Watch: Naseem Shah smashed two sixes in two balls to seal a pulsating win for Pakistan.
The victory confirmed Pakistan’s place in the final of the 2022 Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, knocking out Afghanistan and India.
Afghanistan had fought valiantly in their defence of a low total. They set Pakistan 130 to win, but through a combination of miserly spin bowling and incisive spells from their left-arm quicks, Afghanistan went into the final over as favourites.
Asif Ali had been dismissed in the previous over, with some fiery scenes following, and with Naseem on strike and 11 needed to win, Pakistan were behind in the game.
However the 19-year-old, who had earlier impressed with the ball, taking 1-19 in four overs, held his nerve in stunning style. He smashed two sixes in two balls, winning the game in one fell swoop. Before the game, he had a high score of 11* in all T20 cricket, and had only hit three sixes in his white-ball career. The only previous ball he had faced in T20Is had got him out. Now he’s a hero with the bat.
Watch Naseem smash two sixes below:
Pakistan had one wicket in hand and needed 11 runs to win going into the final over against Afghanistan.
Step up, Naseem Shah…#AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/bClxAcMS7M
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 7, 2022
