the ball falls just short. Just the three runs off it.

After 10 overs,Pakistan 49/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 26 , Babar Azam 23)

Gulbadin back for his third over. Babar gets off the strike on the first ball with a punch off the back foot to square leg for a single. Imam plays the third ball wide off deep mid-wicket and comes back quickly for the second. Good running from the duo. Imam dabs the fifth ball down third man for a single. Four runs come off the over.

Not the start Pakistan wanted and Fakhar Zaman once again showed his vulnerability at the start of the innings. Fakhar’s footwork isn’t fluent at the best of times but it’s particularly flat in the first few overs.
 
So once again Pakistan look to Babar Azam to lead the way with the bat and see them home. There’s a certain calmness and authority about Babar, the way he strides to the crease, the way he caresses the ball, the way he builds an innings, the way he absorbs pressure.
 
Imam-ul-Haq still continues to divide opinions amongst Pakistani cricket followers. Today represents a good chance for him to show that he too can bat with the authority of Babar Azam and not waste good starts.

After 9 overs,Pakistan 45/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 23 , Babar Azam 22)

The plan is simple from Imam and Babar. Try not to do anything fancy against Mujeeb and only attack his bad balls. But a brilliant ball beats Babar even as he looks to play his favourite cover drive. Mujeeb looking dangerous here.

After 8 overs,Pakistan 42/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 22 , Babar Azam 20)

Gulbadin resumes. His first ball is full on middle and leg and Imam flicks it past mid-on. A misfield from the sweeper in the deep allows Imam to come back for a second. It goes from bad to worse for Gulbadin as Imam gets two fortunate boundaries. 10 off the over.

FOUR! Poor fielding from Asghar Afghan at mid-on to give Imam back-to-back boundaries! It was more of a punch rather than a drive but Asghar’s knee got stuck in the field allowing the ball to slip beneath him for a four!

FOUR! A big edge for Imam but alas, there’s no one at first slip to pouch it. Instead, the ball races for a boundary!

After 7 overs,Pakistan 32/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 12 , Babar Azam 20)

Mujeeb continues. Babar defends. A big appeal for LBW off the last ball! Gulbadin Naib uses his bulging forearms to review. Bad call that as the impact was way outside off. Both teams have lost their reviews inside seven overs. Maiden over for Mujeeb.

After 6 overs,Pakistan 32/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 12 , Babar Azam 20)

Captain Gulbadin Naib replaces the injured Hamid Hassan. The first ball is pitched full and wide outside off which Imam is content with letting go. The second ball is pitched short which Imam cuts straight to point. A good piece of fielding from Rashid Khan at cover to stop a certain boundary. Imam finally gets off strike with a single down at third man. Babar flicks the penultimate ball to deep mid-wicket for an easy single before Imam ends the over the way he started. Two off the over.

After 5 overs,Pakistan 30/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 11 , Babar Azam 19)

Mujeeb into his third over. Imam and Babar work the ball around for singles. Not trying anything fancy. Four runs off the over.

After 4 overs,Pakistan 26/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 9 , Babar Azam 17)

A lucky four for Babar past the slip to get Hassan’s over started. Babar punches the next ball to cover before playing a half-shot on the next ball which sails into Ikram Ali’s gloves. Oh looks like Hamid Hassan is in trouble. He is limping and is feeling his left hamstring. He concedes a four on the leg side and walks off the field immediately after finishing his over.

FOUR! Hassam bowls on the pads and Babar nonchalantly flicks it away for a boundary at mid-wicket.

FOUR! Babar looks to defend the ball but it takes a thick outside edge and races past the vacant second slip for a boundary!

After 3 overs,Pakistan 17/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 9 , Babar Azam 8)

Mujeeb continues. Bowls the first ball down the leg side which Babar flicks towards fine leg for a single. Imam plays with soft hands to get a four at fine-leg. Two singles follow. Seven runs off that over.

FOUR! Mujeeb errs and bowls down the leg side. Imam has to just flick it and see it race down for a boundary.

