Pakistan secure commanding win over Afghanistan in Sharjah tri-series opener
The next game sees UAE take on Pakistan on Saturday
SHARJAH – The UAE-hosted T20 International tri-series got off to an electric start on Friday as Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opening match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, witnessed by a packed and enthusiastic crowd.
In the match that served as a curtain-raiser for the round-robin event running until 7 September, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision fully vindicated by their all-round performance.
A captain’s knock
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with a blazing unbeaten half-century – 53 off 36 balls, featuring three fours and as many sixes. A pivotal 50-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz helped the side recover from early stumbles, lifting Pakistan to a competitive total of 182 for 7 in 20 overs.
Bowling brilliance
The bowlers then took charge. Haris Rauf spearheaded the attack with 4 for 31, shredding Afghanistan’s middle order and triggering a collapse that saw them fall from 92 for 2 to being all out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with key contributions – including a joint effort in the lower order – ensuring Afghanistan never recovered.
Head-to-head legacy
Heading into the match, Pakistan’s record against Afghanistan in T20Is stood at four wins from seven encounters, with Afghanistan claiming the other three. The UAE, meanwhile, have met Pakistan only once in the format – during the 2016 Asia Cup, where Pakistan claimed victory.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Tri-series schedule remains on track
The tri-series continues with Pakistan facing the UAE on 30 August, while Afghanistan take on the hosts on 1 September. Pakistan and Afghanistan will meet again on 2 September. All matches begin at 7 pm local time, culminating in a final on 7 September between the top two teams.
As the tournament progresses, the win gives Pakistan an early boost in confidence ahead of next month’s ACC Asia Cup, while fans from Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UAE can look forward to more thrilling T20 action under Sharjah’s lights.