(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In the 22nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan faced their arch-rivals Afghanistan, and finally hit their first six during the batting powerplay (1-10 overs) in the ODI format in 2023 after a long wait.
Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique ended the long six drought in the first powerplay by hitting a maximum twice. On the third delivery of the fifth over bowled by Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, Shafique played a pull shot, sending the ball over over the mid-wicket boundary for a six. This was the first ODI six by a Pakistani batter in the batting powerplay in 2023, ending a streak of 1168 balls without one.
The 23-year-old opener went for another big shot on the third delivery of the eighth over, targeting the long-off boundary against spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Regarding the first powerplay score of the Men in Green, Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq provided a strong start, accumulating 56 runs without losing their wickets.
However, as soon as the batting powerplay ended, Azmatullah Omarzai broke the partnership by dismissing Imam, who was batting on 17.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Shafique then built a 54-run stand for the second wicket. Shafique reached his third 50-plus score in the tournament but failed to convert it into a hundred as Noor Ahmad, making his World Cup debut, struck in his third over to dismiss him on 58.
Babar Azam’s side accumulated 282 runs in their 50 overs, losing seven wickets. Babar was the leading run-scorer of his team, smashing 74 runs off 92 balls with the help of four fours and one six.