After 2 overs,Pakistan 10/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 4 , Babar Azam 6)

Hassan to bowl from the other end. The first ball is outside off and bowled short. The ball rises steeply after pitching and nearly takes a knick of Imam’s bat. He dispatches the next short ball for a four. Only four from the over.

FOUR! Hamid Hassan bowls short but Imam-ul-Haq is quick to get under it and pulls it away for a boundary at deep mid-wicket.

After 1 overs,Pakistan 6/1 ( Imam-ul-Haq 0 , Babar Azam 6)

Just the start that Afghanistan wanted! Mujeeb strikes on his second ball to remove Fakhar Zaman. Crucially, Pakistan now have to play 49 overs without their review. Babar gets the first runs on the board with a four at cover and ends the over with a double at fine-leg.

FOUR! Mujeeb pitches it full and Babar Azam graciously accepts it to play a beautiful cover drive!

OUT! Mujeeb strikes on his second ball and traps Fakhar Zaman plumb. Fakhar reviews it. There’s a gap between bat and ball. There is a spike on ultra edge when the ball passes the bat but it’s the pad instead of the bat. On to ball tracking and three reds pop up! Fakhar has to walk! What a start for Afghanistan! Fakhar Zaman lbw b Mujeeb 0(2)

Right then! Time for Pakistan’s chase. Given their form, it should be an easy chase for Sarfaraz Ahmed and Co. But with the pitch gripping, Afghanistan can give Pakistan a tough time with their trio of spinners. Mujeeb has been given the new ball.

And that ends an innings from Afghanistan that was rather up and down. An uncomfortable start, then a re-building process, then another cluster of wickets, followed by another period of rebuilding, followed by a lack of runs at the end.
 

Afghanistan will see 227/9 as a competitive total and slightly below par. They will probably have wanted at least 250. Their batting has not settled at this tournament and they have constantly changed their batting order, therefore not allowing their batting line-up to settle.
 

Pakistan will look at the Afghanistan total as one that they will be quite satisfied with having lost the toss. There was a period in the Afghanistan innings when they looked like they were going to reach 250 or more but Pakistan pulled it back.
 

The concern for Pakistan will be the trio of spinners and whether they can extract turn from a surface which is not ideal for batting.

After 50 overs,Afghanistan 227/9 ( Samiullah Shinwari 19 , Mujeeb Ur Rahman 7)

End of the innings. A boundary and two runs from the final over. With the way Mujeeb was batting, those six runs should be considered as bonus. Pakistan couldn’t take all the 10 wickets but they must be happy with their effort.

Edged and four!

Mujeeb finally gets some runs thanks to the edge.

After 49 overs,Afghanistan 222/9 ( Samiullah Shinwari 20 , Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1)

Only yorkers from Wahab. Mujeeb does well to survive the four balls and then takes a single. Shinwari to keep strike for the final over after taking a single off the last ball. A wicket and three runs from the over.

Yorked him! 

Classic Wahab Riaz yorker to dismiss Hamid Hassan. Ninth wicket down for Afghanistan.

After 48 overs,Afghanistan 218/8 ( Samiullah Shinwari 18 , Hamid Hassan 1)

If not for the four off the first ball, this would’ve been a terrific over. Nevertheless, Amir came back well and gave away just three singles from the remaining five deliveries. Wahab Riaz to bowl the next over.

Inside-edge and four. Lucky for Shinwari. Unlucky Amir.

After 47 overs,Afghanistan 211/8 ( Samiullah Shinwari 12 , Hamid Hassan 0)

Shaheen is done with his 10 overs. Bowls a successful final over, which results in a wicket and just three runs. Pakistan will now be looking to clinch all 10 wickets of Afghanistan.

One more for Shaheen!

What a match he is having. His fourth wicket of the day. A slower one, straight to the stumps. Rashid plays an ugly shot to get dismissed. He went for the hit very early and didn’t get the timing at all. Simple catch at mid-off. Rashid Khan c Fakhar Zaman b Shaheen Afridi 8(12)

After 46 overs,Afghanistan 208/7 ( Samiullah Shinwari 11 , Rashid Khan 6)

No runs from Amir’s first four balls, but the fifth one went for a boundary. Rashid Khan executed the shot to perfection and gets the valuable runs. One more single to end the over.  Four overs remaining in the innings. Shaheen to bowl the next over.

