Time for the action to begin! The Pakistan players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Afghanistan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran! Shaheen Afridi has the first new ball in hand.

… THE RUN CHASE …

For Aghanistan, the pacers were quite disappointing. The likes of Noor Ahmad, Rashid and Nabi were really goodd but the other three leaked a lot of runs. They had high economy rates and that is what could cost the game for Afghanistan. Had it not been for the spinners, Pakistan would have scored over 300. Now though it is onto their batters who have a massive task on their hands. They will have to bat really well if they are to chase this down. Pakistan on the other hand, will back themselves to defend this one. Stay tuned for the chase.

That is a strong finish from Pakistan and we believe they have a score above par! The openers set the tone by getting them off to a fast start. Then there was a time when Pakistan lost a couple quickly but Babar Azam held fort at one end and built decent stands with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan! The skipper scored a fine half ton and laid the platform for the big hitters and Iftikhar Ahmed did not disappoint as he added the finishing touches.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, OUT! TAKEN! That is a fine last over from Naveen-ul-Haq! Really good! A short ball outside off, Shadab Khan looks to flat bat it down the ground. He holes out to the fielder at long on. Pakistan END WITH 282!

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shaheen Afridi, Shorter in length and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one more.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shaheen Afridi, Slower one outside off, Shaheen Afridi swings but misses.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shaheen Afridi, Two! On middle, Shaheen Afridi jams it out towards mid-wicket and takes two.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, OUT! TAKEN! Iftikhar Ahmed falls but he has done a fine job for his side. This is full and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to go over cover. There is a fieler in the deep and he takes it. Really good stuff. Bowled to his field there.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, Dot to begin the last over! Outside off, fuller, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to carve it out but misses.

A very unfortunate news coming in! The former Indian captain and a legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi, has passed away. He was 77 years old. Bedi sir was a part of Indian cricket's golden quartet of spinners. His words of wisdom will be missed. Rest in peace, legend!

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, Two again to end! 16 from the over. This is a massive over for Pakistan. Shorter and outside off, Shadab slaps it towards cover. The fielder dives to his right and makes a half stop. Two taken.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, Two! A low full toss, this is hit wide of long on and two is taken.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, Well fielded! Outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed guides it towards short third man. The fielder dives to his left and stops it well. Only one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Pressure, pressure getting to the bowler! Goes short but way too short. Ducked under.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! Another strong hit! Iftikhar Ahmed seems to be playing on a different wicket. Right i the slot though. Fuller and on middle, this is heaved over the long off fence.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, Another slower short ball, this is pulled down to long on for one more.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, A single as this is hit down to long off.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, Slower one outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes but misses.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, FOUR! Edgy! Pakistan won't mind how they come as long as they do. Outside off, fuller, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! BANG! Over the fence! Right in the slot and it is put away! Fuller and on middle, this is heaved over the long off fence for a biggie.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, BEATEN! Shorter and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed slashes at it but misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, A short one outside off, Shadab Khan looks to pull but it goes off the inside edge towards the keeper.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is lofted down towards long off for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Iftikhar Ahmed, FOUR! Deft! That is nicely played! Really good shot! This though is a poor ball. Shorter and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed waits and then guides it past point for boundary. Iftikhar Ahmed is playing a gem here.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, FOUR MORE! This is excellent placement! Full and outside off, Shadab Khan jams it out past the point fielder and it races away towards the third man fence. The fielder runs to his left, dives but his effort goes in vain.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Shadab Khan, SIX! BANG! Over the fence! Runs flowing now! Short again and on middle, this is haved over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, WIDE! Way too short. Wided.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! KABOOM! That is all power! This is short and on middle, it sits up to be hit. Iftikhar Ahmed waits for it and then slams it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, WIDE! A bumper but it is way too short. Ducked under.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, A yorker on off, this is jammed down to long off for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, Short and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! BANG! The slog sweep is out. It lands around off, it is nailed over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On the off pole, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it to cover.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter in length and outside off, this is guided to point.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Around off, blocked.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shortish and outside off, this is guided to point.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Iftikhar Ahmed, BEATEN! Length and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to push at it but is beaten.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, A yorker on middle, this is jammed through mid-wicket for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Fuller and outside off, Shadab Khan looks to drive but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, Better! Fuller and on off, Shadab pushes it to the left of the bowler. Wants a run but is sent back.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Shadab Khan, FOUR! That is a poor ball to begin with! On the pads, Shadab tickles it fine and this one races away to the fine leg fence.

