In the second ODI in Hambantota on Thursday, Pakistan defeated an unlucky Afghanistan by one wicket thanks to a boundary from number ten batter Naseem Shah off the penultimate delivery.
This was not a game to be taken lightly. In the final few balls of the second ODI in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, needing just one wicket to win, made a push to edge out Afghanistan by the slimmest of margins. In the second ODI, played on Thursday in Hambantota, Afghanistan was outplayed by Pakistan by one wicket thanks to a boundary from number ten batsman Naseem Shah off the penultimate delivery.
As Pakistan scored 11 runs off the final over to finish with 302-9 in 49.5 overs, the 20-year-old mishit a boundary off fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi and sprinted joyously to the changing room.
With the final match in Colombo on Saturday, Pakistan already has a commanding 2-0 series advantage.
“I would like to say that this year, with the chances I have at the very end of the innings, I hope I don’t suffer a heart attack someday. In a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shah remarked, “I always try to believe in myself in situations like that. I am really thankful to Allah and his grace. On social media, the quote has currently received a lot of attention.
“When I entered, I had faith in Shadab. I had faith that we would prevail in the game. But after Shadab left, I felt like I was in charge of everything. The bowlers are the same, and I had faith in my ability to lead the team to victory.
Shah is content with the fact that he has frequently helped Pakistan cross the finish line. “I’ll say it’s a very wonderful thing, and we really needed this victory. I had faith in my ability.
“I practise batting in the nets a lot in order to be ready for such scenarios. When all the breathing lines stop, I know it’s time for me. I succeeded in making the team win after trying again. The rest is up to the Almighty, and all I can do is strive to earn your respect,” he continued.