This is not something you like to see in the stands

The fighting in the stands is continuing to the right of the media box. More people have been removed by security in the Western terrace #CWC19 #PAKvAFG

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 29, 2019

Oh what a shot!

Yorker length from Amir and Rashid just stood his ground and flicks it to the md-wicket boundary.

After 45 overs,Afghanistan 203/7 ( Samiullah Shinwari 11 , Rashid Khan 1)

Good comeback from Shaheen after conceding a sloppy boundary. Zadran was looking for the big shots but doesn’t get the right timing and drags on the fourth delivery to walk back to pavilion. This is third wicket of the innings and he still has one more over to bowl. Rashid Khan is the new batsman in.

Given the body language of the Pakistani team they feel that they have this under control. But that may backfire. Pakistan whilst taking early wickets have still been a little bit lacklustre and lacking intensity today. The body language has been of a team that feels that they have the opposition within limits.
 

However, the match against India springs to mind when Afghanistan really put the Indian side under a lot of pressure and nearly caused an upset. Pakistan need to be wary of this.
 

Meanwhile, there have been some ugly scenes inside and outside the stadium today involving both sets of fans. Not what we want to see on a great occasion.

OUT!

Shaheen has his man, as Zadran chops on to his stumps. Gone after playing a decent knock. Najibullah b Shaheen Afridi 42(54)

Wide from Shaheen and Zadran slices it over backward point for a four. A much-needed one!

After 44 overs,Afghanistan 197/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 38 , Samiullah Shinwari 10)

Shadab’s last over. The batsmen are happy to play all six balls out without any big shots. Five singles from the over as he finishes his quota taking one wicket in his 10 overs and giving away 44 runs.

After 43 overs,Afghanistan 192/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 36 , Samiullah Shinwari 7)

Yet another good over from Shaheen. Used his variations, including the change of pace really well to deny any attacking opportunities to the batsmen. A hard chance arrives in the fourth ball when Shinwari hits one straight to the bowler but thsse chances have to stick. Just two runs from the over.

After 42 overs,Afghanistan 190/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 36 , Samiullah Shinwari 6)

Shadab Khan to bowl his ninth of the innings. No boundaries from the over, but the batsmen showed the right intent to take him on. Five runs from the over, including a double. One more left for the leg-spinner.

After 41 overs,Afghanistan 185/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 33 , Samiullah Shinwari 4)

Shaheen Afridi replaces Wahab Riaz. Almost picked a wicket in this third ball. Fullish ball, Shinwari tries to defend but misses it completely. So close to hitting the off-stump. A misfield results in a single so just one run from the over.

After 40 overs,Afghanistan 184/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 33 , Samiullah Shinwari 3)

Shadab Khan is back into the attack. Good tight over from the leg-spinner as he gives away just three runs. He’s tossing up the deliveries, enticing the batsmen for the big shots. Zadran and Shinwari didn’t succumb to the plan.

After 39 overs,Afghanistan 181/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 32 , Samiullah Shinwari 2)

Full and yorker lengths from Wahab. They don’t result in any wickets but it’s good thinking from the pacer. He’s looking for wickets. Just three runs from the over.

After 38 overs,Afghanistan 178/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 30 , Samiullah Shinwari 1)

Crucial boundaries from Zadran. Bad balls from Imad and the southpaw ensures he gets runs off them. This will boost his confidence going into final stage of the innings. Imad finishes his quota of 10 overs, conceding 48 runs and picking two wickets.

Second boundary in the over. Bit wide from Imad as Zadran flexes his muscles and gets the four over covers boundary.

Low full-toss from Imad and Zadran once again with the reverse-sweep to find the boundary.

