By Admin • Sat Aug 30 2025
Sharjah, August 29, 2025 — Pakistan began their campaign in the T20 Tri-Nation Series on a high, defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opening game played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Batting first, Pakistan set a competitive total of 182 for 7 in their 20 overs. Despite losing both openers cheaply, the middle order steadied the innings. Salman Ali Agha played the standout knock, scoring a fluent 53 not out from 36 deliveries, mixing intelligent stroke play with calculated aggression. Support came from Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, who added valuable quick runs during the final overs to lift the total beyond 180.
Afghanistan started their chase with intent, reaching 92 for 2 midway through the innings. At that stage, the match looked finely balanced. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf, turned the game dramatically. Rauf unleashed a fiery spell of 4 for 31, ripping through the Afghan middle order and triggering a collapse that saw Afghanistan lose five wickets for just four runs in a span of 17 deliveries. From a promising position, the Afghan innings crumbled, eventually folding for 143.
There were brief moments of resistance, most notably from Rashid Khan, who smashed a quickfire 39 off 16 balls, keeping Afghan hopes alive with powerful hitting. But his dismissal effectively sealed Pakistan’s victory, as the lower order failed to offer any significant support.
For Pakistan, the win serves as an ideal start to the tournament and provides momentum as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to remain competitive in the tri-series, which also features hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This victory highlights Pakistan’s balance in both batting and bowling departments, with Salman Ali Agha’s composure and Haris Rauf’s pace proving to be the key difference makers.