Time for the action to begin! The Pakistan players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Afghanistan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran! Shaheen Afridi has the first new ball in hand.

… THE RUN CHASE …

For Aghanistan, the pacers were quite disappointing. The likes of Noor Ahmad, Rashid and Nabi were really goodd but the other three leaked a lot of runs. They had high economy rates and that is what could cost the game for Afghanistan. Had it not been for the spinners, Pakistan would have scored over 300. Now though it is onto their batters who have a massive task on their hands. They will have to bat really well if they are to chase this down. Pakistan on the other hand, will back themselves to defend this one. Stay tuned for the chase.

That is a strong finish from Pakistan and we believe they have a score above par! The openers set the tone by getting them off to a fast start. Then there was a time when Pakistan lost a couple quickly but Babar Azam held fort at one end and built decent stands with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan! The skipper scored a fine half ton and laid the platform for the big hitters and Iftikhar Ahmed did not disappoint as he added the finishing touches.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, 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!

नवीन-उल-हक to Shaheen Afridi, Shorter in length and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one more.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shaheen Afridi, Slower one outside off, Shaheen Afridi swings but misses.

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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!

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Shadab Khan, 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.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Shadab Khan, Two! A low full toss, this is hit wide of long on and two is taken.

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, A single as this is hit down to long off.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, Slower one outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes but misses.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, BEATEN! Shorter and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes at it but misses.

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is lofted down towards long off for one.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Shadab Khan, Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Shadab Khan, 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.

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, WIDE! Way too short. Wided.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! A bumper but it is way too short. Ducked under.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, A yorker on off, this is jammed down to long off for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, Short and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

राशिद खान to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is pushed to cover.

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

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

राशिद खान to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter in length and outside off, this is guided to point.

राशिद खान to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, blocked.

राशिद खान to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shortish and outside off, this is guided to point.

नवीन-उल-हक to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, A yorker on middle, this is jammed through mid-wicket for one.

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

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Shadab Khan, 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.

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

राशिद खान to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed guides it to point.

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, Tossed up on off, defended.

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

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

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

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

नूर अहमद to Shadab Khan, A single as this is pushed down to long on.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Brilliant running! On middle, flatter, this is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Shortish and outside off, it turns back in, this is guided to point.

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

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket for two.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is pulled down to long on for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

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

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

नूर अहमद to Shadab Khan, Outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

नूर अहमद to Shadab Khan, Tossed up on off, Shadab pushes it to covers.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Around off, defended well.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, FOUR! Up and over! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket and it races away.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, Around off, kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On the shorter side again, this is punched through covers for one.

नूर अहमद to Shadab Khan, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Another single as this is swept towards deep square leg.

नूर अहमद to Shadab Khan, Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter again, this is punched through covers for one more.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Fuller and on off, Azam strokes it through covers for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, Another single in the cover region.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, On middle, kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, Two! Outside off, this is hit wide of sweeper cover for two.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Another single as this is punched through covers.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Shadab Khan, Shortish and on off, this is pushed towards cover.

मोहम्मद नबी to Shadab Khan, Three! Fuller and on off, this is driven past mid off for three.

मोहम्मद नबी to Shadab Khan, Flatter and on off, blocked.

मोहम्मद नबी to Shadab Khan, Around off, defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, 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.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, On off, defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Shadab Khan, Angled into the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, Around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, On off, this is kept out.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed down to long on.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, On middle, kept out.

राशिद खान to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards point for one.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, 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.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

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

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Steps out but the length is shortened again, this is worked to square leg.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed through covers.

राशिद खान to Saud Shakeel, Another googly, Saud waits and then guides it towards point for one.

राशिद खान to Saud Shakeel, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, Azam plays it to covers.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Around middle, blocked.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Another dot! On middle, this is defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Floats it up on off, defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, On off, kept out.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, 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.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Around off, defended.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

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

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Flatter and on off, defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Around off, kept out well.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Quicker and on middle, Saud Shakeel blocks.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

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

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On the shorter side, this is pushed through covers for another one.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped down to long off for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Outside off, this is swept through square leg for one.

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Another dot as this is worked to mid-wicket.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, kept out again.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, defended.