After 37 overs,Afghanistan 169/6 ( Najibullah Zadran 21 , Samiullah Shinwari 1)

A breakthrough over from Wahab. Just the wicket Pakistan needed at this stage of the match. Nabi should’ve anticipated the short-ball from the pacer. Samiullah Shinwari is the new batsman in the middle. Five runs and a wicket from the over.

Nabi departs

Wahab’s short delivery gets the result. Nabi goes for the pull, but fails to clear the fine-leg boundary. Really good low catch from Amir.

After 36 overs,Afghanistan 164/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 15 , Najibullah Zadran 19)

The Afghanistan batsmen are upping the ante here. Three boundaries from last three overs. They are making sure they don’t get stuck in these crucial overs. Sensible so far from Nabi and Zadran. Five runs from Imad’s over.

Lovely from Zadran

Uses the reverse sweep against Imad and pierces the gap to perfection.

After 35 overs,Afghanistan 159/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 14 , Najibullah Zadran 15)

Wahab Riaz is back. Starts off by conceding two from the first ball and a four in the second ball. Check his line in his four balls to finish the over well, conceding just one run.

Leg-byes! A bad ball from Riaz on the leg-side and it results in a four.

After 34 overs,Afghanistan 152/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 11 , Najibullah Zadran 15)

150 up for Afghanistan. Just one bad ball from Amir and Zadran picks a boundary on the leg-side. Amir finishes off with a dot ball. Apart from a four, a single and a wide from the over.

Afghanistan are holding their own at Headingley. Pakistan may have been expecting their opponents to fold after early losses, but Afghanistan are showing some guts and intelligence and building a total that could be competitive.
 

Lots of chat here that 230 could be a total which Pakistan may struggle to chase against Afghanistan’s spin trio.
 

Not much in this track so far for the pace bowlers, although there has been some turn, sharp at times. Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid Khan will be hoping that their batsmen can get them to a competitive total.
 

Nervous times at the moment for Pakistan.

Zadran finds the gap. Pitched on his legs, and Zadran uses his wrists to send the ball to mid-wicket boundary.

After 33 overs,Afghanistan 145/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 10 , Najibullah Zadran 10)

Nabi tries for a slog, but the ball takes the edge, falls in no man’s land and results in a single. A pressure shot from the batsman. Just dealing in singles right now. Three runs from the over.

After 32 overs,Afghanistan 142/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 9 , Najibullah Zadran 9)

Amir continues. Both the batsmen are watchful and are not taking any risks. Tight over from the pacer, conceding just two runs.

After 31 overs,Afghanistan 140/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 8 , Najibullah Zadran 8)

Finally a boundary after ages. Both Zadran and Nabi are capable of a good partnership so Pakistan should look to break this stand as soon as possible. Nabi plays spin well so Sarfaraz is going with pacers against him. Six runs, including a boundary from the over.

Nicely done! 

The ball rise to his hips as Zadran gently picks the gap on the leg-side and picks up a boundary against Shaheen.

After 30 overs,Afghanistan 134/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 7 , Najibullah Zadran 3)

Pace from both ends as Amir set to bowl his fifth over. Four singles from the over as Amir, unlike Shaheen, has bowled more fuller. Afghanistan need to build a partnership here. The boundaries have dried up after the fall of Asghar Afghan.

After 29 overs,Afghanistan 130/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 5 , Najibullah Zadran 1)

Shaheen Afridi is back into the attack. The plan seems to bowling the short-pitched deliveries to the body and try for that wicket from a pull shot. Too high from the pacer as he bowls two wides apart from conceding two singles.

After 28 overs,Afghanistan 126/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 4 , Najibullah Zadran 0)

Good tight over from Shadab. One more wicket here and Afghanistan will have it tough to even come close to the 200-run mark. Just one run from the over.

After 27 overs,Afghanistan 125/5 ( Mohammad Nabi 3 , )

Two wickets in two overs. After a good partnership, Afghanistan have found ways to throw away wickets. Both Ikram and Asghar Afghan have played terrible shots to get dismissed. The pressure is now on Mohammad Nabi. Just two runs and a wicket from Imad’s over.

