Pakistan began their tri-series campaign on a winning note, defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs in Sharjah on Friday
Batting first, Pakistan posted 182 for 7, thanks to a gritty unbeaten 53* from skipper Salman Agha and a quick-fire finish from the lower order. In reply, Afghanistan were bowled out for 143 despite late fireworks from Rashid Khan.
Farhan’s explosive start
Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan an electric start, smashing 21 off just 10 balls, including a six and four off Fazalhaq Farooqi. Although Afghanistan’s spinners slowed things down in the middle overs, Farhan’s cameo provided momentum.
Salman Agha vs Rashid Khan
Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha rose to the occasion, taking on Afghan star Rashid Khan with two massive sixes in a decisive over. Alongside Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 14), Salman guided Pakistan to 182 with a late surge — the team scoring 99 runs in the last 9 overs.
Rauf’s game-changing spell
Afghanistan started their chase steadily with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38) and Sediqullah Atal, reaching 93 for 2 in the 11th over. But the match turned dramatically when Haris Rauf produced a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Atal and Karim Janat.
From there, Afghanistan collapsed, losing five wickets for just four runs in 16 balls. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz added to the carnage, leaving Rashid Khan’s explosive 39 off 16 balls too little, too late.
The Result
Pakistan 182/7 (Salman Agha 53*, Farhan 21, Nawaz 21, Fareed 2-47)
Afghanistan 143 all out (Rashid 39, Gurbaz 38, Rauf 4-31)
Pakistan won by 39 runs to take an early lead in the tri-series.