मोहम्मद नबी to Saud Shakeel, Another single as this is punched through covers.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed through covers.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, 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.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, On the stumps, kept out.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Outside off, left alone.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, Around off, defended.

राशिद खान to Saud Shakeel, Shortish again, this is guided past point for one.

राशिद खान to Saud Shakeel, 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.

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

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

राशिद खान to Saud Shakeel, Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, 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.

नूर अहमद to Saud Shakeel, 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.

नूर अहमद to Mohammad Rizwan, 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.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and just outside off, this is chopped towards cover.

नूर अहमद to Mohammad Rizwan, On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Mohammad Rizwan, Angled into the pads, Rizwan works it past square leg for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Mohammad Rizwan, 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.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Mohammad Rizwan, On the stumps, kept out again.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, this is pushed wide of the bowler and down to long off for one.

नूर अहमद to Mohammad Rizwan, 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.

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

नूर अहमद to Mohammad Rizwan, 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.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, On off, this is pushed to cover.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On off, this is eased down to long on for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Dot to end! On middle, defended well.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Quicker and on middle, kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, From around the wicket. This is bowled outside off. Left alone.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Brings out the sweep and it is played through square leg for one.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, blocked.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, On off, kept out.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, Single to end as this is pushed down to long off.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, On muffle, defended.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Well wide outside off, wided.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, defended.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, FOUR! PUNCHED AWAY! Short and wide outside off this is pushed past cover and it races away.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, defended.

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

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

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

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Flatter and on middle, defended.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Outside off, this is cut past point for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

नूर अहमद to Abdullah Shafique, Yet another one as this is nudged on the leg side.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On the pads, this is nudged around mid-wicket for one.

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

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, Short and outside off, Azam slaps it through covers for one.

नूर अहमद to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Yet another dot to end! On middle, blocked.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

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

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one more.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, A single as this is worked down to long on.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Another single as this is eased down to long on again.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Yet another single as this is eased down to long on.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, This one lands on middle, it seems to be the leg spinner. Defended.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, 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.

राशिद खान to Babar Azam, Flatter this time and around off, Azam defends it.

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

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

राशिद खान to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Varies his pace well! Slows it up and lands it around off, blocked.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Flatter this time and around off, defended.

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Another easy run as this is worked down to long on.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Babar Azam, 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.

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

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

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Babar Azam, 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.

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

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

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Another dot! Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Steps out and then works it down to long on for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, On middle, Azam works it back to the bowler.

मोहम्मद नबी to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, Azam blocks.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Abdullah Shafique, Dot to end a successful over! Shorter and on middle, defended.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Babar Azam, Angled into the pads, Azam works it around the corner for one.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Abdullah Shafique, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Babar Azam, 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.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Babar Azam, 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.

अज़मतुल्लाह उमरज़ई to Imam-ul-Haq, 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.

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Fires it on middle, this is blocked.

मोहम्मद नबी to Imam-ul-Haq, Angled into middle, this is worked wide of mid-wicket for one.

मोहम्मद नबी to Imam-ul-Haq, Tossed up on middle, this is kept out well.

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, Around off, blocked.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Now takes one as this is worked through mid-wicket.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on off, blocked.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Abdullah Shafique, Another one on middle, defended well.

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

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

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

मोहम्मद नबी to Imam-ul-Haq, Flatter and on middle, this is defended well.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, defended.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, 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.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Cut away! Way too short and it is punished. This is cut past point and the ball races away to the fence.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Imam-ul-Haq, A good short one, around off, Imam-ul-Haq evades it.

नवीन-उल-हक to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, On the stumps, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, On the shorter side, this is pushed to the man at cover.

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

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

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

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, this is kept out.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, On the stumps, defended.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, this is pushed to cover.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, Abdullah Shafique defends it.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Well wide outside off, left alone.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, A single to end! Around middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Another one on the pads, Abdullah Shafique misses the flick and gets hit on the pads.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, Around middle, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Imam-ul-Haq, Another single as this is hit towards mid on.

मुजीब उर रहमान to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

नवीन-उल-हक to Imam-ul-Haq, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Imam-ul-Haq, Good length again and around off, this is pushed to cover.

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

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, Makes the batter play this time, on a length and around off, this is defended.

नवीन-उल-हक to Abdullah Shafique, 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.