...The chase...

Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the Afghan bowlers with 2 wickets while the rest of the bowlers picked up one apiece and had a decent outing with the ball. Afghanistan could have done a bit better but failed to gather any momentum. Right then, can Afghanistan chase it and make it 3-0 or will Pakistan take this one and get a win? We shall find out. The second essay is coming up shortly.

Some lower-order hitting by Pakistan have got them over 180. Having put into bat first, Pakistan lost a couple of wickets inside the first five overs. Abdullah Shafique played a quick cameo at the top and got the run rate going. Saim Ayub took the time upfront but got into his groove and played a fine knock. He was dismissed just one short of his fifty. Iftikhar Ahmed then held the middle innings together with a steady 31 while skipper Shadab Khan provided the finishing touches and made a qu

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Nawaz, Full and on middle. Nawaz heaves it to deep mid-wicket where Mohammad Nabi runs to his left and uses his feet to keep it out. Good job, just two. PAKISTAN END WITH 182.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, On middle. Wasim works it to square leg for a single. 180 up for Pakistan.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, This is full and outside off. Wasim paddles it behind square leg for two.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, A yorker, outside off. Wasim fails to squeeze it out.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, ! BANG! Shorter and on middle. Wasim pulls it flat and over square leg for a biggie.

Fareed Ahmad to Shadab Khan, ! HIT WICKET! The most unfortunate way to get out! Even Khan didn't have any clue. Shorter and on middle, slower ball. Khan looks to pull but gets hit on the gloves. The ball deflects onto the pads but Khan swings his bat fully and toe ends it onto the stumps.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Nawaz, On middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, Short and on middle, Khan pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, TWO LEG BYES! A yorker, angling on middle. Khan fails to tuck it and it goes off the pads to square leg for two.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, ! Excellent shot! This is full and outside off. Khan backs away and knocks it through point for four runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Nawaz, Outside off, slapped to deep point for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! TAKEN! A low full toss on middle. Ahmed gets on his knee to slog but gets a top edge, high in the night sky but not far away as Rashid Khan takes it at deep mid-wicket.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, ! Length ball, around off, tails in. Khan looks to punch but gets an outside edge fine to third man. 17 of this one.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Length and on off. Ahmed knocks it to covers, straight to the fielder. Khan wanted a single and Rashid Khan has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A single is taken

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, A slower ball, close to off. Khan swings his bat and misses.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Too full on off, Khan eases it to long on for just a single.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, NO BALL AND ! This already is a huge over now! Karim Janat tries a yorker but ends up serving a high full toss near the head of Khan who pulls it over fine leg for four. Free-hit next. 

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, 150 up for Pakistan! A slower bumper on middle, this is pulled to mid-wicket for easy three.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, ! Carved away! Fuller and on off. Khan makes room and guides it over backward point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, 8 runs off the over! Full toss on off, Ahmed flicks it past mid on for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, Touch fuller on middle. Khan works it to long on for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, ! Crucial runs! Tad full, outside off. Khan strokes it through covers for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, On off, kept out.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, BEAUTY! A pin-point yorker on middle, angling in. Khan can only squeeze it out on the deck.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller and outside off, Ahmed mistimes his push to mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Too full on middle, Ahmed jams it out to long on for a single. 

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! THAT IS HUGE! Tossed up, outside off. Ahmed gets low and tonks it over wide long on for a biggie. 

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, A single as this is hit to deep mid-wicket.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, dragged to mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Fuller and on off, Khan nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, this is cut to deep point for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated on off, Ahmed drills it to long on for a single. 8 runs and a big wicket of it. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, ! TAKEN! This is a big wicket! Wasim could have been dangerous at the back. This one lands on middle and then turns away. Wasim didn't read the turn as he swings his bat across only to get a top edge to short third man where Karim Janat takes a diving catch.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Fuller and outside off, pushed through covers for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and outside off, Ahmed plays it to mid-wicket for one more.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, On middle. Wasim turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, ! A boundary to start the over! Full and on off, Wasim hits it through covers for four.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, On middle, worked to long on for a single.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, This is full and on middle. It is eased to long on for a single.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, On off, tucked to mid-wicket for one more.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Slanting on the pads again, Wasim works it to deep square leg for a brace.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, ! Too full and angling on the pads. Wasim helps it down to fine leg for four.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, ! TAKEN! The pressure was building and something was bound to happen! Ayub's stay is over! Length ball, outside off, Ayub skips down to go big but slices his shot to deep point. Mujeeb Ur Rahman runs forward, dives and takes a brilliant catch. He judged the flight well. Afghanistan will look to build from here.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Tailing on the pads, this is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single. Two good overs from Afghanistan.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Superb delivery! Quicker, flat and on off, turns in. Ayub cuts but to backward point. 