Change! Finally a seamer comes back into the attack as Naveen-ul-Haq is introduced.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shortish and on off, Iftikhar Ahmed plays it to point. Tidy over this.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed guides it to point.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Tossed up on off, defended.

Rashid Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Another one on the shorter side, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it through covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Noor Ahmad to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flatter and on off, defended. An excellent spell from Noor comes to an end. He has justified his selection.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, OUT! TAKEN! Noor has his third. He gets his revenge on Azam. That is such a timely wicket. Azam was looking to break free and now he falls. Pakistan will now have a new and a relatively new batter out there in the middle at a time where they would have been looking to step on the gas. Perfect chance for Afghanistan to turn the tide in their favor. Not the best of balls by Noor. Shorter and outside off, Azam looks to slap it hard but does so straight to the cover fielder. Nabi takes it. A good knock from Babar but he needed to kick on from here.

Noor Ahmad to Shadab Khan, A single as this is pushed down to long on.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Brilliant running! On middle, flatter, this is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, SIX! BANG! Azam has decided to step on the gas! A biggie to begin this over. Noor under pressure now. 200 up. Tossed up around off, Azam lofts it over the long on fence. That was not a very bad ball but such is the class of this man.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, That is some effort! Wow! A serious effort from Noor Ahmad! This is tossed up around off, Azam looks to go downtown but it goes more off the inner half. Noor at long on, runs in, slides but it lands just short. He takes it on the bounce.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Shortish and outside off, it turns back in, this is guided to point.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Around middle, this one spins back in. Shadab Khan looks to defend, it goes off the inner half on the leg side for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket for two.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is pulled down to long on for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, That was a chance! Not an easy one but a chance! Shorter and around off, Babar Azam looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It hits his leg and then lobs towards the keeper who fails to react in time.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Outside off, this is guided to point. Azam wants a run but is sent back in time.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is hit hard to the left of the cover fielder who dives and stops it.

Noor Ahmad to Shadab Khan, Outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

Noor Ahmad to Shadab Khan, Tossed up on off, Shadab pushes it to covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Around off, defended well.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, FOUR! Up and over! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket and it races away.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Around off, kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On the shorter side again, this is punched through covers for one.

Noor Ahmad to Shadab Khan, On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Another single as this is swept towards deep square leg.

Noor Ahmad to Shadab Khan, Shorter and outside off, this is cut past point for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter again, this is punched through covers for one more.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Fuller and on off, Azam strokes it through covers for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Another single in the cover region.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, On middle, kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Two! Outside off, this is hit wide of sweeper cover for two.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Another single as this is punched through covers.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shadab Khan, Shortish and on off, this is pushed towards cover.

Mohammad Nabi to Shadab Khan, Three! Fuller and on off, this is driven past mid off for three.

Mohammad Nabi to Shadab Khan, Flatter and on off, blocked.

Mohammad Nabi to Shadab Khan, Around off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Fifty for Azam! Another good knock from him and he will be eyeing a big one here. His team needs him to bat through as he has a hang of this surface. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, On off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Shadab Khan, Angled into the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, On off, this is kept out.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed down to long on.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, On middle, kept out.

