Pakistan face Afghanistan in Super Four battle today

SHARJAH, Sept 06 (Agencies): After beating arch-rivals India in the first match of Super Four, Pakistan take on take on Afghanistan in their second match of the Asia Cup 2022 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
It will be the third Twenty-20 International match between the two teams and the first in Asia Cup. Pakistan have a perfect record against Afghanistan in Twenty-20 Internationals. The 'Men in Green' have won both matches against Afghanistan in the shortest format of the match.
Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by six wickets with one ball remaining in the first meeting at Sharjah, on December 08, 2013. The five-wicket win with six balls remaining in Dubai on October 29, 2021, was Pakistan's second victory over Afghanistan in the Twenty-20 World Cup. It was also the last meeting of these two teams. With 24 runs needed from 12 balls, Asif Ali hit four sixes off the right-arm fast-medium bowler Karim Janat in the 19th over to win it.
Pakistan, ranked third in ICC rankings in Twenty-20, have won 119, lost 66, tied three and abandoned five in 193 matches played so far. Afghanistan have won 68, lost 33 and tied one in 102 matches played so far. They are ranked 10th in the latest ICC rankings.
A win for Pakistan would take them closer to sealing a spot in the finals. For, if India win against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and if Sri Lanka upset Pakistan, there could be a three-way tie at the end of the Super 4 round. Each team will have two wins, and the run rate comes into play.
Afghanistan have played some good cricket in the tournament, but the loss against Sri Lanka exposed a lack of consistency. The bowling wasn't up to scratch, and even leg-spinner Rashid Khan went for runs, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a lone hand while batting with the middle-order floundering.
If the Afghans cannot shore up their game, they could be in for a rout at the hands of Pakistan, who have been dominant in the tournament. Even the only loss to India was a narrow one. The pace pack led by Naseem Shah has stood up to some stern examinations, and spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz have choked the batters repeatedly. Skipper Babar Azam's lack of runs has been offset by Mohammad Rizwan, who has anchored their innings so well that he's the leading run-getter in the tournament. His fitness is a worry, having jarred his knee in the India game. Shahnawaz Dahani's side strain is another injury worry, but he is reportedly recovering well. In any case, there's Mohammad Hasnain as cover for the fast bowler.
Perhaps, the most heartwarming discovery was the form and prowess of power-hitter Nawaz, who snatched the Super 4 game from India. While Fakhar Zaman is yet to hit his stride, Khushdil Shah showed a glimpse of his batting skills in the Hong Kong game.
The Afghan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman and captain Mohammad Nabi must be treated with caution on the more helpful Sharjah pitch. Young seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq, who have been impressive on a tacky pitch in Dubai, haven't had the same success in Sharjah.
Afghanistan can run Pakistan close. Beyond that, it's difficult to see an upset. That means Pakistan will take another step closer to the final.