Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other political leadership of the country praised 19-year-old fast bowler Naseem Shah for taking Pakistan over the line with two back-to-back sixes in the last over of the match against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022.
Chasing 130 for victory, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 118-9 before number 10 Naseem smashed Fazalhaq Farooqi over the fence in successive deliveries in the final over at Sharjah Stadium.
It was a second Super Four defeat in a row for Afghanistan, and one that also eliminated reigning champions India from the running for a place in Sunday’s final.
“Wow… thank you Naseem for such an amazing finish,” the premier wrote on his Twitter handle following the thrilling chase.
President Alvi also praised the youngster.
“Well done Naseem Shah. Despite our worries because of floods, green shirts bring smiles to our faces. Exciting cricket. I commiserate with Afghan cricketers for excellent and improving performances in the last few years,” Alvi wrote.
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif also applauded Naseem’s performance, urging the men in green to win the Asia Cup for Pakistan.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal congratulated the Pakistan team for the amazing win.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif felicitated the nation for the wonderful performance by the green shirts.
Others also joined the nation in congratulating the team.
India and Afghanistan are out of the tournament after Pakistan’s win today.
Afghanistan will now face India on Thursday whereas Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka on Friday. However, both matches are dead rubbers since both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have already qualified for the Sunday’s final.