Rashid Khan to Shadab Khan, Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards point for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, OUT! TAKEN! Nabi gets Saud Shakeel and yet again, just as a partnership was starting to grow, it has been broken! That field change probably was on Saud's mind. The mid-wicket was taken out and there was an extra point fielder after the reverse sweep. Saud Shakeel steps out and looks to whip it over mid-wicket. It goes off the leading edge as it turns away down towards long on. Rashid Khan takes a good catch. Saud walks back after getting a start.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, FOUR! Nicely played! Excellent innovation! Brings out the reverse sweep, just uses the pace and plays it past short third man for a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, An appeal but not given! On middle, Saud steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He defends.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Steps out but the length is shortened again, this is worked to square leg.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed through covers.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, Another googly, Saud waits and then guides it towards point for one.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, FOUR! Runs starting to come now! Shorter and outside off, Saud Shakeel waits and then guides it towards short third man. The fielder ends up diving over the ball. Boundary.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, Azam plays it to covers.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Around middle, blocked.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Another dot! On middle, this is defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Floats it up on off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, On off, kept out.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, FOUR! Up and over! Welcome boundary! This stand is now flourishing. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Just the one! The googly, Babar Azam goes for the slog sweep but gets a top edge towards mid-wicket. It is taken by the fielder. One.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Another wide as this is bowled down the leg side. HOLD ON! It is a no ball as the siren goes on. Free Hit coming up.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Around off, defended.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Short and down the leg side. Saud Shakeel looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Flatter and on off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Around off, kept out well.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Quicker and on middle, Saud Shakeel blocks.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Bonus runs! Shorter and down the leg side. Shakeel looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to take it cleanly. Two taken.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On the shorter side, this is pushed through covers for another one.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped down to long off for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Outside off, this is swept through square leg for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Nabi has gone for only 13 runs in his 6! Brilliant! On middle, Azam works it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Another dot as this is worked to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, kept out again.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Saud Shakeel, Another single as this is punched through covers.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, A single as this is pushed through covers.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Noor felt it was pad first! Looked close! The leg spinner this time, it lands utside off and spins back in. It did hit both bat and pad but not sure what first.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, On the stumps, kept out.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Outside off, left alone.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Around off, defended.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, Shortish again, this is guided past point for one.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, Close! Better from Rashid. He needs to be on the stumps and on this length a lot more. He has not been at his best so far. On middle, this one turns back in. Saud looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge towards short fine leg.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, Flatter and outside off, Saud Shakeel shapes up to pull but this turns away, it goes to point.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, A low full toss, this is wide of long off for one. Saud Shakeel is off the mark.

Rashid Khan to Saud Shakeel, Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, Brilliant from Noor again! He has bowled with really good control after the first wicket and he looks deadly at the moment. Saud goes back to this googly which lands outside off. He gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Noor Ahmad to Saud Shakeel, A loud appeal but not given! It is reviewed. Impact seems to be outside off! NOT OUT! It indeed is. Not a good review that. This lands outside off and spins back in. Saud Shakeel looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the back pad. Not a good review that. It just never looked out. Noor was pretty much excited but the keeper should have not encouraged the review.

Noor Ahmad to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! TAKEN! What a day Noor is having. Back into the side and now has two wickets. He gets the big fish. Rizwan continues to look to sweep him but this time it is slower, it is outside off and it is the googly. There is some extra bounce too. Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep but it goes off the top edge towards short fine leg. Mujeeb Ur Rahman takes an easy catch. Pakistan in a spot of bother all of a sudden.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and just outside off, this is chopped towards cover.

Noor Ahmad to Mohammad Rizwan, On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Rizwan, Angled into the pads, Rizwan works it past square leg for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Rizwan, SIX! BANG! Off the mark in style! That was in the slog and Rizwan puts it away! He plays the sweep and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Rizwan, On the stumps, kept out again.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, this is pushed wide of the bowler and down to long off for one.

Noor Ahmad to Mohammad Rizwan, Another beauty! This lands around off and then spins away. Mohammad Rizwan is beaten again as he tries to defend. Noor is getting into his own here. A really good over. Landed it well and got the reward.

Noor Ahmad to Mohammad Rizwan, Rizwan is probably not picking Noor! This is floated up outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep but misses.

