Sharjah, August 29, 2025 — Skipper Salman Ali Agha’s explosive half-century propelled Pakistan to a commanding 182/6 against Afghanistan in the opening clash of the UAE T20I tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Agha’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid rich dividends as Pakistan’s batting order weathered early setbacks before launching a spirited counterattack to post a formidable total.
Early Struggles for Pakistan
Pakistan made a brisk start, courtesy of Sahibzada Farhan, who blazed his way to 21 off just 10 balls with a four and two sixes. However, his dismissal in the third over left Pakistan at 26/1.
Saim Ayub (14 off 16) and Fakhar Zaman (20 off 18) steadied the innings with a 29-run stand before Rashid Khan struck to remove Ayub in the seventh over. Quick wickets of Zaman and Hasan Nawaz (9) soon followed, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 83/4 in the 12th over.
Agha’s Rescue Act
From there, captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front, orchestrating a counterattack alongside Mohammad Nawaz. The pair added a fiery 53-run stand off 28 balls, with Nawaz hammering 21 off 11 deliveries (1 four, 2 sixes) before falling to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 16th over.
Agha then found support in Mohammad Haris (15 off 12), putting together 31 runs for the sixth wicket. Though Haris departed late in the innings, Agha carried his bat with a match-defining knock.
Captain’s Knock
The skipper remained Pakistan’s standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, including three fours and three sixes. His fluent strokeplay in the middle and death overs ensured Pakistan crossed the 180-run mark.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Effort
Among the Afghan bowlers, Fareed Ahmad picked up two wickets but proved costly, conceding 47 runs in his quota of four overs. Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman chipped in with one wicket apiece but couldn’t prevent Pakistan from posting a challenging total.
Score Summary: Pakistan Innings
- Sahibzada Farhan – 21 (10)
- Saim Ayub – 14 (16)
- Fakhar Zaman – 20 (18)
- Hasan Nawaz – 9 (9)
- Mohammad Nawaz – 21 (11)
- Mohammad Haris – 15 (12)
- Salman Ali Agha (c) – 53* (36)
Extras: 8
Total: 182/6 in 20 overs
Afghanistan Bowling:
- Fareed Ahmad – 4-0-47-2
- Rashid Khan – 4-0-29-1
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 4-0-36-1
- Mohammad Nabi – 4-0-28-1
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 4-0-36-1
With a healthy target set, Pakistan will now look to their pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf alongside young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem to defend the total. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will bank on their aggressive top order, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, to mount a serious chase.