Pakistan began the T20I tri-series 2025 with a strong performance, defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs in Sharjah.
Captain Salman Agha scored an unbeaten half-century, while fast bowler Haris Rauf ripped through Afghanistan’s batting with a four-wicket haul that included a double-wicket maiden.
Pakistan 182 for 7 (Salman 53*, Fareed 2-47) beat Afghanistan 143 (Rashid 39, Gurbaz 38, Rauf 4-31, Afridi 2-21, Nawaz 2-23, Muqeem 2-25) by 39 runs
Salman Agha Shines With the Bat
Pakistan batted first on a surface that encouraged fast scoring, and their aggressive intent was clear from the start of the innings.
Captain Salman Agha led the way with a composed yet attacking 53 not out from 36 balls, striking boundaries at crucial moments.
His effort was backed by Pakistan’s deep batting lineup.
The lower order of Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf combined for 50 runs off just 29 balls.
This late acceleration helped Pakistan add 99 runs in the final nine overs, giving them a strong total to defend.
Sahibzada Farhan Sets the Tone Early
Opener Sahibzada Farhan took charge in the powerplay and attacked Afghanistan’s seamers with bold strokeplay from the outset of the innings.
He smashed 21 runs off just ten balls, including a towering six over midwicket and a fierce drive straight back over the bowler’s head.
Though Farhan departed early, his explosive start gave Pakistan momentum.
Afghanistan’s spinners then slowed the scoring rate, restricting Pakistan to 51 runs in the next eight overs, before Salman reignited the innings.
Battle of Captains – Salman vs Rashid
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings came during the battle between the two captains: Salman Agha and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s superstar spinner.
Salman attacked with confidence, hitting two powerful sixes in one over from Rashid, shifting the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
Inspired by his captain, Mohammad Nawaz joined in, clearing the boundary twice off Azmatullah Omarzai in the very next over.
This counterattack lifted Pakistan’s run rate and ensured they posted a competitive total, leaving Afghanistan under pressure from the start.
Afghanistan Start Strong But Falter Midway
Chasing Pakistan’s target, Afghanistan approached their innings with purpose, carefully managing the run rate while preserving wickets in the middle overs.
At one stage, they looked comfortable at 93 for 2 with nine overs left, thanks to Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli’s steady partnership.
However, their plan collapsed dramatically in the 12th over when Haris Rauf returned to the attack with fiery pace and precision.
Haris Rauf’s Double-Wicket Maiden Changes the Game
Rauf delivered the match’s decisive moment with a stunning double-wicket maiden, sending Atal and Karim Janat back in quick succession.
His hostile pace, touching 150kph, forced mistakes from Afghanistan’s batters and completely broke their momentum.
From overs 12 to 16, Afghanistan scored only six runs and lost five wickets, collapsing under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi chipped in with crucial strikes, ensuring Afghanistan never recovered from the collapse.
Rashid Khan’s Late Fightback Not Enough
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan entertained briefly with a whirlwind 39 off just 16 balls, hitting several powerful sixes to excite the crowd.
Despite his cameo, Afghanistan had fallen too far behind, leaving the chase impossible as Pakistan sealed a comfortable 39-run win.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s victory in the tri-series opener was powered by Salman Agha’s unbeaten 53 and Haris Rauf’s brilliant four-wicket haul.
The early intent from Farhan, the lower-order fireworks, and a dominant bowling display ensured Pakistan began the tournament with confidence.
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