Afghanistan scripted history after defeating Pakistan in T20I game for the first time. While chasing the total of 92, it was Mohammed Nabi who came in when Afghanistan were struggling at 4/45 but then he held the one end, making 38 crucial runs, helping his team win at Sharjah.
“Congrats to everyone. Was a tough score to chase in these conditions. As a bowling unit, we wanted to keep them under 100. With the bat, I wanted to take responsibility and close the game. Most of the guys in our squad are playing big leagues, some have been here in the UAE for 15 days. So we were set. Thirty-eight on this wicket can feel like a hundred,” Nabi said in the post-match interview.
Nabi was also given the player of the match award for his all-round heroics as he picked 2/12 and played a useful hand with the bat too. Pakistan came into the match without five of their main players, including skipper Babar Azam. It was fitting that Nabi finished things off in style with a six to register the team's first win over Pakistan in four attempts spread across the last decade.
Since Babar was not playing the game, Shadab Khan was asked to lead the side.
“Tactics wise, we were fine. But sometimes this can happen due to youngsters being nervous. But they need to be given chances, they will come better. As professionals, we can’t give excuses regarding conditions. We have to learn from the loss here. Ihsan, Zaman’s bowling was a positive. Naseem and Imad’s return was great too. We have give 100% and hopefully will do well in the next game,” Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Shadab Khan said.