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is lofted down to long on for one.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Tossed up on middle. Ayub plays it to deep square leg for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Rashid Khan serves it quicker on middle. Ahmed pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and outside off, it is cut to point.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Just a single! Good bowling from Janat! Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, Ahmed tucks it to long on.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, Hard length delivery, outside off. Ayub guides it to third man and rotates the strike.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Slants this one on the pads. Ahmed tickles but finds the man at short fine leg. Can Karim Janat end on a good note?

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is drilled down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, Length and on off, Ayub bunts it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, 100 up! Length and on off, Ayub works it through covers for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Full and on leg, Ayub turns it to mid-wicket for a single. 11 runs off the over.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and on middle, Ahmed bunts it to square leg for one more.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Quicker one on the pads, Ayub flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, ! A rare loosener from Rashid! Full toss on middle and Ayub heaves it over mid-wicket for a six.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, A googly, outside off, this is cut to short third man for a quick single.

Drinks! A much better performance by Pakistan but the job is half done. They need to continue to get near the 180-mark and they can reach with Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim still to come. Afghanistan will hope to keep them under 160. The pitch looks two-paced and Afghanistan will look to stem the run flow.

Mohammad Nabi to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! BOOM! Full and on the middle and leg. Iftikhar Ahmed gets down and launches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Tossed up on off, Saim Ayub prods and inside edges it through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub prods and pushes into covers. 

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, MORE! Darted down the leg, Saim Ayub nudges it nicely past the short fine leg fielder as it races away to fence for back to back boundaries.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, ! Shortish and outside off, Saim Ayub waits and cuts it through backward point and short third man fielder for a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub punches it to covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Carrom ball, on a length and on the leg peg. Saim Ayub hangs back and works it through square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it through covers for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Tossed up on the middle and leg, nudged to mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fires it full and on the middle and leg. Iftikhar Ahmed is squared up and works it through point for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and on off, Saim Ayub punches it down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Shortish and outside off, cut away to a sweeper cover for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and quicker around off, Iftikhar Ahmed dabs it toward point.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Darted down the leg. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick and misses. Another wide. 

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Flat and on off, Saim Ayub works it past covers for a single.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and googly on off. Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it into covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Flat and down the leg. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick it away but misses and the umpire calls it wide.

Iftikhar Ahmed walks in to bat.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, ! CLEANED UP! Rashid Khan strikes in his first over. Googly into the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique shimmies down to work it away and misses it completely. The ball goes through the gate and crashes into the stumps. Abdullah Shafique departs after playing a quick cameo. Pakistan have now lost their third.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on the stumps. Abdullah Shafique prods and defends.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub carves it past short third for a single.

Rashid Khan to bowl now.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, ! BANG! Full on the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball to time it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full on the middle and leg. Saim Ayub works it through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Full on the leg peg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it through square leg for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Slower through the air on the leg peg. Saim Ayub nudges it to square leg for one. 

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Flat and around off, Abdullah Shafique punches it down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up around off, Abdullah Shafique prods and nudges into short mid-wicket.

Fareed Ahmad to Saim Ayub, Back of a length around off, Saim Ayub guides it short third for none. 

Fareed Ahmad to Saim Ayub, ! Shortish and outside off, Saim Ayub carves it into the gap through point for a cracking boundary. 

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length angled into the batter, tucked away to wide mid on for one.

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, ! BOOM! Full length ball on the stumps. Abdullah Shafique makes room and plays it inside out to smoke it over the long off-fence for a biggie. 

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Good length delivery outside off, Abdullah Shafique guides it to wide third man region for a couple.

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, ! BANG! Fareed Ahmad is welcomed with a boundary! On a length and around off, Abdullah Shafique lofts it uppishly toward the wide long on region for a boundary. 

