AFG VS PAK - 2nd ODI, Afghanistan v Pakistan in Sri Lanka, 2023

Afghanistan were so close today to get their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan, but it wasn't to be. They've lost the series 0-2 with a game to spare. It was a much better effort with the bat, led by a superb knock from Gurbaz. But they didn't finish strong in the final overs, and then with ball again made big mistakes in that same phase. The final game takes place on Saturday. Do join us for that one. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Goodnight!

Babar: All credit to boys. When we're starting with the bat, we just tried to get partnerships. Just wanted to see after 40 overs where we stand. Had the quality of batting later on. In crunch situations, Naseem has performed well. Always have to improve in cricket. You're never satisfied. Have to play the natural game. Looking forward to the last match. Looking to carry the momentum.

Shahidi: It's hurting. We had enough runs on the board. The game was in our hands. The 49th over, Abdul Rahman gave some easy balls to hit. Openers are playing well from last one and a half years. Both are good sides. We didn't control pressure well enough.

Shadab, Player of the Match: When you're a senior player, you go through these phases many times, sometimes you fail, sometimes you succeed. They have quality spinners, so wanted to go after the fast bowlers. Was blaming myself for that shot against Zimbabwe in T20 WC. Resolved not to play such shots.

23:26 Local Time, 17:56 GMT, 23:26 IST: Gurbaz, who played so beautifully for his 151, is gesturing animatedly as he walks off the field. On the other hand, there are big celebrations in the Pakistan camp. What a game we've witnessed, at the end of which Pakistan again denied Afghanistan a bit of history. They've never lost against them in ODI cricket, a record that remains intact. For a big part towards the climax it looked like that might change. Afghanistan seemed to be in control. But Abdul Rahman lost the plot with some loose deliveries, and Shadab and Naseem capitalised. Pakistan had a solid 118-run stand for the second wicket between Imam and Babar. Imam, in particular, looked really good for his 91. But Pakistan came under pressure as they went from 170/1 to 211/6. Afghanistan would feel they've let an opportunity slip from there.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Naseem Shah, FOUR, Naseem Shah denies Afghanistan yet again! Pakistan pull off a thriller by one wicket! Full outside off, in the slot, Naseem swings and it flies off a thick edge past short third. Naseem takes off on a celebratory sprint, takes off his helmet and throws it away along with his bat as his teammates scramble to catch up

Long discussion now. 3 needed off 2

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Haris Rauf, 3 runs, heaved leg-side, two fielders converge, and the first one overruns it! Excellent from Noor Ahmad, the other fielder, to dive across and flick it in. Saves a run

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Naseem Shah, 1 run, takes the single this time as he mistimes it behind square

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Naseem Shah, no run, slower off-cutter outside off, grips and turns off a length, Naseem swings and misses

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Naseem Shah, FOUR, what a strike! Naseem Shah! Slower one pitched up outside off, right in the slot and he picks the bones out of it. Hammered over extra cover

Farooqi attempts a run out at the non-striker's end as Shadab leaves his crease early. It's referred to the third umpire, and yes, Shadab is out of his crease. Shadab is shaking his head as he walks off.

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, SIX, oh dear! Rahman loses the plot completely. Slower one ends up as a high full toss and Shadab smokes it over square leg. He immediately raised one arm wondering if it shouldn't be a no ball as well. He has a case. But the umpire stays unmoved

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, FOUR, finds the boundary! Poor bowling from Rahman again. Full toss at the stumps, Shadab swings it through square leg

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, 2 runs, slower one, another drive down the ground, and the long boundaries allow him to get back again

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, 2 runs, full on leg, Shadab drills it to long-off and takes two more

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, 2 runs, slower short ball, Shadab pulls to deep midwicket, mistimes it but charges back for two

Abdul Rahman to Shadab Khan, no run, Rahman gets away with a loose delivery down the leg-side. It's a slower one that's straying in line, and Shadab sweeps it straight to short fine. Naseem came charging down for a run, the throw was to his end but the fielder misses

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Shadab Khan, 1 run, short of length into the body, Shadab pulls it to deep backward square

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Naseem Shah, 1 run, overpitched outside off, driven to sweeper cover