Another one bites the dust!

Ridiculous from Ikram. Tries to clear the long-on boundary against Imad without any power in the shot. As a result, he walks back to the pavilion. Ikram Ali Khil c Hafeez b Imad Wasim 24(66)

After 26 overs,Afghanistan 122/4 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 23 , Mohammad Nabi 1)

A successful one from Shadab. Asghar’s plan to attack the leg-spinner didn’t work for a long time. He fails to execute an attacking shot and it results in his downfall. Could’ve had another off his final ball when Pakistan decided to review a leg-before decision. Replays showed the ball is hitting the stumps but it comes across as umpire’s call.

Rebuilding was in progress here by Afghanistan and finally some responsibility from the Afghanistani batsmen. Pakistan went off the boil a little and allowed Afghanistan some breathing space after 3 early wickets.
 
But then as soon as you think Afghanistan are building a good partnership and laying the foundations for a decent total, they dig themselves into another hole and play a lousy shot, the sort you’d see in local club cricket. 
 
Pakistan need to be careful here though, the ball is turning and anything above 230 could be a tricky chase especially with Afghanistan’s trio of high-quality spinners.

Shadab does the trick! 

Asghar Afghan, for the nth time, comes down the pitch but this time, he misses the ball completely and gets bowled.Just when we spoke about building a partnership, a wicket falls. Asghar Afghan b Shadab Khan 42(35)

After 25 overs,Afghanistan 120/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 22 , Asghar Afghan 42)

Once again, just three singles from Imad’s over. The batsmen are set so they should try to make a big score from here.

After 24 overs,Afghanistan 117/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 20 , Asghar Afghan 41)

The Afghan batsmen are now looking at the sweep option to score runs. The ball is nicely coming on the bat so it’s a low-risk shot. Shadab goes for three singles in his fifth over.

After 23 overs,Afghanistan 114/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 18 , Asghar Afghan 40)

Imad Wasim comes back to bowl. His sixth of the match. Bowls a ripper in the fifth ball, as Asghar gets beaten to spin and bounce. That’s more like it. Just three singles off the over.

This is not good  

Some ugly scenes inside and outside the ground - Afghan and Pakistani fans fighting, a few have been thrown out of the ground by security #PAKvAFG #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 29, 2019

After 22 overs,Afghanistan 111/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 16 , Asghar Afghan 39)

No boundaries in the last three overs. Asghar and Ikram are playing sensible cricket here. Picking the gaps and dealing in singles and doubles. Both batsmen are not looking to attack to much against Shadab. The leg-spinner gives away four singles in this over.

After 21 overs,Afghanistan 107/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 14 , Asghar Afghan 37)

Wahab to bowl his fourth over. The left-arm pacer is doing well not to concede boundaries but he’s not looking for the wickets either. The run-rate is above five and a partnership is building so Sarfraz Ahmed should be looking for wickets now. Just three singles from the over.

After 20 overs,Afghanistan 104/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 13 , Asghar Afghan 35)

Shadab continues. The Afghan batsmen lucky to escape a run out. Asghar pushes the ball on the off-side and takes off. There was never a single, but the close fielder takes time to reach and pick the ball. Ikram Ali survives, for now. Overall, three runs from the over.

After 19 overs,Afghanistan 101/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 12 , Asghar Afghan 33)

Pakistan are losing the plot after taking early wickets. Asghar Afghan has taken the attack to them and he’s getting some valuable runs. Any bad balls, he is punishing them all. Wahab bowls a wide one and it gets smoked for a four. Apart from that, he concedes just one more run.

Short and wide from Wahab, Asghar slashes it through backward point. Very good looking shot.

After 18 overs,Afghanistan 96/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 12 , Asghar Afghan 28)

Asghar Afghan is taking on Shadab. He’s making sure the leg-spinner doesn’t create much pressure on him. Two times, he comes down the track and scores a four and a six. Three more singles to end the over. He’s on 28 from just 16 balls.

Top stuff from Asghar!