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Follows the batter as he makes room and Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Flat and down the leg. Saim Ayub flicks and misses. WIDE again.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub drops it with soft hands into covers for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub presses forward and defends.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Wide! Flat and down the leg, Saim Ayub looks to flick and misses as the ball goes past the keeper toward fine leg for three runs

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Fires it full and on the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and pushes it down to mid on for one to get off the mark after 4 games.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, On a good length and on off, Abdullah Shafique presses forward and defends.

Abdullah Shafique walks in.

Mohammad Nabi to Tayyab Tahir, ! TAKEN! Mohammad Nabi strikes! Arm ball just outside off, Tayyab Tahir looks to go into the onside but plays it early and gets a leading edge that lobs toward short third man. Fareed Ahmad jumps and takes a brilliant one-hander catch to dismiss Tahir.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Fires it flat and quickly around off, Saim Ayub is rushed as he has punched into covers for none.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Shortish and around off, Saim Ayub goes back and bunts it into covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat again and Saim Ayub punches back to Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub goes back and punches it to short mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub bunts it back to the bowler.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, ! Flat and outside off, Saim Ayub plays late and works it past point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, LEG BYES! On a good length and angling down the leg. Tayyab Tahir tucks it off the pads as the ball goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg region for four leg byes.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, ! BANG! Slower ball, short, and a tad outside off, Tayyab Tahir works it through the point and backward point region for a cracking boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length angling into the batter, Tayyab Tahir looks to work it around and misses. He gets a thud on the pad. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Fullish length outside off, Saim Ayub opens the bat face and runs it down toward third man for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, On a length and around off, Tayyab Tahir waits and guides it toward the gully region for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length around off, Tayyab Tahir looks to punch it away but gets rushed and bunts it into the pitch. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, ! BOOM! Carrom ball coming into the middle and leg. Saim Ayub gets down and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and outside off, Saim Ayub comes forward and pushes it to point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Full and coming into the middle and leg. Mohammad Haris gets down to play the slog. He gets the height but not the distance and ends up hitting in the hands of Usman Ghani at the deep square leg region. Pakistan loses their first early. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Full and comes in. Tayyab Tahir works it toward mid-wicket for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Edged and Four! Shortish and around off. Tayyab Tahir flashes hard and edges it past the first slip man as the ball runs down to the third man region for a streaky boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Full and around off. Tayyab Tahir prods and defends.

Tayyab Tahir is the new man in.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bowl now.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Fuller-length delivery on off. Saim Ayub prods and defends.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Hard length delivery around off, Saim Ayub heaves through mid-wicket for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Good length ball around off, Saim Ayub prods and inside edges it toward the keeper.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, On a good length and a hint of shape outside off. Saim Ayub pokes outside off as the ball gets past the outside edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Full, and swings into the batter, Mohammad Haris nudges it toward deep square leg off an inside edge for one and gets off the mark.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Fazalhaq Farooqi starts off with a low full toss around off. Mohammad Haris gets forward and bunts it to mid off.

We are all set. The players are out in the middle. Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub to open for Pakistan. Fazalhaq Farooqi to bowl first. Let's play...

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Mohammad Haris (WK), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (C), Iftikhar Ahmed (In for Azam Khan), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim (In for Naseem Shah), Ihsanullah, Zaman Khan.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Usman Ghani, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal (In for Naveen-ul-Haq), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad (In for Azmatullah Omarzai). 

Time for the national anthems. It is Pakistan's first followed by Afghanistan's.

Shadab Khan says they wanted to bowl first as well. Adds they have to do better with the bat and adopt the conditions quickly and play fearless cricket. Shares he trusts his gut feeling while selecting the bowler and plays according to the tactics. Informs about his team.

Rashid Khan says they will bowl first. Adds chasing is much better here and they have the confidence o restrict Pakistan under a good total. Reckons they want to focus on this game and not on the past. Shares they want to give 100%. Informs about his team.

TOSS UPDATE: Afghanistan have won the toss and Rashid Khan has opted to field first. 

...The chase...

Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the Afghan bowlers with 2 wickets while the rest of the bowlers picked up one apiece and had a decent outing with the ball. Afghanistan could have done a bit better but failed to gather any momentum. Right then, can Afghanistan chase it and make it 3-0 or will Pakistan take this one and get a win? We shall find out. The second essay is coming up shortly.

Some lower-order hitting by Pakistan have got them over 180. Having put into bat first, Pakistan lost a couple of wickets inside the first five overs. Abdullah Shafique played a quick cameo at the top and got the run rate going. Saim Ayub took the time upfront but got into his groove and played a fine knock. He was dismissed just one short of his fifty. Iftikhar Ahmed then held the middle innings together with a steady 31 while skipper Shadab Khan provided the finishing touches and made a qu

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Nawaz, Full and on middle. Nawaz heaves it to deep mid-wicket where Mohammad Nabi runs to his left and uses his feet to keep it out. Good job, just two. PAKISTAN END WITH 182.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, On middle. Wasim works it to square leg for a single. 180 up for Pakistan.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, This is full and outside off. Wasim paddles it behind square leg for two.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, A yorker, outside off. Wasim fails to squeeze it out.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Wasim, ! BANG! Shorter and on middle. Wasim pulls it flat and over square leg for a biggie.

Fareed Ahmad to Shadab Khan, ! HIT WICKET! The most unfortunate way to get out! Even Khan didn't have any clue. Shorter and on middle, slower ball. Khan looks to pull but gets hit on the gloves. The ball deflects onto the pads but Khan swings his bat fully and toe ends it onto the stumps.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Nawaz, On middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, Short and on middle, Khan pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, TWO LEG BYES! A yorker, angling on middle. Khan fails to tuck it and it goes off the pads to square leg for two.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, ! Excellent shot! This is full and outside off. Khan backs away and knocks it through point for four runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Nawaz, Outside off, slapped to deep point for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! TAKEN! A low full toss on middle. Ahmed gets on his knee to slog but gets a top edge, high in the night sky but not far away as Rashid Khan takes it at deep mid-wicket.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, ! Length ball, around off, tails in. Khan looks to punch but gets an outside edge fine to third man. 17 of this one.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Length and on off. Ahmed knocks it to covers, straight to the fielder. Khan wanted a single and Rashid Khan has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A single is taken

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, A slower ball, close to off. Khan swings his bat and misses.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, Too full on off, Khan eases it to long on for just a single.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, NO BALL AND ! This already is a huge over now! Karim Janat tries a yorker but ends up serving a high full toss near the head of Khan who pulls it over fine leg for four. Free-hit next. 

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, 150 up for Pakistan! A slower bumper on middle, this is pulled to mid-wicket for easy three.

Karim Janat to Shadab Khan, ! Carved away! Fuller and on off. Khan makes room and guides it over backward point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, 8 runs off the over! Full toss on off, Ahmed flicks it past mid on for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, Touch fuller on middle. Khan works it to long on for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, ! Crucial runs! Tad full, outside off. Khan strokes it through covers for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, On off, kept out.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, BEAUTY! A pin-point yorker on middle, angling in. Khan can only squeeze it out on the deck.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller and outside off, Ahmed mistimes his push to mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Too full on middle, Ahmed jams it out to long on for a single. 

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! THAT IS HUGE! Tossed up, outside off. Ahmed gets low and tonks it over wide long on for a biggie. 

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, A single as this is hit to deep mid-wicket.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, dragged to mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Fuller and on off, Khan nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, this is cut to deep point for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated on off, Ahmed drills it to long on for a single. 8 runs and a big wicket of it. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, ! TAKEN! This is a big wicket! Wasim could have been dangerous at the back. This one lands on middle and then turns away. Wasim didn't read the turn as he swings his bat across only to get a top edge to short third man where Karim Janat takes a diving catch.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Fuller and outside off, pushed through covers for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and outside off, Ahmed plays it to mid-wicket for one more.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, On middle. Wasim turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim, ! A boundary to start the over! Full and on off, Wasim hits it through covers for four.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, On middle, worked to long on for a single.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, This is full and on middle. It is eased to long on for a single.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, On off, tucked to mid-wicket for one more.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, Slanting on the pads again, Wasim works it to deep square leg for a brace.

