Atal scored 64 and Zadran added 65, guiding Afghanistan to a total of 169 for five. Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf was the top bowler, taking four wickets for 27 runs.
In their chase, Pakistan were held to 151 for nine. Despite a late surge from Haris Rauf, who hit 34 not out, steady bowling from Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad both taking two wickets ensured Afghanistan’s victory.
Pakistan, who won both their matches in the tri-series, have now lost one match.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan captain, said Tuesday: “If you bowl in the right areas and with the bowling we have, it (169) was manageable and defendable.”
When asked if it was a tactic playing different spinners each game, Khan said: “That is a kind of tactic. We have that bench strength. It is not just about the playing eleven. Whoever gets the opportunity can do the job. We decide based on the opposition and who might be useful on that wicket. We thought Noor and Ghazanfar would be more effective.
“Quite pleased with the way they bowled and the lengths they bowled. Atal and Zadran are two great players, just the beginning for them. The way they are taking responsibility and reading conditions, they are doing it so well. They understand if we can keep wickets, we can score maximum runs.”
Salman Agha, Pakistan captain, said: “I think 170 was gettable. Thought the bowlers did a good job. We lost too many wickets in the middle overs. After eight overs, we were going well but we lost many wickets (in the next 5-6 overs). When you lose that many wickets, it becomes very difficult.”
BRIEF SCORES
Afghanistan 169 for 5 (Zadran 65, Atal 64, Ashraf 4-27) beat Pakistan 151 for 9 (Rauf 34*, Nabi 2-20, Noor 2-20) by 18 runs
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