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[Watch] Afghanistan's Skipper Produce Rapid Direct Hit To Stun Rizwan

image-llpf8fc0Muhammad Rizwan paid the price for Imam-ul-Haq's lapse in judgement (Twitter)

A moment of brilliance in the field has threatened to turn the tide of the ongoing second ODI between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Hambantota on Thursday.

AFG vs SL: Rizwan's unexpected run out changed the game's momentum

Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi produced a stunning piece of fielding that saw Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, Muhammad Rizwan heading back to the pavilion, much to the chagrin of Pakistan fans. The dismissal turned out to be an electric moment that had serious consequences for the trajectory of the game.

It all happened in the 34th over bowled by spinner Rashid Khan. As the ball was pushed wide of cover, Pakistan opener, Imam-ul-Haq, already down the pitch, sensed an opportunity for a run. His decision, in part due to the initial misjudgement, saw a brief moment of hesitation between the two batsmen. By the time they committed to the run, Shahidi was already onto the ball.

With hawk-like reflexes, Shahidi picked up the ball and unleashed a thunderbolt of a throw, directly hitting the stumps and sending Rizwan on his way after scoring just 2.



Pakistan, who were once looking strong and comfortable at 172 /1, found themselves in an uncertain position post Rizwan’s departure. A dramatic batting collapse ensued, leaving the team in a tight spot at 220/6. They now have the challenging task of securing 81 runs from the remaining 60 balls.

The spotlight now is on Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, both new to the crease. The onus lies heavily on this pair, as they attempt to steady the ship and guide Pakistan to a victory. Achieving this would not only seal the series 2-0 with a match to spare but also boost their confidence immensely.

This series serves as a stepping stone to the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023. With the tournament just around the bend, starting August 30, a series win here would be more than just an accolade for Pakistan. It would be a statement of their intentions and capabilities, especially as they eye the coveted silverware.