Karim Janat to Imad Wasim, ! Too full and angling on the pads. Wasim helps it down to fine leg for four.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, ! TAKEN! The pressure was building and something was bound to happen! Ayub's stay is over! Length ball, outside off, Ayub skips down to go big but slices his shot to deep point. Mujeeb Ur Rahman runs forward, dives and takes a brilliant catch. He judged the flight well. Afghanistan will look to build from here.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Tailing on the pads, this is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single. Two good overs from Afghanistan.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Superb delivery! Quicker, flat and on off, turns in. Ayub cuts but to backward point. 

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is lofted down to long on for one.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Tossed up on middle. Ayub plays it to deep square leg for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Rashid Khan serves it quicker on middle. Ahmed pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and outside off, it is cut to point.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Just a single! Good bowling from Janat! Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, Ahmed tucks it to long on.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, Hard length delivery, outside off. Ayub guides it to third man and rotates the strike.

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Slants this one on the pads. Ahmed tickles but finds the man at short fine leg. Can Karim Janat end on a good note?

Karim Janat to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is drilled down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, Length and on off, Ayub bunts it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Karim Janat to Saim Ayub, 100 up! Length and on off, Ayub works it through covers for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Full and on leg, Ayub turns it to mid-wicket for a single. 11 runs off the over.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and on middle, Ahmed bunts it to square leg for one more.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Quicker one on the pads, Ayub flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, ! A rare loosener from Rashid! Full toss on middle and Ayub heaves it over mid-wicket for a six.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, A googly, outside off, this is cut to short third man for a quick single.

Drinks! A much better performance by Pakistan but the job is half done. They need to continue to get near the 180-mark and they can reach with Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim still to come. Afghanistan will hope to keep them under 160. The pitch looks two-paced and Afghanistan will look to stem the run flow.

Mohammad Nabi to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! BOOM! Full and on the middle and leg. Iftikhar Ahmed gets down and launches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Tossed up on off, Saim Ayub prods and inside edges it through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub prods and pushes into covers. 

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, MORE! Darted down the leg, Saim Ayub nudges it nicely past the short fine leg fielder as it races away to fence for back to back boundaries.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, ! Shortish and outside off, Saim Ayub waits and cuts it through backward point and short third man fielder for a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub punches it to covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Carrom ball, on a length and on the leg peg. Saim Ayub hangs back and works it through square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it through covers for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Tossed up on the middle and leg, nudged to mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fires it full and on the middle and leg. Iftikhar Ahmed is squared up and works it through point for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and on off, Saim Ayub punches it down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Shortish and outside off, cut away to a sweeper cover for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flat and quicker around off, Iftikhar Ahmed dabs it toward point.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Darted down the leg. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick and misses. Another wide. 

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Flat and on off, Saim Ayub works it past covers for a single.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and googly on off. Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it into covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Flat and down the leg. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick it away but misses and the umpire calls it wide.

Iftikhar Ahmed walks in to bat.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, ! CLEANED UP! Rashid Khan strikes in his first over. Googly into the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique shimmies down to work it away and misses it completely. The ball goes through the gate and crashes into the stumps. Abdullah Shafique departs after playing a quick cameo. Pakistan have now lost their third.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on the stumps. Abdullah Shafique prods and defends.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub carves it past short third for a single.

Rashid Khan to bowl now.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, ! BANG! Full on the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball to time it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full on the middle and leg. Saim Ayub works it through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Full on the leg peg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it through square leg for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Slower through the air on the leg peg. Saim Ayub nudges it to square leg for one. 

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Flat and around off, Abdullah Shafique punches it down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up around off, Abdullah Shafique prods and nudges into short mid-wicket.

Fareed Ahmad to Saim Ayub, Back of a length around off, Saim Ayub guides it short third for none. 

Fareed Ahmad to Saim Ayub, ! Shortish and outside off, Saim Ayub carves it into the gap through point for a cracking boundary. 

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length angled into the batter, tucked away to wide mid on for one.

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, ! BOOM! Full length ball on the stumps. Abdullah Shafique makes room and plays it inside out to smoke it over the long off-fence for a biggie. 

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Good length delivery outside off, Abdullah Shafique guides it to wide third man region for a couple.

Fareed Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, ! BANG! Fareed Ahmad is welcomed with a boundary! On a length and around off, Abdullah Shafique lofts it uppishly toward the wide long on region for a boundary. 

