Pakistan avoided a huge shock to keep their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup 2019 alive with a nervy 3-wicket win over Afghanistan in Leeds on Saturday. Afghanistan looked on course for their first victory of the
tournament as Pakistan fell to 156 for six chasing a total of 228, but 49 not out from Imad Wasim saw the 1992 champions over the line with two balls to spare. Earlier, Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi took two quick wickets
to slow Pakistan’s progress in the World Cup match at Headingley on Saturday. A third straight victory for Pakistan would see them leapfrog England and move into fourth place in the 10-team table after a poor start to the
tournament. Afghanistan managed 227 for nine in their 50 overs and Pakistan, who have never lost a one-day international to their neighbours, were cruising at 72-1 in reply. But Nabi struck with the last ball of the 16th over when he
lured Imam-ul-Haq from the crease and had the left-hander stumped by Ikram Alikhil for 36. In his next over he bowled Pakistan’s in-form Babar Azam, who departed after scoring an attractive 51-ball 45. Babar and Imam had
steadied the ship after Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck off the second ball of the innings, trapped leg-before by spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
