By Admin • Wed Sep 03 2025
Sharjah, September 2, 2025 — Afghanistan delivered a clinical performance to beat Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth match of the UAE Tri-Nation T20I Series. Their triumph came courtesy of a strong batting display coupled with an unrelenting spin assault at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 169 for 5. Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran were the linchpins of that effort, both scoring elegant half-centuries — Atal adding 64 off 45 balls and Zadran contributing 65 off 45. Their steady second-wicket partnership added 113 runs, significantly boosting the Afghan tally and putting Pakistan on the back foot.
In response, Pakistan managed 151 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. While Haris Rauf provided late fireworks with an undefeated 34 off 16 deliveries, the foundation for a chase was already eroded by Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
The spin trio — Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad — were instrumental in stalling the run chase, sharing six wickets and strangling Pakistan’s middle and lower order.
Afghanistan’s seamers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, added further pressure with timely breakthroughs. Despite flashes of resistance from Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan fell short in their pursuit.
With this result, both teams now sit level on two wins each, leaving the tri-series wide open. Pakistan, however, maintain an advantage on net run rate, while Afghanistan’s spirited victory has reignited their hopes of reaching the final.