PAK vs AFG (Final Match) – Highlights
It was all one-way traffic—Pakistan’s dominant display crushed Afghanistan by 75 runs, sealing the Tri-Series in style at Sharjah. A disciplined bowling performance from the Pakistanis saw spectacular bowling from Mohammad Nawaz, who took five wickets, helping Afghanistan’s batting collapse, and the team was bowled out for 66 runs in 15.5 overs while chasing a lowly 142 target. This resounding victory proved Pakistan’s dominance in all 3 departments of the game. The batters and bowlers stepped up on a slowish Sharjah pitch that challenged batters from both teams.
Pakistan had a shaky start, first batting on a surface that did not suit humdums. The first wicket fell quickly, with Farooqi getting the edge from Sahibzada Farhan, who did not trouble the score. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman were fighting back, but the opening spell from Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan went back and forth, without being absolutely hammered. Rashid Khan got the key early wickets of Fakhar and Salman Agha, as well as Hasan Nawaz, all with pace bowling, which crippled Pakistan through the middle overs.
PAK lost wickets every few balls but still had some entertaining cameos from Faheem Ashraf, who managed to hit 15 runs off 8 balls, and Mohammad Nawaz, who made 25. In the end, Pakistan made 141 for 8, which may be competitive based on the slow surface and the lack of seamers in the opposition attack. Even though Rashid Khan rattled the stumps three times and Noor Ahmad chipped in with two scalps, Afghanistan’s pushback wasn’t enough to derail Pakistan’s charge.
AFG chase began disastrously and never recovered from early blows. Afghanistan’s top order quickly fell apart after Afridi dismissed Gurbaz early on. Mohammad Nawaz bowled a sensational spell, claiming five wickets for just 19 runs, including key scalps of Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan. Abrar Ahmed provided excellent support, picking up two wickets to crush Afghanistan’s hopes of building partnerships. Rashid Khan’s 17 off 18 balls was the highest score of the innings, but it was nowhere near enough to mount a fightback. Afghanistan was bowled out for 66, marking one of their heaviest defeats in T20Is in recent memory.
PAK bowlers were excellent, holding tight lines and fully utilizing the conditions at Sharjah. Sufiyan Muqeem added two wickets to Afghanistan’s woes, while Shaheen Afridi was as economical as he ever is by returning one for seven in two overs, and, as a full battery, all showed Pakistan’s depth and diversity by applying pressure on Afghanistan’s weaknesses.
This victory sealed the Tri-Series crown for Pakistan, with Nawaz deservedly named the standout performer for his game-changing spell. The match underlined Pakistan’s ability to deliver under pressure and showcased the depth in their squad ahead of a packed cricket calendar. AFG, on the other hand, will reflect on their batting collapse and look to regroup for future challenges.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan Scoreboard
Pakistan – 141/8 (20)
Afghanistan – 66/10 (15.5/20)
Result – Pakistan won by 75 runs
Player of the Match – Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz
PAK vs AFG Playing Eleven
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed. |
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi. |
