Date & Venue
Under the bright lights of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on August 29, Pakistan and Afghanistan kicked off the UAE T20I Tri-Series with a high-voltage clash.
Match Recap
Pakistan set up a strong total of 182/7, thanks to a brilliant half-century from skipper Salman Ali Agha (53 off 36). After a shaky start, Agha anchored the innings while Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo added crucial runs.
Afghanistan began their chase with confidence but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just four runs. Haris Rauf was the game-changer, grabbing 4 wickets for 31 runs, while Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with two each. Despite Rashid Khan’s fiery 39 off 16 balls, Afghanistan fell short and were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Pakistan sealed the match with a 39-run victory.
Pre-Match Buzz
The tri-series was more than just a contest—it was a warm-up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan arrived with momentum after their T20I series win against the West Indies, while Afghanistan entered with their explosive batting lineup and the spin wizardry of Rashid Khan.
Key Moments of the Match
| Phase | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pakistan’s Recovery | From 83/4, Agha’s composed fifty steadied the ship, taking Pakistan to 182/7. |
| Afghanistan’s Collapse | At 92/2, they looked settled before crumbling to 97/7 in just 17 balls. |
| Rashid’s Fireworks | His five towering sixes kept fans on their feet, but Pakistan’s bowlers shut the door in the end. |
What It Means Ahead of the Asia Cup
- Pakistan’s Confidence Booster: A perfect blend of batting resilience and lethal pace bowling signals they are gearing up well for the Asia Cup.
- Afghanistan’s Wake-Up Call: Rashid Khan’s heroics showed their potential, but consistency and middle-order stability remain key.
- The tri-series now sets the stage for more fireworks as both sides prepare for bigger challenges.
Final Thoughts
Cricket is about momentum, and Pakistan seized it in style at Sharjah. For Afghanistan, it’s a chance to regroup and come back stronger. With the Asia Cup on the horizon, fans can expect even more high-octane clashes in the days to come.
