3 times Afghanistan came close but couldn't defeat Pakistan in an ODI
In their fifth match of the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan accomplished what had eluded them for seven attempts: beating Pakistan in a One-Day International (ODI). While they had come close to victory on a couple of occasions in the past, they endured heartbreaking losses. However, on the grandest stage of them all, Afghanistan finally broke the spell.
They chased down a target of 283, winning by eight wickets with six balls to spare. This remarkable achievement marked their highest successful chase in ODIs. It was a long-awaited 'W' against Pakistan, bringing their head-to-head record to 1-7. Notably, it was also the highest successful chase against Pakistan in a World Cup match.
Here we take a look at 3 times Afghanistan came close but couldn't defeat Pakistan in an ODI:
#3 Pakistan won by 3 wickets, 2018
With only three balls left, the match took a decisive turn. Shoaib Malik stepped up and won the game for his side on a night where Pakistan were put under the pump.
Pakistan had appeared to be in control with the 154-run partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. However, the scoring rate meant that the following batters would face significant pressure from Rashid Khan.
This is where Malik's contribution was crucial, as he skillfully navigated the situation and maintained his composure and helped them win the match by three wickets in the final over.
#2 Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 2 balls remaining), 2019
Pakistan kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals alive with a tense victory over Afghanistan at Leeds' Headingley Ground. Batting first, Afghanistan struggled to reach a total of 227/9, with pacer Shaheen Afridi making a significant impact by taking four wickets for 47 runs.
Pakistan encountered difficulties in their chase, losing Fakhar Zaman to Mujeeb Ur Rahman's second ball. Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam stabilized the innings with a 72-run partnership, but the Afghan spinners created problems, reducing Pakistan to 156/6 before the second powerplay concluded.
With Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, and captain Sarfraz Ahmed departing, Imad Wasim took on the responsibility of guiding Pakistan to a nervy victory in the final overs. Supported by the aggressive Wahab Riaz, his unbeaten 49 runs proved crucial as Pakistan secured the win with just two balls to spare, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
#1 Pakistan won by 1 wicket (with 1 ball remaining), 2023
In a thrilling high-scoring one-day international, Pakistan's lower-order batters displayed remarkable composure to secure a one-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
The foundation for the first-innings total of 300-5 was laid by Rahmanullah Gurbaz's remarkable 151 and his opening partner Ibrahim Zadran's valuable 80.
Shadab Khan played a pivotal role in Pakistan's chase with his 48 off 35 balls. He swung the match in Pakistan's favor with two boundary-picking shots off the final two deliveries of the penultimate over, bowled by fast bowler Abdul Rahman.
Requiring 11 runs from the last over, Farooqi ran out Shadab at the non-striker's end, as Shadab moved out of his crease prematurely. However, Shah and the eleventh batter, Haris Rauf, displayed incredible poise and determination and shattered Afghanistan's dream of defeating Pakistan for the first time in an ODI.