WATCH: Babar Azam Loses His Cool After Shadab Khan ‘Mankad’ Controversy In Pakistan’s 2nd ODI Win Over Afghanistan
Pakistan maintained their nerve to win the second ODI with one wicket with one ball to spare, clinching the three-match ODI series 2-0.
The ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota, however, was not without controversy, as Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan was controversially'mankaded' or run out at the non-striker's end in the penultimate over by Afghanistan bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Shadab Khan, who earned the 'Player of the Match' award, was batting on 48 off 35 balls heading into the final over, with 11 runs needed to win, but was 'Mankaded' off the first ball.
Naseem Shah, a Pakistan pace bowler, retained his composure and edged a boundary to third man to help his team to a thrilling victory.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam, on the other hand, was enraged at the end of the match and lost his cool with the umpires over what happened in the final over.
After the game, Babar had a few words for former Afghanistan captain and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, as well as the umpires.
Naseem Shah, on the other hand, was lauded by Babar Azam for remaining calm in the face of intense pressure. "All credit goes to the lads. When Imam and I were playing, we basically attempted to develop a partnership and play long to see where we stood after 40 overs.
We felt we could chase 80 or 90 runs in the final ten overs. "Naseem also appears in critical situations," Babar Azam explained.
Shadab Khan hit 48 off 35 balls, including three fours and one six, to help Pakistan chase down 27 off the final two overs with only two wickets in hand. "As a senior player, you go through these stages all the time." I attempt to maintain as much calm as possible.
The pitch was that their players had worked with world-class spinners, so I wanted to face quick bowlers. The boundaries were extensive. "My strategy was to go for twos," Shadab Khan explained after the match.
After Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck a stunning 150 in the first innings, Pakistan needed 301 to win. Pakistan's chase was set up by opener Imam-ul-Haq's 91 off 105 balls and skipper Babar Azam's 53 off 66 balls.
