Afghanistan batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi hit an unbeaten 74, as the World Cup underdogs stunned former champions Pakistan to win by three wickets with two balls to spare on Saturday (NZT).
Chasing a modest 263 for victory, Afghanistan's opening batsmen Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai got them off to a blistering start, before Shahidi took charge to help them cross the finish-line in the final over.
Pakistan batsman Babar Azam, who shone in their 4-0 series defeat by England this month, continued his excellent form with the bat, scoring 112 off 108 balls, but his team were restricted to a below-par 262 in 47.5 overs.
Afghanistan spinners Mohammad Nabi (3/46) and Rashid Khan (2/27) then choked the Pakistan batsmen to lay the foundation for a famous win, while pacer Dawlat Zadran claimed two wickets, including that of the dangerous Azam.
In the another World Cup warm-up match, Faf Du Plessis top-scored with 88, as South Africa coasted to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff.
Du Plessis was one of eight South African batsmen to reach double figures, with Hashim Amla hitting 65 to help his team achieve an imposing 338/7.
Sri Lanka's response revolved around Dimuth Karunaratne, who hit an impressive 87, but the South African attack proved as effective as their batsmen.
Andile Phehlukwayo added to his 35 with the bat by taking 4/36 with the ball, as the Sri Lankan challenge ended at 251 all out.
Meanwhile, England are sweating on the fitness of captain Eoin Morgan for their World Cup opener against South Africa, after he sustained a small fracture to his left index finger.
Morgan suffered the injury catching balls launched from a bowling machine at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and will miss the warm-up match against Australia, with Jos Buttler to skipper the side.
Reuters
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