With 24 needed from 12 balls, Asif Ali hit four sixes in the 19th over to win it
Pakistan’s power hitter Asif Ali smashed four sixes in the seocnd-last over to win the thrilling match at Dubai International Stadium and sealed a five-wicket win over Afghanistan.
Set 148 to win, Pakistan appeared to be timing its chase to perfection, only to lose key batters Babar Azam (51) and Shoaib Malik (19) in the space of six balls.
With 24 needed off 12 balls, Asif Ali rose to the occassion and did what was unimaginable. Asif hit four sixes off Janat in the 19th over to win the match for Pakistan. Asif finished on 25 not out off just seven balls
With three wins in three games, Pakistan is now practically in the semi-finals.
Pakistanis are celebrating the thrilling win and spectacular finish by Asif Ali.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja praised Asif’s “incredible hitting under pressure” and congratulated the team.
Skipper Babar said that “awesome finish from Asif Ali was indeed the cherry on top.”
“Asif Ali is the best finisher in the game congratulations Pakistan . What a performance,” said former Pakistani spinner Wasim Akram.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also praised the Pakistan cricket team on their third win in the T20 World Cup.