The Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 Tri-Series in Sharjah delivers both intense cricket and emotional moments. From the very beginning, both teams took a moment to pause and remember the victims of the floods in Pakistan and the earthquake in Afghanistan. Soon after, they switched gears, and the action began.
Pakistan dominated the opening clash. Salman Agha smashed an unbeaten half-century, while Haris Rauf destroyed Afghanistan’s middle order with fiery pace. Therefore, Pakistan cruised to a commanding 39-run win and immediately announced themselves as tournament favorites.
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard – 169 (5 wkts, 20 ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | 8 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 64 | 45 | 3 | 3 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 65 | 45 | 8 | 1 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Karim Janat* | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 8 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Bowling Figure
- Saim Ayub – 4 ov, 18 runs, 1 wkt
- Faheem Ashraf – 4 ov, 27 runs, 4 wkt
However, Afghanistan responded strongly in the fourth match. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal hammered half-centuries to lift their side to 169 for 5. In reply, Pakistan collapsed under pressure. Their batting faltered at crucial stages, and they finished at 151 for 9. As a result, Afghanistan grabbed an impressive 18-run victory and reignited the rivalry.
Afghanistan’s spinners controlled the game brilliantly. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and newcomer Noor Ahmad combined to take six wickets. Moreover, they squeezed Pakistan in the middle overs with sharp turns and tight lines. Consequently, Pakistan’s chase lost momentum, and Afghanistan secured a well-deserved win.
Pakistan Batting Scorecard – 151 (9 wkt, 20 ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Sahibzada Farhan | 18 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| Saim Ayub | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 25 | 18 | 3 | 1 |
| Salman Ali Agha (c) | 20 | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Hassan Nawaz | 9 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohammad Haris (wk) | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 14 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Shasheen Afridi | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Haris Rauf | 34 | 16 | 0 | 4 |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling Figures
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – 3 ov, 21 runs, 2 wkts
- Rashid Khan © – 4 ov, 30 runs, 2 wkts
- Mohammad Nabi – 4 ov, 20 runs, 2 wkts
- Noor Ahmad – 4 ov, 20 runs, 2 wkts
Even though Afghanistan fought back, Pakistan remains at the top of the points table. Both sides hold two wins each from three matches. Nevertheless, Pakistan enjoys the lead because of a superior run rate. While Afghanistan proved its ability to outplay its opponents, Pakistan’s consistency keeps it slightly ahead. Thus, the race to the final remains wide open.
Emotions also shaped this Tri-Series. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan recently lost his elder brother. Despite the personal loss, he led his team with courage. Furthermore, Pakistan players offered condolences and paid tribute after their match. This heartfelt gesture showed the spirit of cricket and highlighted the respect between the two nations.
In addition, this series serves as more than just a rivalry. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan use it as vital preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup. They test strategies, experiment with combinations, and sharpen their match fitness. More importantly, they learn how to handle high-pressure situations against quality opposition.
In conclusion, Sharjah once again stages a gripping battle between two passionate cricketing nations. Pakistan showcases power and consistency, while Afghanistan displays grit and spin brilliance. Fans witness big hitting, fiery pace, and magical bowling spells. Ultimately, this Tri-Series builds excitement for the Asia Cup. The contest for supremacy continues, and cricket lovers eagerly await the next chapter of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 Tri-Series.
