AFG vs PAK (4th Match) – Highlights
AFG produced a commanding performance to defeat PAK by 18 runs in the 4th match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series at Sharjah on September 2, 2025. Chasing a challenging target of 170, Pakistan fell short, finishing at 151 for 9, as Afghanistan’s batting and bowling combined to deliver a memorable win. The match was highlighted by brilliant innings from Afghanistan’s top order and a destructive spell from Faheem Ashraf that kept the Pakistani lineup on the back foot for much of the game.
AFG, having won the toss, opened their batting with a cautious start from Gurbaz. Although he only managed 8 runs off 10 balls, his early dismissal did not deter the team. Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran then took charge, building a crucial partnership that shifted momentum in Afghanistan’s favor. Atal’s 64 off 45 balls showcased his ability to accelerate when needed, while Zadran’s sublime 65 off 45 deliveries earned him the Player of the Match award.
Both batters combined for fluent strokeplay, punctuated with crisp boundaries and smart running between the wickets, setting a strong foundation for a competitive total. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi contributed briefly, with 4 and 6 runs respectively, as Afghanistan reached a formidable 169 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Extras added six runs to the total, rounding off a balanced innings.
PAK pursuit got off to a rough start in the chase when Fazalhaq Farooqi quickly put the team on the back foot by taking Sahibzada Farhan (18) and Saim Ayub (0) out of the game, leaving Pakistan at 8 for 2 after the first over. Fakhar Zaman tried to play anchor and top-scored with 25 runs, but Faheem Ashraf quickly extinguished any hope of a middle-order resurgence by cleaning up the entire Pakistan batting order with four wickets. Pakistan’s chances began to fade as Atal snatched two stunning grabs off Ashraf’s deliveries.Their captain, Salman Agha, contributed with 20 runs, but he then ran out just when Pakistan needed him most.
As the innings progressed, Mohammad Haris and Haris Rauf showed some late resistance, scoring 1 and 34 not out respectively, but the deficit proved too great. Rashid Khan’s two wickets and Mohammad Nabi’s economical two overs ensured Pakistan could not close the gap. Noor Ahmad and Faheem Ashraf provided support with disciplined bowling, restricting the scoring opportunities and ultimately securing Afghanistan’s 18-run victory. The win highlighted Afghanistan’s growing strength in T20 cricket, particularly their top-order firepower and their ability to defend totals under pressure.
With a fluent 65 to his name, Ibrahim Zadran rose above the rest and walked away as Player of the Match. Faheem Ashraf’s impact with the ball, taking four wickets in four overs at an economy rate of 6.75, was equally notable for Pakistan.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Afghanistan– 169/5 (20)
Pakistan– 151/9 (20)
Result – Afghanistan won by 18 runs
Player of the Match – Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG vs PAK Playing XIs
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Darwish Rasooli, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi. |
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem. |
