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Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman displayed 'never give up' attitude in the dead rubber clash when Afghanistan lost seven wickets for 97 in the run chase of 269. Rahman smashed the fastest ODI fifty by an Afghanistan batter in the format from just 26 balls.
During his knock, Mujeeb also broke the record for the highest score by a no.9 batter in ODIs against Pakistan. The previous record belonged to Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Guy de Alwis who scored an unbeaten 59 from 56 balls against Imran Khan-led side in the 1983 World Cup.
Mujeeb also entered the top 10 list of highest scores by no.9 batters in ODIs. The list is topped by West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell who scored an unbeaten 92 from 64 balls in 2021.
Mujeeb's electrifying knock ended in a bizarre fashion. After tormenting Pakistan bowlers, he shot himself in the foot by getting out hit wicket in the 46th over. Mujeeb played the flick shot towards fine leg against Shaheen Afridi but ended up kicking the stumps in doing so.
Mujeeb's 37-ball 64 featured five fours and as many sixes. He shared a 57-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Shahidullah Kamal. Then he shared a 45-run ninth-wicket partnership with Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Earlier, Mujeeb bowled two maiden overs in his quota of 10 overs after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat first. The 22-year-old conceded 50 runs and picked up the wicket of Shadab Khan who smashed a game-changing 35-ball 48 in the previous ODI.
But Mujeeb's all-round show went in vain as Afghanistan got all out for 209 in the 49th over and lost the third ODI by 59 runs.
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