Pakistan got themselves prepared for the India challenge on Sunday with a nervy three-wicket win over Afghanistan in a nail-biting Super Four contest of the Asia Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a modest 258, Pakistan were in control with a 154-run second wicket stand between Imam-ul-Haq (80) and Babar Azam (66) before losing their way with the fall of regular wickets, only to be rescued by former skipper Shoaib Malik’s belligerent 43-ball unbeaten 51.

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Here is what who said after Pakistan outshine Afghanistan:

Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan: “I congratulate Pakistan, they played really well. It was tough and thrilling. The crowd enjoyed the game. It is the first game in this Asia Cup – close game. Lot of credit to Babar and Imam. They played very well and built a crucial partnership. If you give a chance to a senior player like Malik, it’s difficult. Malik chased down and they won the game. Today, Hashmatullah and myself played well and we wanted 240+. Our fielding and medium-pacers let us down. I think on this type of track, Rashid is good. 4 overs 40 is tough to score and that’s why we went with the same plan, but they played very well.”

Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan captain, ” We were shaken. Credit to Imam, Babar and the way Shoaib played towards the end, that was fantastic. The spinners they have, I reckon they’re the best in the world. Against them, to chase 250 in these conditions, you have to bat out of your skins. Shadab couldn’t pass his fitness test. Got a lot of confidence the way we won today. Team has been motivated by this performance. Our fielding has improved in last one and a half years, but today it went awry.”

Shoaib Malik, Man of the Match, ” Being a senior player, the goal was to bat to the 50th over. That was the only thing. At one stage the required rate was 10, but I kept telling myself to play till the last over. Even good bowlers, when they’re bowling at the end, the situation is different. As batsmen we can charge them. Would like to congratulate them. Everyday they’ve been improving. I think they’re a great side.”

Here is how the cricket fraternity reacted on Twitter:

Malik’s icy cool nerves & suoerb strokes see Pak thru. Just about. Afghanistan lost humdinger, but many lessons as takeaway. Some runs not taken while batting, too many runs given away from loose stuff by fast bowwrs to negate brilliance of Rashid & Mujeeb. Gr8 match!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 21, 2018

Such a joy to watch this wonderfully gifted and talented Afghanistan team! They have made incredible progress in such a short time. A real force in white ball formats, the cricketing world must watch out.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 20, 2018

Bit of inexperience from Afghanistan. But well played. Need another good quick bowler though.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 21, 2018

Shoaib Malik for Life#PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/NxMYnpSrxV

— Ahsan. 🇵🇰 (@imPakistaniLAD) September 21, 2018

Perfectly timed Send-off 🔥🔥#PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/1i6wfoaArp

— urstrulyKajal🇮🇳 (@BanarasiBasanti) September 21, 2018

Spirit of the game❤️ #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/4V1Md5tCTO

— Shaharyar Ejaz🏏 (@Shaaryofficial) September 21, 2018

Me: Bhai, Afghanistan ne tel nikal diya tumhara, gir pad ke jeete ho match.

Pakistani: Champions Trophy Yaad hai?#PAKvIND

— PhD in Bakchodi (@Atheist_Krishna) September 21, 2018

-With IANS inputs.