Noor Ahmad to Mohammad Rizwan, BEATEN! Noor has his tail up here! Bowls a googly, it lands on off and spins away. Mohammad Rizwan looks to defend but is beaten.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, An appeal but not given! It is reviewed. Has the ball straightened? OUT! THREE REDS! It has straightened enough! Excellent review. This lands around middle and then spins away. Abdullah Shafique looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pad. A successful review. Abdullah Shafique falls shortly after getting past his half ton again. Another stand which was going along well has been broken.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, On off, this is pushed to cover.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On off, this is eased down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Dot to end! On middle, defended well.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Quicker and on middle, kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! Off the outside edge! Pakistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! Outside off, flatter, Abdullah Shafique looks to drive but this ges off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, From around the wicket. This is bowled outside off. Left alone.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Brings out the sweep and it is played through square leg for one.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, blocked.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, On off, kept out.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Single to end as this is pushed down to long off.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, On muffle, defended.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Well wide outside off, wided.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Around off, kept out.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Tossed up on off, defended.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, FOUR! PUNCHED AWAY! Short and wide outside off this is pushed past cover and it races away.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, defended.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Another googly, it lands around middle and spins back in. Abdullah Shafique looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Fifty for Abdullah Shafique! His good form continues! On the pads, this is worked through square leg for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, That is a beauty! This lands around off and then spins away sharply. Abdullah Shafique is beaten as he tries to defend.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Flatter and on middle, defended.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Outside off, this is cut past point for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Yet another one as this is nudged on the leg side.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On the pads, this is nudged around mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Abdullah Shafique, Outside off, Abdullah Shafique guides it past point for one more.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, Short and outside off, Azam slaps it through covers for one.

Noor Ahmad to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Yet another dot to end! On middle, blocked.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, That is a beauty! This lands around off and then spins away. Abdullah Shafique looks to defend but is beaten. The ball is starting to turn. Signs it is going to be tough to bat on as the game goes on.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, BEATEN! Flatter and on off, this lands and spins away. Babar Azam is beaten as he tries to defend.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one more.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, A single as this is worked down to long on.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Good from Nabi! Watching the batter till the end! Steps out but does not get to the pitch of it, he pushes it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Another single as this is eased down to long on again.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Yet another single as this is eased down to long on.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, This one lands on middle, it seems to be the leg spinner. Defended.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Nicely bowled! Slows it up, lands it outside off and gets it to turn back in a little. Babar Azam looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, Flatter this time and around off, Azam defends it.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Rashid Khan to Babar Azam, On the bounce! Shorter and on middle, Azam looks to pull, it goes more off the splice towards long on. One taken.

Rashid Khan to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Angled into the pads, Azam flicks but finds square leg. Nabi continues to keep it tidy.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Varies his pace well! Slows it up and lands it around off, blocked.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Flatter this time and around off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Abdullah Shafique steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He pushes it down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Another easy run as this is worked down to long on.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, Better! Length and around off, Azam defends. This is where he needs to be bowling.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai is not learning here! He goes short again to Azam. He is pulled off the front foot. This time Azam gets it over mid-wicket and to the fence. Runs continue to flow.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, Extra bounce. An effort ball by Azmatullah Omarzai! Outside off, this one takes off after landing. Babar Azam looks to cut but misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, Two more! Good stuff again! Shorter and around off, this is pushed past cover for a couple. They need to go a touch fuller.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, Two more! Can't bowl short on this surface. Azam pulls it through mid-wicket. Rashid runs to his left and keeps it down to two.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, On the stumps, Babar Azam looks to guide it down to third man but ends up underedging it to the keeper.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Nabi continues to keep it tight! Flatter and on off, Abdullah Shafique hangs back and defends it back towards the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, A little bit of hold there! On middle, Abdullah Shafique flicks it but to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Another dot! Flatter and on middle, this is worked to square leg.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Steps out and then works it down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, On middle, Azam works it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi to Babar Azam, Floats it up on off, Azam blocks.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, Dot to end a successful over! Shorter and on middle, defended.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, Angled into the pads, Azam works it around the corner for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, That is sloppy from Afghanistan! This is shorter and around off, it is pushed towards cover. The fielder has a needless shy at the bowler's end. The fielder backing up does not stop it cleanly and a run is taken.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Babar Azam, FOUR! That is glorious! What a shot that is! Shorter and around off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it through covers. He is impecable through that off side.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Imam-ul-Haq, OUT! TAKEN! Omarzai is making it a habit to take wickets when needed. Did it against the Kiwis and now here when this stand was going along so nicely. This is short and on middle, Imam will feel a little hard done, he pulls it hard but straight to Naveen who takes a sharp catch. Much-needed wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Good stop! Saves a run for his side. On middle, this is pushed to the right of the bowler who dives and stops it.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Fires it on middle, this is blocked.

