Sharjah, August 29, 2025 — Pakistan delivered a commanding performance against Afghanistan in the opening match of the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, securing a convincing 39-run victory.
Match Summary
- Pakistan Innings: Electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 182/7 in 20 overs, led by a brave undefeated 53 off 36 balls from captain Salman Ali Agha, who was named Player of the Match.
- Afghanistan’s Chase: In response, Afghanistan faltered dramatically—after reaching 92/2, they were bundled out for 143 in just 19.5 overs, collapsing to lose 5 wickets for just 4 runs in a span of 17 balls.
- Bowling Highlights: Pakistan’s pacers spearheaded the rout:
- Haris Rauf spectacularly claimed 4 wickets, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order.
- Supporting performances came from Sufiyan Muqeem and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed key breakthroughs to finish off the chase.
Match Highlights Table
| Teamcast | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pakistan Batting | Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with 53* (36), propelling the team to 182/7. |
| Afghanistan Collapse | From a promising 92/2, the Afghan side crumbled to 143 all out in just 19.5 overs. |
| Bowling Excellence | Haris Rauf (4 wickets) led a strategic chest of fast bowling, backed by Afridi and Muqeem. |
Pakistan’s all-around effort—combining astute captaincy, timely batting display, and lethal pace bowling—has given them an emphatic start to the tournament. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and bounce back in the next match.