The much-anticipated T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE began in Sharjah with a high-voltage contest between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The opening game lived up to the hype, as Pakistan secured a convincing 39-run win to start their campaign on a strong note. This tri-series serves as a crucial tune-up for all three sides ahead of the Asia Cup, and the first clash has already set the stage for a fiercely contested tournament.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, put up a fighting total of 182 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Salman Ali Agha, who played a steady hand with a half-century under pressure. Despite a few quick wickets early on, Pakistan’s middle order found ways to build partnerships, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. The Sharjah pitch offered assistance to spinners and required batters to work hard for their runs, but Pakistan’s depth allowed them to reach a competitive score.
Chasing 183, Afghanistan began on a shaky note, with Shaheen Afridi removing opener Ibrahim Zadran early. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to stabilize the innings with a fluent 38, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Mohammad Nawaz struck in the middle overs to break partnerships, while Haris Rauf’s pace proved too hot to handle for Afghanistan’s lower order. A middle-order collapse derailed their chase, and Afghanistan slipped to 97/7 with the required run rate spiraling out of control.
From that point, it was damage control for Afghanistan. Despite some lower-order resistance, the team folded for 143/9 at the end of their 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Pakistan’s bowling attack looked sharp and disciplined, showcasing the kind of form they will need in the upcoming Asia Cup. Afridi’s early strikes, combined with Nawaz’s control and Rauf’s aggression, ensured Afghanistan never got back into the game once the pressure mounted.
For Pakistan, the win was more than just two points—it was a statement. With players adjusting to the conditions in Sharjah, this performance provided clarity on roles within the squad. Salman Ali Agha’s composed innings underlined his importance in the middle order, while the bowlers reinforced their reputation as match-winners. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will need to reassess their approach, especially their middle-order batting, which has been a recurring issue in recent months.
The tournament continues with Pakistan set to take on the UAE in their next game, while Afghanistan will regroup and prepare for their upcoming clash against the hosts. With a double round-robin format followed by a final on September 7, there is still plenty of cricket left to play, but the early momentum is firmly with Pakistan.
This tri-series is not just about wins and losses; it is about ironing out flaws before the Asia Cup. Pakistan have ticked several boxes with their opening performance, Afghanistan have lessons to learn, and the UAE will be eager to test themselves against two high-quality sides in their own backyard. If the first game is anything to go by, cricket fans can expect a thrilling series ahead.
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