Ahead of Asia Cup, Afghanistan stun Pakistan in T20I tri-series in Sharjah

Afghanistan sent a strong warning to Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup with an impressive 18-run victory in a low-scoring thriller at Sharjah on August 2. What initially appeared to be a modest batting display from the Afghans turned into a dominant performance, with their spinners stepping up to seal a memorable win.

Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first but began their innings on shaky ground. Early dismissals of Rahmanullah Gurbaz suggested the Afghans might struggle, and Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf seemed to be in control with his four-wicket haul (4/27). However, it was Afghanistan’s spinners who eventually turned the game on its head.

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Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran forged a crucial 113-run partnership that rescued Afghanistan from early setbacks. Beyond this stand, the rest of the batting lineup struggled, contributing only single-digit scores, yet managed to post a defendable total of 169 by the end of 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran’s 65 off 45 balls earned him the Man of the Match award for anchoring Afghanistan’s innings under pressure.

SPIN TRIO SKITTLES PAKISTAN

Chasing 170, Pakistan looked poised but were immediately hit by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s fiery bowling, which sent Saim Ayub back for a golden duck in the second over and removed opener Sahibzada Farhan in the fourth. Afghanistan’s spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, and Noor Ahmed – then took control. Rashid extended his lead as the highest T20I wicket-taker with his 2/30 spell taking his tally to 167 wickets. Along with Rashid, Nabi (2/20), and Noor Ahmed (2/20) stifled Pakistan’s middle order, ensuring no batter could establish a partnership.

Captain Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar Zaman briefly offered resistance in the middle, but Agha fell to a sharp turning delivery from Nabi flicked to Farooqi, and the skipper himself was run out cheaply. The lower order, including Mohammad Haris, failed to resurrect the chase, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Pakistan eventually managed 151/9, falling short by 18 runs.

The victory gives Afghanistan a confidence boost ahead of the Asia Cup, reflecting steady progress in T20 cricket. For Pakistan, the loss highlights areas to work on as they prepare for the upcoming tournament, where they start their campaign against Oman on September 12.

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