‘Remember the name’: Asif Ali helps Pakistan down Afghanistan in WC thriller

Pakistan have put one foot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after Asif Ali's scintillating power-hitting secured their nervy five-wicket victory against Afghanistan on Friday.

The 2009 champions restricted neighbours Afghanistan to a modest 147-6 in a match between the top two teams in Group II.

Skipper Babar Azam anchored Pakistan's chase with a fluent 51 but it was Asif who smashed four sixes in the penultimate over from Karim Janat to clinch the see-saw contest with six balls to spare.

Having beaten India and New Zealand in their first two matches, Pakistan are effectively in the last four with clashes against minnows Namibia and Scotland remaining.As soon as Pakistan beat Afghanistan in today’s T20 World Cup match, people belonging to all walks of life took to social media to heap praise on the power-hitter.

People across the country also took to the streets to dance over Pakistan’s thumping victory against Afghanistan.

Within seconds, Asif Ali became the top trend on Pakistani Twitter.

Skipper Babar was over the moon after the emphatic victory.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja in a tweet said “#asifyoubeauty incredible hitting under pressure. Sensational Congrats boys keep up the good work.”

“Asif Ali is the best finisher in the game congratulations Pakistan . What a performance,” said former legendary pacer Wasim Akram in a tweet.

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also echoed the similar sentiments.

Politicians belonging to both opposition and ruling party including Prime Minister Imran Khan praised the Pakistan cricket team for their brilliant performance.

In a short video message the man of the match said, "remeber the name Asif Ali".