The third league match of the round-robin Asia Cup was won easily by Pakistan but not before the constantly improving Afghan team created a bit of an early scare against their more illustrated opponents. Like Bangladesh, Afghanistan is steadfastly determined to get rid of the tag of minnows in cricket. On February 27, Afghanistan took the field after winning the toss in only their third ODI game in a tournament, involving test-playing nations. Though Pakistan openers produced a reasonable good first-wicket stand, it was not because the Afghan bowlers were found wanting. The opening bowlers, who shared the attack were both Zadrans; Shapoor and Dawlat. And they bowled with fire, clocking a speed hovering on the 140-plus kmph mark. Such pace can easily nullify the slow nature of Fatullah pitch. Lasith Malinga showed that in the match against Pakistan a few days ago.