Malik wins match – and hearts by consoling Afghan bowler

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was instrumental in the team’s victory against Afghanistan but the gesture he showed after the end of the match has become the talk of the town.

Malik smacked pacer Aftab Alam for a four and six off consecutive deliveries in the final over of the match to earn Pakistan the win after a fascinating contest but, on the other hand, it left Alam in tears.

Alam went down on his haunches with despair as soon as his side lost and realising this Malik went over to him and consoled him — a gesture seen by many as a sign of great sportsman spirit despite the teams sharing some heated moments throughout the match.

Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by three wickets in a mouth-watering clash in Abu Dhabi during the Super-Four stage in the ongoing Asia Cup.

The Men in Green will now face arch-rivals India on Sunday September 23 in Dubai whereas Afghanistan will come up against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on the same day.

A flurry of tweets on social media website Twitter appreciated the gesture shown by Malik.

Dear Afghanistan,This is real Pakistan for you.Only a brother can forget his happiness in consoling his brother who's in distress.

Shoaib Malik ... you have won my heart ❤❤ A man with an epic class 👌👌