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Follows the batter as he makes room and Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Flat and down the leg. Saim Ayub flicks and misses. WIDE again.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub drops it with soft hands into covers for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub presses forward and defends.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Wide! Flat and down the leg, Saim Ayub looks to flick and misses as the ball goes past the keeper toward fine leg for three runs

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Fires it full and on the middle and leg. Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and pushes it down to mid on for one to get off the mark after 4 games.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, On a good length and on off, Abdullah Shafique presses forward and defends.

Abdullah Shafique walks in.

Mohammad Nabi to Tayyab Tahir, ! TAKEN! Mohammad Nabi strikes! Arm ball just outside off, Tayyab Tahir looks to go into the onside but plays it early and gets a leading edge that lobs toward short third man. Fareed Ahmad jumps and takes a brilliant one-hander catch to dismiss Tahir.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Fires it flat and quickly around off, Saim Ayub is rushed as he has punched into covers for none.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Shortish and around off, Saim Ayub goes back and bunts it into covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat again and Saim Ayub punches back to Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and around off, Saim Ayub goes back and punches it to short mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Full and on off, Saim Ayub bunts it back to the bowler.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, ! Flat and outside off, Saim Ayub plays late and works it past point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, LEG BYES! On a good length and angling down the leg. Tayyab Tahir tucks it off the pads as the ball goes past the keeper and down to the fine leg region for four leg byes.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, ! BANG! Slower ball, short, and a tad outside off, Tayyab Tahir works it through the point and backward point region for a cracking boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length angling into the batter, Tayyab Tahir looks to work it around and misses. He gets a thud on the pad. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Fullish length outside off, Saim Ayub opens the bat face and runs it down toward third man for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, On a length and around off, Tayyab Tahir waits and guides it toward the gully region for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length around off, Tayyab Tahir looks to punch it away but gets rushed and bunts it into the pitch. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, ! BOOM! Carrom ball coming into the middle and leg. Saim Ayub gets down and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Flat and outside off, Saim Ayub comes forward and pushes it to point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Full and coming into the middle and leg. Mohammad Haris gets down to play the slog. He gets the height but not the distance and ends up hitting in the hands of Usman Ghani at the deep square leg region. Pakistan loses their first early. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Full and comes in. Tayyab Tahir works it toward mid-wicket for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Edged and Four! Shortish and around off. Tayyab Tahir flashes hard and edges it past the first slip man as the ball runs down to the third man region for a streaky boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tayyab Tahir, Full and around off. Tayyab Tahir prods and defends.

Tayyab Tahir is the new man in.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bowl now.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Fuller-length delivery on off. Saim Ayub prods and defends.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Hard length delivery around off, Saim Ayub heaves through mid-wicket for a couple.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, Good length ball around off, Saim Ayub prods and inside edges it toward the keeper.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, On a good length and a hint of shape outside off. Saim Ayub pokes outside off as the ball gets past the outside edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Full, and swings into the batter, Mohammad Haris nudges it toward deep square leg off an inside edge for one and gets off the mark.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Fazalhaq Farooqi starts off with a low full toss around off. Mohammad Haris gets forward and bunts it to mid off.

We are all set. The players are out in the middle. Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub to open for Pakistan. Fazalhaq Farooqi to bowl first. Let's play...

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Mohammad Haris (WK), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (C), Iftikhar Ahmed (In for Azam Khan), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim (In for Naseem Shah), Ihsanullah, Zaman Khan.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Usman Ghani, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal (In for Naveen-ul-Haq), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad (In for Azmatullah Omarzai). 

Time for the national anthems. It is Pakistan's first followed by Afghanistan's.

Shadab Khan says they wanted to bowl first as well. Adds they have to do better with the bat and adopt the conditions quickly and play fearless cricket. Shares he trusts his gut feeling while selecting the bowler and plays according to the tactics. Informs about his team.

Rashid Khan says they will bowl first. Adds chasing is much better here and they have the confidence o restrict Pakistan under a good total. Reckons they want to focus on this game and not on the past. Shares they want to give 100%. Informs about his team.

TOSS UPDATE: Afghanistan have won the toss and Rashid Khan has opted to field first.