Pakistan opened their UAE T20I Tri-Series campaign with a commanding 39-run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah, setting the tone for the tournament with a performance that blended composure, firepower, and precision.
Batting first, Pakistan were jolted early, slipping to 83 for 4 as Afghanistan’s bowlers found initial success. But Salman Ali Agha stood tall under pressure, crafting an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls. His knock, laced with three sixes and three boundaries, was the glue that held the innings together. Alongside Mohammad Nawaz, who chipped in with a breezy 21 off 11 balls, Agha built a critical 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket. That late push lifted Pakistan to 182 for 7 in their 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on the Sharjah pitch.
In response, Afghanistan began brightly through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal. Their 51-run stand gave the chase momentum, with Gurbaz top-scoring for his side with a 27-ball 38. But once Haris Rauf entered the equation, the game turned decisively. The fiery pacer ripped through Afghanistan’s middle order with a blistering spell, including a double-wicket maiden in the 12th over. He finished with figures of 4 for 31, ensuring Pakistan’s grip tightened as the innings progressed.
Supporting acts came from Shaheen Afridi (2–21), Nawaz (2–23), and Sufiyan Muqeem (2–25), who collectively dismantled Afghanistan’s batting. Despite Rashid Khan’s explosive cameo—39 runs off just 16 balls with five sixes—Afghanistan were bundled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, falling well short of the target.
The electric Sharjah crowd, close to 16,000 strong, witnessed a complete all-round show from Pakistan. From Salman Agha’s resilience to Haris Rauf’s raw pace, every phase of the game was stamped with authority.
The result not only gives Pakistan early momentum in the tri-series but also acts as a confidence booster ahead of the looming Asia Cup. For Afghanistan, the loss was a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. While their start was promising, the middle-order collapse exposed a lingering vulnerability against quality fast bowling.
In the broader context, this victory underlines Pakistan’s depth and balance. The batting clicked despite early hiccups, and the bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine. Afghanistan, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, especially with matches coming thick and fast in this tri-series.
Ultimately, this was more than just a routine win. It was a statement from Pakistan: they are not here to merely participate but to dominate. Salman Agha’s calm under fire and Haris Rauf’s ferocity with the ball turned a potentially tight contest into a decisive victory, leaving their fans buoyant and their rivals duly warned.
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