Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I at Sharjah, AFG v PAK, Mar 24 2023 - Match Result

Afghanistan show some gumption to pull off a hard-earned win in tough conditions. Pakistan's inexperienced line-up will have some soul-searching to do, but as Shadab said, the bowlers did well. There are two more games to go to make amends. Both are on the same ground. Join us in a couple of days to see if Afghanistan can complete their first-ever series win against Pakistan or if there's a comeback. For now, thanks for joining and it's goodbye from me, Ekanth, my co-commentator, Hemant Brar, and our scorer, Binoy George.

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan Captain: Pleasure to win as we've always lost against them, with small margins too. Happy for the win, hope to continue the momentum. Wearing Afghanistan colours and leading the team in a win is a proud achievement. (On the pitch) We never know the wicket as it looks and plays differently. Mindset was to go and see how it was playing and adjust accordingly. (Areas of improvement) The top order. We need to improve not just for this series but as we get to the world cup. From now on, we need to put effort day by day and game by game, by the end of the year when we go for the world cup, we'll have a fully prepared squad.

Shadab Khan, Pakistan Captain: Tactics wise, we were fine. But sometimes this can happen due to youngsters being nervous. But they need to be given chances, they will come better. As professionals, we can't give excuses regarding conditions. We have to learn from the loss here. Ihsan, Zaman's bowling was a positive. Naseem and Imad's return was great too. We have give 100% and hopefully will do well in the next game.

Mohammad Nabi, POTM: Congrats to everyone. Was a tough score to chase in these conditions. As a bowling unit, we wanted to keep them under 100. With the bat, I wanted to take responsibility and close the game. Most of the guys in our squad are playing big leagues, some have been here in the UAE for 15 days. So we were set. Thirty eight on this wicket can feel like a hundred.

avikrams: "Let this victory be a symbol of the bright future of Afghan cricket and a source of inspiration for future generations of players and fans. Keep supporting your team and keep celebrating this incredible achievement. Well done, Afghanistan! "

Bacha Khan : "Finally we (Afghanistan) beat Pakistan after four close games and many more will come in the future. Many many congratulations to all afghans

Bari Hilaman : "What a win after Long wait Afghanistan "

Brad: "Nabi has proven what a wise experienced head in the team can do for his team. "

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Exciting moment for us, happy to finally beat them. Pitch was not easy, we just watched the ball and play naturally. Nabi's experience, our bowling was amazing. Najib also played well. The win will give us momentum and increase our confidence. Beating Pakistan gives us an indication that we are improving and hopefully that continues.

11:10pm: Nabi's cool, subdued celebrations from him. Talks to a couple of players from the opposition, has a smile. Does things as easy as you like. He batted brilliantly on a tricky pitch after Ihsanullah and Naseem broke through, but he steered the chase brilliantly. Janat joined Nabi and the duo stopped the flow of wickets but the scoring slowed down too. Janat slogged and lost his wicket, but Nabi continued to chip away. Najib joined him and played sensibly to keep the bowlers at bay. The hosts knowing what the target helped, Pakistan were at least 25-30 runs short. Naseem was good upfront, Zaman didn't have a great evening, nothing of note for Shadab either. Imad troubled the batters, gave away nothing and was unfortunate to have gotten just the one wicket. Azam dropped a sharp chance off his bowling in the 14th over, which could have opened the door but it was not to be.

Fakhar: "History awaits"

Five needed. Final over of the game?

Ahmed : "Why not Saim to bowl here ?" Because Pakistan are bowling their five front-line bowlers. Naseem returns

Smart play from Nabi. Brings down the asking rate to 4.25

Afghanistan now need 24 off 30. They are slightly ahead but Shadab, Ihsan and Naseem have an over. Zaman has two, he'll bowl one. Slower ones incoming?