Flighted delivery from Shadab, Asghar dances down the track and smashes a huge six over deep mid-wicket.

Shot from Asghar!

Once again, he uses his feet against Shadab and sends the ball over extra covers for a four.

After 17 overs,Afghanistan 83/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 11 , Asghar Afghan 16)

Wahab continues. Just one run from the over. The pacer is bowling bit short, but so far has failed to create any sort of pressure on the batsmen. The pace is right up there.

Pakistan turning the screw here at Headingley as the volume levels from Pakistani fans increase in the stands.

Watching Afghanistan is not for the faint-hearted, everything is done at 100mph, it’s breathless, there’s no patience, there’s no calmness or anyone taking responsibility. Their approach feels like that of a T20 rather than a 50-over match.
 

Afghanistan came into this tournament with the hope that they wanted at least one win, but whilst they have not been totally outplayed, they have flattered to deceive and played a brand of cricket that shows very little patience and maturity.
 

3 wickets down, the opposition struggling, but Sarfaraz Ahmed has once again taken his foot off the gas and allowed a couple of chances to go through the slips.

After 16 overs,Afghanistan 82/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 11 , Asghar Afghan 15)

After conceding a four in his first ball, Shadab comes back well to give away just one run from his remaining balls. The ball is showing hint of spin, so he must relish this spell.

Shadab Khan’s first ball of the match goes for a four. Asghar’s drives takes an outside edge and it fetches a four in the third-man area.

After 15 overs,Afghanistan 77/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 11 , Asghar Afghan 10)

Not a great start from Wahab. Two wides and a boundary from the first three balls. Does well in the last four balls to keep Ikram in check and doesn’t concede any runs.

Wahab Riaz into the attack. Ikram Ali Khil edges the ball but it flies down to the third man for a boundary.

After 14 overs,Afghanistan 71/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 7 , Asghar Afghan 10)

Asghar Afghan has decided not to hold back. Attacks Imad with a six off the fourth ball. Plays a risky shot off the final delivery, as he tries to sweep but the ball takes a leading edge and runs towards the fine-leg boundary. Fielder cuts it off as the batsmen complete a double.

Wow! Out of nowhere! 

Asghar comes down the track to Imad and flicks a straight delivery over deep mid-wicket.

After 13 overs,Afghanistan 62/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 6 , Asghar Afghan 2)

Hafeez to bowl his second over. Five runs from the over. Hafeez is not as threatening as other bowlers so the Afghanistan batsman are making sure they don’t show too much respect. They are rotating the strike well.

After 12 overs,Afghanistan 57/3 ( Ikram Ali Khil (W) 3 , )

Sarfaraz Ahmed sticks with Imad Wasim and the plan works. Rahmat Shah, who was looking set to make a good score, is dismissed off the final ball. He looked very disappointed after his fall. Two singles, a four and a wicket from the over. Asghar Afghan is the new batsman in.

Gone! 

Imad Wasim removes the set batsman. Rahmat Shah was looking so good. Tries to flick the ball to the leg-side, gets the leading edge and the catch is taken at covers. Big blow for Afghanistan. Rahmat c Babar Azam b Imad Wasim 35(43)

Wow! No short fine-leg as Rahmat Shah with a cheeky shot to the fine-leg boundary.

After 11 overs,Afghanistan 51/2 ( Rahmat Shah 30 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 2)

Time for Hafeez’s off-spin. His first over of the match. Didn’t cause much trouble to the Afghanistan batsmen as they takes five singles from the first five balls.

After 10 overs,Afghanistan 46/2 ( Rahmat Shah 27 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Imad comes back into the attack. Decent appeal for the leg-before in the third ball, but the umpire takes no interest. Rahmat chips away the fourth ball, which is in the air for sometime but it fetches the batsman a single. Finishes off with a terrific delivery that beats the batsman.

It’s been a hectic and breathless start from both teams at Headingley.
 
Boundaries, plays and misses, 2 wickets, reviews and a few words exchanged between the players.
 