Mohammad Nabi to Imam-ul-Haq, Angled into middle, this is worked wide of mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Imam-ul-Haq, Tossed up on middle, this is kept out well.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on off, Abdullah Shafique plays it back to the bowler.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Imam-ul-Haq, A good bumper on middle, Imam-ul-Haq ducks under it.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, A slower one now on middle, Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique times it sweatly to mid off. The new ball for now is coming on nicely.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Imam-ul-Haq, Outside off, Imam-ul-Haq guides it down to third man for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, Abdullah Shafique works it through square leg and takes one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Abdullah Shafique, Good length and on off, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, Around off, blocked.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Now takes one as this is worked through mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! Way too full and put away! Runs flowing for Pakistan! This is full again and outside off, Abdullah Shafique leans into it and creams it through covers. No chance of stopping that.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, SIX! That is a lovely stroke! Held his shape brilliantly. This is tossed up on off, Abdullah Shafique steps out and gets to the pitch of it. He lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up on off, blocked.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Tidy from Mohammad Nabi! On middle, Abdullah Shafique pushes it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Another one on middle, defended well.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, Quicker and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Abdullah Shafique, This is pushed through, it is on off, Abdullah Shafique keeps it out.

Mohammad Nabi to Imam-ul-Haq, Angled into the pads, Imam-ul-Haq works it down towards fine leg for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Imam-ul-Haq, Flatter and on middle, this is defended well.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! That is a poor delivery! A hit-me ball. Short and down the leg side. Abdullah Shafique pulls it past short fine leg and this one races away. Pakistan are off to a flier here.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, defended.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, Overthrow! On middle, shorter, this is pulled down to long on for one. The fielder hits the stumps at the non-striker's end. It deflects away from the fielder backing up. Two taken.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Cut away! Way too short and it is punished. This is cut past point and the ball races away to the fence.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Imam-ul-Haq, A good short one, around off, Imam-ul-Haq evades it.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, A quick run now! Around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, SIX! Over the fence this time! This is banged in short and on middle, it sits up to be hit nicely. Abdullah Shafique rocks back and hammers it over the square leg fence for a biggie. Not a wicket you want to bowl short on.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! Lovely stroke again! This is full and around off, a half volley, this is timed nicely through covers and it races away to the fence.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, On the stumps, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, On the shorter side, this is pushed to the man at cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, Imam-ul-Haq walks across and nudges it to mid-wicket again.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, Angled into the pads, Imam-ul-Haq works it to mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, Abdullah Shafique works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, this is kept out.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, On the stumps, defended.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! Up and over! That is a top shot from Abdullah Shafique! This is full and around off, Abdullah Shafique lofts it over the bowler's head and it goes to the fence.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, This lands just short! Around middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but closes this face of the bat early. It goes off a soft leading edge towards mid off. The wicket already seems quite slow.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, Around off, Abdullah Shafique defends it.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Well wide outside off, left alone.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, A single to end! Around middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Another one on the pads, Abdullah Shafique misses the flick and gets hit on the pads.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, Around middle, Abdullah Shafique is solid in defense.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imam-ul-Haq, Another single as this is hit towards mid on.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abdullah Shafique, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! The last ball spoils the over! On middle, on the pads, this is flicked past the mid-wicket fielder and this one races away to the fence. Good first over for Pakistan.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Imam-ul-Haq, Good length again and around off, this is pushed to cover.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Imam-ul-Haq, Another dot! Length and around off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it to covers.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, In the air but wide! Fuller and outside off, Abdullah Shafique carves it uppishly but wide of point and down to third man for one.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, Makes the batter play this time, on a length and around off, this is defended.

Naveen-ul-Haq to Abdullah Shafique, Starts off with one just outside off, Abdullah Shafique watches it go to the keeper.

