Younis Khan said no to Pakistan to join Afghanistan as mentor: Rashid Latif

Afghanistan defeated England by eight runs on Wednesday, February 27, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, demonstrating once more why they are no longer taken lightly in the world of cricket.

Younis Khan turned down a chance to become Afghanistan’s mentor by joining Pakistan’s support staff, Rashid Latif disclosed while discussing the encounter on a talk show.

Afghanistan’s batting performance against England on Wednesday was outstanding, particularly considering that they had already lost three wickets in the first powerplay.

With a remarkable 177-run knock off just 146 deliveries, including 12 fours and six sixes, Ibrahim Zadran took the lead. With scores of 40, 41, and 40, respectively, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Muhammad Nabi also made a contribution. Younis could be seen applauding from the pavilion as the borders continued to approach.

“Younis Khan rejected Pakistan cricket’s offer to collaborate with Afghanistan. Latif told Geo News, “There won’t be any money gains here.

“Younis Khan said no to Pakistan and preferred working with Afghanistan.”

– Rashid Latif 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/TPHZnJUY5Y

— M (@anngrypakiistan) February 27, 2025

Afghanistan achieved an outstanding 325/7 thanks to Zadran’s historic knock. With Zadran’s sixth ODI century, Afghanistan amassed a respectable 325/7. For England, Liam Livingstone took two wickets and Jofra Archer took three.

England lost Phil Salt and Jamie Smith within the first seven overs of their reply, which put them in a bad position. After Joe Root and Ben Duckett steadied the ship, the former was fired for 38. Although they were given starts, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler were unable to turn these into significant runs.

Root held the fort from one end before smashing his first ODI century in nearly five years, his 16th. For the seventh wicket, he and Jamie Overton combined for 54 runs off 43 balls. Afghanistan had the upper hand after Omarzai removed Root, who needed 39 runs to win in more than four overs. The Three Lions were ultimately knocked out for 317, allowing Afghanistan to win by eight runs.