Pakistan pursue retrieval from mortifying loss to keep Afghanistan series active

SHARJAH:  Pakistan lost their first match to Afghanistan in the series-opening Twnety20 International here on Friday. Pakistan, without five relaxed frontline players including Captain Babar Azam, struggled on a slow and low pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium against the Afghans and was restricted to 92-9.

Afghanistan then disabled falling to 45-4 in the 10th over to vacation home with more than two overs to spare.

“Tactics wise, we were fine,” said Shadab in the post-match ceremony. “But sometimes this can happen due to youngsters being nervous. They need to be given chances, they will get better.”

Pakistan came into the series after an exhilarating Pakistan Super League season where batters got plenty of runs but struggled on a pitch that provided assistance to Afghanistan’s three-pronged spin attack.

“As professionals, we can’t give excuses regarding conditions, we have to learn from the loss here,” added Shadab.

Pakistan came into the series after a frightening Pakistan Super League season where batters got plenty of runs but struggled on a pitch that provided help to Afghanistan’s three-split spin attack.

“As professionals, we can’t give excuses regarding conditions, we have to learn from the loss here,” added Shadab.