Abu Dhabi (Agencies): Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by three wickets in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Afghanistan scored 257-6 in their 50 overs which Pakistan chased down in 49.3 overs for the loss of seven wickets at Abu Dhabi stadium.
Afghanistan captain Asghar won the toss and decided to bat first.
Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah opened their innings, whereas Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Afridi shared the new ball for Pakistan.
Afghan player Hashmatullah Shahidi smashed 97 and captain Asghar Afghan hit 67 runs to lift Afghanistan to fighting score of 257.
Chasing 258 for win Pakistan got off to a terrible start but a 154 run partnership between Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq laid the foundation of the win for Pakistan.
Shaoib Malik hit a six and a four off the second and the third ball of the last over to take Pakistan to victory.
In bowling Afghan players Rashid Khan got three wickets, Mujeeb Ur Rahman got two wickets and Gulbadin Naib also got one wicket.
This was the first loss of Afghanistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2018 and expected to go against Bangladesh on Sunday in the four match of the Asia cup 2018.
This comes after previously Afghan cricket team has beaten Bangladesh cricket team by 136 runs in the 2018 Asia Cup as they showed an excellent team performance on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets and they will face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday whereas Afghanistan will compete Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on the same day.
The top two teams from the Super Four round will play the final in Dubai on September 28.
