Afghanistan Beat Pakistan by 18 Runs in Tri-Series T20 at Sharjah
Sharjah, 2 September 2025 – Afghanistan delivered a major upset in the tri-series, defeating Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This marked Pakistan’s first defeat of the tournament after winning their opening two matches.
Afghanistan’s Strong Batting Display
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 169-5 in 20 overs. After the early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (8), Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45, 8 fours, 1 six) and Sediqullah Atal (64 off 45, 3 fours, 3 sixes) built a crucial 113-run partnership for the second wicket.
Faheem Ashraf struck late, removing Omarzai (4) and Zadran in quick succession, finishing with excellent figures of 4-27 in 4 overs. Rashid Khan’s late six helped Afghanistan finish strong.
Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 170, Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub for a duck to Fazalhaq Farooqi. He later dismissed Sahibzada Farhan (18), leaving Pakistan reeling at 29-2. Fakhar Zaman (25) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (20) steadied briefly, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Pakistan slipped to 67-4 inside nine overs and never recovered. Despite a late unbeaten 34 from Haris Rauf, including four sixes, Pakistan ended on 151-9, falling short by 18 runs.
Bowling Heroes for Afghanistan
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi (2-20), Rashid Khan (2-30), Noor Ahmed (2-20), and Farooqi (2-21) shared the wickets, ensuring Pakistan never built momentum.
Match Summary
Afghanistan 169-5 (20 overs): Ibrahim Zadran 65, Sediqullah Atal 64; Faheem Ashraf 4-27
Pakistan 151-9 (20 overs): Haris Rauf 34*, Fakhar Zaman 25; Nabi 2-20, Noor Ahmed 2-20, Farooqi 2-21
Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Pakistan will face UAE on 4 September in their final group-stage match of the tri-series at Sharjah.