Pakistan on Friday defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the ICC T20 World Cup group match played in Dubai, United Arab Emirate. Asif Ali emerged as the hero for Pakistan for the second straight game of T20 World Cup 2021 on Friday as he hit four sixes in the penultimate over of a successful run chase against Afghanistan.
With this, Pakistan completed hat-trick of wins in the ongoing T20 World Cup and they are at the top of the points table in Group 2.
Skipper Babar Azam anchored Pakistan’s innings with a 47-ball 51 but his dismissal – bowled by spinner Rashid Khan – turned the game on its head in the 17th over with Pakistan needing 26 off the last three overs.
Afghanistan scored a fighting 147-6 in their 20 overs with Gulbadin Naib and skipper Mohammad Nabi scoring 35 each.
The entire world showered praise on social media to celebrate Asif Aliโs power packed act.
Primie Minister Imran khan took to twitter to congratulate the team
Congratulations Team Pakistan. Impressive cricket by Team Afghanistan. Never have I seen a cricketing nation rise as rapidly as Afghanistan in international cricket & become so competitive. With this competitive spirit & talent the future of cricket is bright in Afghanistan.
โ Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 29, 2021
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja
ย
#asifyoubeauty incredible hitting under pressure. Sensational ๐๐Congrats boys keep up the good work. #PakistanZindabad
โ Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) October 29, 2021
Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari ย wrote
ย
Another great win by Team Pakistan! Congratulations! what a finish Asif Ali — and well played Team Afghanistan. Kept us on tenterhooks till the very end!
โ Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) October 29, 2021
Left-arm fast-bowler Wahab Riazย was super excited and said
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What a knock!! @AasifAli2018 ๐๐ผProud of this team and the way they have been performing in this mega event Alhamdulillah! Congrats everyone on the 3rd consecutive win ๐ #PakvsAfg #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/26W66FTcup
โ Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) October 29, 2021
Pakistani batsmen Ahmed Shahzadย praised the green team
4 sixes in an over, Brilliant by @AasifAli2018๐ช๐ผ Our boys dominating once again. The energy is unreal. Everyone is giving their best๐๐ผ Congratulations and well done team @TheRealPCB! #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/rdAr9lOeqY
โ Ahmad Shahzad ๐ต๐ฐ (@iamAhmadshahzad) October 29, 2021
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wrote
Asif Ali you beauty!!!
โ Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 29, 2021
England all-rounder Ben Stokes tweeted
Remember the name @AasifAli2018
โ Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 29, 2021
Cricketer Fawad Alam congratulated
Congratulations team Pakistan and the entire nation on another victory Alhamdulillah! What a knock by @AasifAli2018 ๐๐ผ
Pakistan Zindabad ๐ต๐ฐ #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/i9BGZx5E6kโ Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) October 29, 2021
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood said
Well done #TeamPakistan for your third consecutive win and congratulations to Team #Afghanistan for a great game.
Above all, both teams continue to show the beauty and spirit of sportsmanship and fraternity.
โ Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) October 29, 2021
