Afghanistan couldn’t beat India in the Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash, but it won hearts in Dubai late Tuesday night, as the Afghans gave their all to defend a total of 252. The clash between India (252 all out) and Afghanistan ended in a tie as Rashid Khan bowled a brilliant last over, defending just seven runs.
Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive 252/8 in 50 overs as opener Mohammad Shahzad (124) struck a brilliant century. Mohammad Shahzad was the aggressor for Afghanistan as he played his natural game and sent the Indian bowlers on a leather hunt.
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In reply, India got off to a great start as new opener KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu kept the scoreboard ticking with occasional boundaries, upping the ante after the first five overs. However, both the openers were sent back after they notched up their respective fifties. Following that, India kept losing wickets in regular intervals but were still on top due to their strong start.
However, with the increasing dot balls and required ever rising run-rate, India failed to score runs.
With seven runs required off the last over and last-man Khaleel Ahmed for company, Ravindra Jadeja hit a four — although replays indicated the ball may have hit the boundary skirting on the full. The next ball was a single. With two from three, Khaleel managed to scamper a single after somehow managing to connect his bat on to the ball off Rashid. Jadeja’s attempt to clear mid-wicket then resulted in Najibullah Zadran accepting the catch as the teams ended level with one ball remaining.
For India, KL Rahul top scored with 60 runs and Mohammad Shahzad of Afghanistan was the man of the match.
one of the greatest moment in asia cup history, afghanistan didn’t let India win #indvafg pic.twitter.com/iyWO9gfKZB
— Ali (@AleyFarooqq) September 25, 2018
Fans were disappointed and one picture in particular warmed hearts.