Done with the Anthems! It is time for the action to begin. The Pakistan openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdul Rahman walk out to the middle. A lot of spinners on show for Afghanistan today so we expect them to open with spin. Let's wait and watch who gets the new ball. It is pace to begin with, Naveen-ul-Haq has the first new ball in hand.

Time for the National Anthems! The players make their way out to the middle. Afghanistan will sing their first and then it will be Pakistan's turn.

Afghanistan (PLAYING XI) – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad.

Pakistan (PLAYING XI) – Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf.

Hashmatullah Shahidi says they wanted to bat first too but the toss is not in their hand. Informs they have one change, Noor Ahmad comes in for Fazalhaq Farooqi! Adds more spin will be better for them.

Babar Azam says the wicket seems a touch dry and hence, they want to bat first. Informs they have one change, Mohammad Nawaz is out and Shadab Khan comes back in. Adds they need to step up in all three departments. Ends by saying they want to give their 100 percent and hope to do well in this game.

TOSS – Pakistan have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT!

PITCH REPORT – Pommie Mbangwa and Aaron Finch doing the pitch report say the straight boundaries are longer than the short boundaries. Adds there won't be a lot of pace on this surface as there is not a lot of grass. Ends by saying, this could be the slowest pitch.

We are closing in towards the business end of the tournament and each and every game is of high importance now especially for the teams languishing in the lower-half of the table and the two sides, battling it out in this game and in that category. It is Pakistan and Afghanistan. This game is a must-win for both of them. Especially for the likes of Afghanistan who are right at the bottom of the table. They'll need a win if they are to keep their hopes of going through to the next round alive. Pakistan on the other hand, have been a tad disappointing so far in this tournament. However, a win here will see them enter into the top 4. They are surely favourites for this encounter and will be hoping to get back to winning ways. Toss and teams in a bit.

… MATCH DAY …

We are approaching the halfway point of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and it is now time for match number 22, which sees two Asian rivals, Pakistan and Afghanistan, square off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Babar Azam's Pakistan find themselves fourth in the standings with two wins and two losses from four games, whereas Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan are languishing at the bottom with a solitary win from the four games played. Having stunned the reigning champions, England, Afghanistan went up against New Zealand riding high on confidence, but the Kiwis proved too good for the Asian side. While chasing 289 runs for victory, the Afghan batters could never really get going, and in the end, they were bowled out for 139. Afghanistan were pretty ordinary in the field, dropping crucial chances, and they were made to pay for it. If they are to get the better of Pakistan, they will have to pick themselves up with the ball and in the field. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were not able to have the impact expected from them with the new ball and will have to step up in this game. In the middle phase, the experienced duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will have to weave their magic on a surface likely to assist spin. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has stood out with the bat for Afghanistan but has not found much support from the rest of the batters. His opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, is having a lean run in the competition, as is Rahmat Shah. Ikram Alikhil has shown a lot of promise and will be expected to forge partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai in the middle order. On the other hand, Pakistan also suffered a defeat in their last outing against Australia. Having conceded back-to-back losses, they will be eager to return to winning ways. Pakistan failed to turn up in the field, which allowed Australia to post a massive total. In their pursuit of 368, the two openers started well, but once this stand was broken, the loss of wickets at crucial intervals meant that they ended up on the losing side. With only one fifty from the last seven innings, Pakistan will need their skipper, Babar Azam, to fire and fire quickly. Mohammad Rizwan continued his brilliant form, while fifties from Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq should give the two openers some much-needed confidence. When it comes to the bowling department, one name that stands out is Shaheen Afridi, whose five-wicket haul in the previous encounter restricted Australia to a lower total. Haris Rauf has been taken to the cleaners, and a senior bowler like him will have to pull his socks up. Playing in place of Shadab Khan, Usama Mir was not able to justify his selection and even dropped David Warner early on. It will be fascinating to see if Usama gets another game or if Shadab is called back into the playing XI. Having never faced an ODI defeat against Afghanistan, Pakistan are the favourites to come out on top. Will they cruise to a victory? Or does Afghanistan have another upset up their sleeves? We will find out together.