PAK beat AFG by 3 wickets | Afghanistan vs Pakistan, Highlights And Cricket Score 36th ODI Match

That's all from this close encounter. Afghanistan really scared Pakistan just like they did to India but failed to cross the line. On Sunday, we have a mouthwatering match lined up - England will be taking on India in a crucial encounter at Edgbaston. Do join us at 1030 local (0930 GMT) for all the action. Meanwhile, you can switch to the concerned tab to get the updates from Match 37 of this World Cup. Cheers!

Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed starts by thanking the Almighty. He then thanks the fans for their support. Credits Imad Wasim for his brilliant innings. Informs that the pitch was two-paced and they knew it was going to be a tough chase. He is happy though that everyone chipped in. Credits his team as it is not easy winning 4 out of 4 games. Credits Wahab too as his 12-15 runs helped the team. Mentions that Shaheen has worked hard and he bowled really well along with the other bowlers. Further adds that they will watch India taking on England on Sunday but are not thinking too far ahead.

Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib says they fought well and gave their all but in the end they missed the opportunity to win. Credits Imad for the way he played and also credits Shadab for rotating the strike. Feels had they worked hard, they could have won. Still reckons that they improved with every game. On bowling that 46th over, he replies that they lost Hamid Hassan due to injury and counts that as their bad luck. Credits his bowlers for bowling the way they did. States that in a tournament like this, getting 40 odd runs is not enough to put big runs on the board and wants his batsmen to take more responsibility. He also thanks the crowd for all the support.

Imad Wasim is adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance! Says when he came to bat Rashid was bowling really well and admits he struggled to pick him. Tells the plan was to play the full 50 overs. Mentions that Naib was the only bowler who they could have targeted as Afghanistan have great spinners. Thanks the crowd for their support as it made them feel at home and also dedicates this win to the supporters. States that this win has given them a lot of confidence and hopes that they can win the next one and qualify for the semi-finals.

A target of 228 on this turning pitch was always going to be tricky. Once Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman on the second ball of the run chase it gave us a hint that it's not going to be a smooth ride for the green team. But then, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq got involved in a 72-run stand to pave the way. Just when it looked like Pakistan will cruise, Mohammad Nabi removed both Imam and Babar in quick succession to peg Pakistan back. Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail also formed a partnership but the Afghan bowlers kept bouncing back to create pressure. The run out of Sarfaraz Ahmed handed the Asian minnows the upper hand but Shadab and Imad stitched in a match-winning 50-run stand to close the doors on Afghanistan. The 46th over where Imad Wasim took Gulbadin Naib to the cleaners by hammering 18 runs proved to be the turning point as it took away the scoreboard pressure.

A narrow escape for Pakistan and they have kept their campaign alive. Imad Wasim has done it for them. A very vital knock from the southpaw. He struggled at the start of his innings but gutted it out and has scripted a thrilling victory for his team. A word of praise for Wahab Riaz as well whose 9-ball 15 cannot be undermined. Heartbreak for Afghanistan. But credit to them for making Pakistan sweat hard for this win. Well done, Afghans!

Gulbadin Naib to Imad Wasim. FOUR! PAKISTAN WIN BY 3 WICKETS! Naib hurls in a low full toss outside off, Wasim drills his drive through extra cover and it speeds away to the fence in a flash. The crowd erupts in joy. Great scenes out there!

Gulbadin Naib to Imad Wasim. Run out chance missed! Extra run taken. Poor from Naib again. Fullish and outside off, Imad drives it straight to extra cover and crosses for a risky run. The fielder picks up the ball and throws it to the bowler who fails to catch it. It goes behind and the batsmen run an overthrow.

Gulbadin Naib to Wahab Riaz. Slower one, full and angling down the leg side, Wahab swings his bat early and misses. It goes off his pads to the leg side and they cross. Given as a run. Maybe, some inside edge then.

Gulbadin Naib to Imad Wasim. Full toss outside off, Wasim smashes it to sweeper cover for a single. 5 needed off 5 balls.

Rashid Khan to Imad Wasim. Shortish and on leg, Wasim tries to flick but misses. It takes his pads and rolls to short fine leg for a leg bye. 10 from the over!

Rashid Khan to Wahab Riaz. Flatter and fuller around middle, Wahab reverse sweeps it through covers for a single. 7 needed off 7 balls.

Rashid Khan to Wahab Riaz. Googly around off, some extra bounce, Wahab swings and misses.

Rashid Khan to Wahab Riaz. Excellent running between the wickets. A googly around off, turning in, Wahab doesn't pick it but does well to force it down towards long off for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Wahab Riaz. SIX! This one has disappeared into the crowd. 10 needed off 10 balls. Floated delivery, full and on middle, Wahab kneels and smokes it deep into the stands at mid-wicket. This is a clean hit by Riaz. Look at the crowd. They are loving every bit of the action here.

Rashid Khan to Wahab Riaz. Swing and a miss! Flighted and outside off, Wahab tries to slog sweep but it turns away to beat his bat.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim. Very full and outside off, Wasim squeezes it out to covers. Dot ball to end an excellent spell by Mujeeb, 10-1-34-2! Outstanding job done by the offie. 16 needed more off 12 balls.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Wahab Riaz. Flatter and quicker on off, Riaz gets back deep inside the crease and pushes it out with gentle hands to covers. A single taken.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Imad Wasim. Too full in length on off, driven back firmly and it took Mujeeb's leg before deflecting towards deep mid-wicket. A single taken. Mujeeb is down on the ground in some pain.