It seemed like Pakistan were a bit too fired-up and sprayed the ball around. Not much love lost out there between the 2 teams especially after Afghanistan Cricket Board’s CEO’s recent words about the Pakistan team and the state of Pakistan cricket.
 
Now finally things are starting to settle as Afghanistan look to rebuild their innings after losing 2 wickets in 2 balls.

After 9 overs,Afghanistan 45/2 ( Rahmat Shah 26 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Shaheen to bowl his third over. Starts off with two good balls but then concedes a four after straying away from his line. Finishes off with three decent deliveries, giving away just one run.

Shaheen needs to be consistent with his line. Bowls on the pads and Rahmat Shah flicks it to the fine-leg for a four.

After 8 overs,Afghanistan 40/2 ( Rahmat Shah 21 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Good over from Amir. Not giving any room to Rahmat in the first five balls. The final ball is on the leg-side and Rahmat manages to take a single. Just one run from the over.

After 7 overs,Afghanistan 39/2 ( Rahmat Shah 20 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Rahmat Shah is looking in fine form. Anything fuller, he comes out with his drives to fetch boundaries. He scores one boundary off Shaheen and then takes a double with a pull over deep mid-wicket. A single to end the over.

Shot!

Fuller delivery from Shaheen and Rahmat drives it straight down the ground for a four. No stopping that.

After 6 overs,Afghanistan 32/2 ( Rahmat Shah 13 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Amir to bowl his third over. He thought he picked a wicket off his final ball of the over when the umpire raised his finger for a leg before wicket appeal. Ikram Ali Khil quickly reviews the decision and the replays shows the ball has taken a big inside edge. So he survives. Just one run from the over.

After 5 overs,Afghanistan 31/2 ( Rahmat Shah 12 , Ikram Ali Khil (W) 0)

Phew! What an over from Shaheen. Two fours from the first three balls but the pacer comes back good in the next two balls as he removes the dangerous Gulbadin Naib and Hashmatullah Shahidi  in back-to-back deliveries. The last ball goes for a four as he bowls into the batsman’s legs and the ball clips the pads to run away to the boundary.

Crash, bang, wallop. Just the beginning Afghanistan had wanted as they made an excellent start against Pakistan.
 

The Imad Wasim opening experiment failed once again and Pakistan looked nervous and a little disorientated as Afghanistan launched an early onslaught. 
 
 

Shaheen Shah Afridi was a revelation against New Zealand and now he has calmed Pakistani nerves with early and much-needed breakthroughs.
 

The stands almost full here at Headingley, Pakistani fans were in shock early in the match, but now after the 2 wickets by Afridi, they are cheering and dancing in the stands.

One more wicket

Shaheen is on a hat-trick! What an eventful over. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets a leading edge as he tries to push the ball on the leg-side and the catch is taken at mid-off. Shahidi c Imad Wasim b Shaheen Afridi 0 (1)

GONE!

Naib was playing well but Shaheen finds a way to remove him. The left-arm pacer sticks to his fuller length, Naib goes for another drive on off-side but gets a nick which carries to the keeper. The on-field umpire says no but Pakistan review the decision and the replays clearly shows the bat hits the ball. Naib c Sarfaraz b Shaheen Afridi 15(12)

One more. Again full and wide, this time, Naib takes the aerial route over covers for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi is into the attack and he is greeted with a four off his first ball. Full and wide and Naib comes up with a big drive for four over at mid-off.

After 4 overs,Afghanistan 17/0 ( Rahmat Shah 12 , Gulbadin Naib (C) 5)

A bit costly from Amir. He starts off with a fuller delivery and gets punished. Rahmat makes sure he doesn’t leave opportunities to score as he pulls a short-pitched ball for his second four in the over. This has been a good start by the Afghans.

Short-pitched ball and Rahmat Shah is up to the task. The batsman pulls the ball over deep mid-wicket to get another four.

Back-to-back boundaries for Afghanistan. This time, it is Rahmat Shah who times the ball perfectly to get a boundary over extra-cover against Amir.

