Azhar Mahmood says final minutes of PAKvAFG match career's 'most testing moment'

LEEDS: Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood said Sunday the final few minutes during Pakistan’s World Cup match against Afghanistan were the "most testing moment" of his career.

Mahmood, who has played 21 Tests and 143 ODIs, said he never had jitters quite like those that he experienced at Headingley. “Throughout my whole career, I think this was the most testing moment for me in a dressing room,” he said, relieved after Pakistan emerged the victors against Afghanistan in a nail-biting game at Leeds.

“I was very nervy. Afghanistan wanted to win and we didn’t want to lose to them in a crucial game so it was quite nerve-wracking because you can’t control anything when you are in the coaching staff.

"When you have to bat next, you are ready for that. But sitting in the dugout, it’s definitely very nerve-wracking,” he added.

Pakistan beat Afghanistan in nail-biter, keep World Cup semi-final hopes alive

Imad Wasim takes Pakistan over the finishing line in the final over with an unbeaten 49

Mahmood also showered praise on Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s young fast bowler who took four wickets in the match, saying he was improving but still needed to work on some areas.

“Since he joined the Pakistan team, he’s the guy who has been taking the wickets for us,” the bowling coach said.

“Sometimes, he needs to control his emotions and, when he bowls, the delivery stride is the main concern for me when he lands on the crease,” Mahmood added.