During the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Afghan stalwart Mohammad Nabi cautioned Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, about a potential run-out at the non-striker's end.
Despite an early setback with the departure of Imam-ul-Haq at 17, Pakistan, thanks to commendable innings from Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, looked set for a substantial score. However, in the 16th over, Nabi halted his delivery stride upon noticing Azam stepping out of his crease, issuing a friendly warning to the Pakistani captain.
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- For this match, Pakistan introduced all-rounder Shadab Khan in place of the unwell Mohammad Nawaz. Afghanistan, on the other hand, opted for Noor Ahmad, replacing speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi.
The match was also instrumental in breaking an important record for Pakistan, who had gone 1,168 balls without a six in the powerplay of an ODI match.
Prior to this game, Pakistan were the only team in the World Cup 2023 to not have hit a six in the first 10 overs in the whole of 2023. In contrast, India has topped the list with an impressive 46 sixes, with 35 of them being struck by their opener and captain, Rohit Sharma.
The long-awaited moment came after Shafique showcased his power-hitting skills by dispatching a short delivery from Naveen-ul-Haq with a robust pull shot into the mid-wicket stands in the 5th over. Shafique didn't stop there; he took on spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 8th over, lofting him over long-off for another six. This acceleration helped Pakistan surpass the 50-run mark in the same over, following Babar Azam's decision to bat first.
Interestingly, on the eve of the match against Afghanistan, opener Imam-ul-Haq was asked about Pakistan's inability to hit sixes in the first powerplay. He responded with a cheeky remark, setting the stage for the team's improved performance.
"Perhaps we're focusing on proteins over carbs, but it's not something we're dwelling on. Whether we hit a six or a four doesn't matter as much as our contribution to the team," Imam quipped.
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