After 3 overs,Afghanistan 9/0 ( Rahmat Shah 4 , Gulbadin Naib (C) 5)

Imad continues. Much better from the off-spinner as he corrects his line. Doesn’t concede from the first five balls but couldn’t help to stop the boundary off his final ball. Should’ve ended the over on a strong note,

Shot!

Naib comes up with a solid cover drives to beat the mid-off fielder and bring up the first boundary for his team.

After 2 overs,Afghanistan 5/0 ( Rahmat Shah 4 , Gulbadin Naib (C) 1)

Mohammad Amir bowls the second over. The best bowler for Pakistan, picking 16 wickets in the World Cup. Beats the batsman Rahmat Shah in the third ball, which is fullish with a hint of movement. No runs from the over. Good stuff from the left-arm pacer.

After 1 overs,Afghanistan 5/0 ( Rahmat Shah 4 , Gulbadin Naib (C) 1)

Interesting choice from Sarfaraz Ahmed to open the bowling from Imad Wasim. The left-arm off-spinner starts off bowling the middle and leg stump line. He concedes three singles and a double. Needs to tighten his bowling in the next over.

The national anthems are done. Spinner Imad Wasim is gearing up to bowl the first over of the match. Afghanistan openers Rahmat Shah and Gulbadin Naib will face the music first up.

Sarfaraz Ahmed: “We wanted to bat first as well but toss is not in our hands. Our bowlers are doing well, so we’ll try to restrict them and chase the target.”

Gulbadin Naib: “We are gonna bat first, the wicket looks good. It’s a sunny day and weather is warm, so I think it’ll help spinners in the second innings. Pakistan is a good side, we beat them in the warm-up game. We’ll try to give our 100 percent.”

A warm welcome from a sun-baked Headingley.

The sun is shining, the crowd and atmosphere is building and it promises to be a very interesting and great day of cricket.

Pakistan are on a roll and will be expected to comfortably defeat Afghanistan who are playing for pride. However, Pakistan are always at their worst when they are expected to win and complacency may be a concern for Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team.

Win today and Pakistan move into the top 4 and add pressure onto England.

Playing XI for Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (captain), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil (wicket-keeper), Rashid Khan, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Playing XI for Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain and wicket-keeper), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi.

Changes

Hamid Hassan is back in the side for Afghanistan in place of Dawlat Zadran.

No changes for Pakistan.

Toss news

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib wins the toss and he has elected to bat first.

Pitch report

We are minutes away from the toss. The weather will remain clear throughout the day. Things might start on a slower note on this pitch at Headingley but it is expected to ease out as the match progresses. Team winning the toss should aim at scoring 300-plus runs.

“We, Babar and I, are given a role and that is to build partnerships and in both the games I had good stands with Babar and I am sure that will continue,” said Haris Sohail, whose form has helped Pakistan stage a recovery. Here is he stressing on how Pakistan need to carry on their form

Australia-based journalist is wandering across the length and breadth of England, besides from covering the World Cup and he has seen some really fascinating things, however, last week it was the sun that he calls “giant yellow deity” which captivated him. Read more about the other interesting stuff he is up in his tour diary.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib has reminded Pakistan of the threat posed by leg-spinner Rashid Khan ahead of their World Cup meeting on Saturday.

“In this World Cup I don’t think he’s been at his best but he’s given everything in terms of effort. On his day, it’s very difficult for any team to deal with him”

Read more about what Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib said about his premier leg-spinner here

Weather in Leeds: Pakistan need to beat Afghanistan to keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals spot at World Cup 2019 and seems like weather will grant them the full opportunity. Click here to know more about the weather in Leeds

We are quickly approaching the business end of the tournament with still three teams to confirm their place in the top four. Still six teams in contention, have a look at how things stand in the points table

Staring at a possible league stage elimination after three defeats and a washout, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback with wins over South Africa and New Zealand to keep their hopes alive and will aim to do the same against Afghanistan. Read more in the match preview

Hello and welcome to LIVE blog of match 36 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between Pakistan and Afghanistan that will be played at Headingley in Leeds