• By Manik Sharma
  • Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:12 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

PAK vs AFG: In Pakistan's match against Afghanistan, Mickey Arthur displayed visible frustration on the screen. Despite Pakistan's strong batting performance in the first innings, their fielding left much to be desired. Several fielding mishaps, including fumbles by Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi, allowed Afghanistan to score easy boundaries.

In the previous game, Usama Mir's missed catch off David Warner's bat proved costly to Pakistan as Warner went on to amass 163 runs. While Usama later redeemed himself with a successful catch to dismiss Gurbaaz in a game against Afghanistan, but Pakistan's overall ground fielding remained subpar.

This lackluster fielding performance clearly disappointed Arthur, prompting him to leave the dressing room. Arthur had already been in the spotlight following Pakistan's loss to India.

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When questioned about the impact of the partisan crowd on the players' mindset, Arthur candidly said that the match lacked the typical ICC event atmosphere, resembling more of a bilateral series or a BCCI-centric affair. The customary 'Dil Dil Pakistan' chants were notably absent from the airwaves according to the Pakistan coach.

Earlier in a turnaround performance, Pakistan overcame a sluggish start to post a formidable total of 282 against Afghanistan. The late-innings fireworks, ignited by Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, bolstered their innings with 61 runs during the final five overs.

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Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad emerged as the standout bowler, scalping three crucial wickets, including that of Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, who contributed a solid 74 to the team's score.

Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Notable lineup changes saw Shadab Khan replacing Mohammad Nawaz for Pakistan, while Afghanistan introduced Noor Ahmad in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Pakistan had faced consecutive defeats in their previous two matches against India and Australia, making this encounter with Afghanistan a pivotal one to regain their winning momentum. On the flip side, Afghanistan, after a remarkable 69-run victory over defending champions England in Delhi, suffered a loss to New Zealand in their last outing.

Currently, Pakistan stands at the fifth position in the points table, having secured two wins in four games. Afghanistan, on the other hand, finds themselves at the bottom with just one win in four matches.