Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez applauded minnows Afghanistan for their fighting performance in the first-ever Twenty20 international between the two nations, saying they are improving fast.
Pakistan clinched a last-ball thriller by six wickets in Sharjah on Sunday night after chasing a challenging 138-run target.
They needed six runs off the last over bowled by Dawlat Zadran and one off the last delivery, initially declared a wide but later deemed to be a no-ball.
Hafeez anchored Pakistan’s nervy run-chase, finishing with a 37-ball 42 not out while opener Ahmed Shehzad scored 35 and Umar Akmal a fiery 23-ball 28.
“Credit goes to them (Afghanistan) for stretching the match to the last over,” said Hafeez in his post-match comments late Sunday.
“They have earned their place with hard work which is paying off and I am sure they will learn from their mistakes.”
Afghanistan have established their status as one of the best associate sides in the International Cricket Council by qualifying for their third successive World Twenty20, to be held in Bangladesh next year.
They also achieved their first qualification for the 50-over World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2015.
Hafeez said Afghanistan had improved greatly since they met Pakistan in a one-day international in Sharjah last year – their first against any top side.
Pakistan won that game by seven wickets.
“I can tell you that they have improved a lot and they got the score they wanted and bowled so tight that we couldn’t hit big shots in the last few overs,” said Hafeez.
He warned that his team must lift their game when they meet Sri Lanka in two Twenty20 matches in Dubai on Wednesday and Friday.
“We leaked runs, which we need to overcome against a top side like Sri Lanka,” he said.
Pakistan will also play five one-dayers and three Tests against Sri Lanka – all in the United Arab Emirates.
“I am satisfied with my team’s performance and it’s a great platform for us in the future,” said Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi, who scored 15 and took one wicket.
“I think we were 20-30 runs short and then missed some crucial run outs in the last few overs, which allowed Pakistan to sneak through.”
Afghanistan now play Ireland in the five-day final of the ICC Inter-Continental Cup in Dubai.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Grand slam winners since July 2003
Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam
Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)
Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)
Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)
Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open)
Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)
Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)
Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)
Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Teaching in coronavirus times
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The%20specs
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The specs
BMW M8 Competition Coupe
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power 625hp at 6,000rpm
Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm
Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto
Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec
Top speed 305kph
Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km
Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)
On sale Jan/Feb 2020
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
