Afghanistan once again proved their spin strength as they outclassed Pakistan by 18 runs in the 4th match of the tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite a spirited fightback with the ball, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to deliver, leaving fans disappointed in the much-anticipated Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20 clash.
Afghanistan’s strong start with the bat
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 169-5, thanks to a brilliant 113-run stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early to Saim Ayub, the Afghan pair took control of the innings, frustrating Pakistani bowlers with their calculated stroke play.
Zadran continued his fine form, smashing 65 runs off 45 balls with eight boundaries and a six, while Atal struck 64 from 45 deliveries, including three sixes. Their partnership shifted the momentum completely in Afghanistan’s favor.
Pakistan’s only real success came through Faheem Ashraf, who bowled superbly in the death overs to claim 4-27 – his best T20I figures – removing Zadran, Atal, Omarzai, and Nabi to restrict Afghanistan below 170.
Pakistan’s batting collapse
Chasing 170, Pakistan stumbled right from the start. Saim Ayub was dismissed first ball by Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Sahibzada Farhan followed after a brisk 18. Fakhar Zaman tried to rebuild with a quick 25, but his dismissal to Mohammad Nabi – who claimed his 100th T20I wicket – left Pakistan reeling.
The middle order once again failed to click as Hasan Nawaz (9), Mohammad Haris (1), and Faheem Ashraf (14) couldn’t stay at the crease. Skipper Salman Ali Agha showed some intent with a 20-run cameo but was run out at a crucial moment.
When Rashid Khan removed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a golden duck, Pakistan’s hopes faded. Haris Rauf’s late fireworks – an unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls with four sixes – only reduced the margin of defeat as Pakistan ended at 151-8.
Afghanistan’s spinners dominated the show once again. Rashid Khan (2-30), Noor Ahmad (2-20), Mohammad Nabi (2-20), and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-21) shared the wickets, breaking Pakistan’s momentum at regular intervals. Debutant AM Ghazanfar went wicketless but kept things tight in his spell.
