Sharjah, September 7, 2025 – Mohammad Nawaz delivered a career-defining performance as Pakistan outclassed Afghanistan to clinch the T20I tri-series trophy in emphatic fashion.
The left-arm spinner tore through Afghanistan’s fragile batting lineup, grabbing five wickets and guiding Pakistan to a morale-boosting victory just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan, after being asked to bat first, managed only 142 runs in their 20 overs, a score that looked achievable on Sharjah’s surface. The innings was built on partnerships rather than fireworks, but Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Nawaz, ensured the total was more than enough. Afghanistan’s chase quickly turned into a nightmare, collapsing for just 66 runs. The margin of defeat—75 runs—was a bitter pill for Afghanistan supporters, many of whom had filled the stands with high hopes.
The Afghan batting order had no answers to Nawaz, who bowled with guile, flight, and variety. His spell not only included his maiden T20I five-wicket haul but also a remarkable hat-trick, making him the first spinner from Pakistan to achieve the feat in this format. For Nawaz, it was a statement of intent, showcasing the maturity and confidence he has gained since his impressive outings in the 2025 Pakistan Super League.
Afghanistan’s innings was riddled with failures: three ducks, only two players reaching double figures, and a highest partnership of merely 21 runs between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran. Once Atal departed, the collapse was inevitable. The defeat highlighted Afghanistan’s recurring struggles under pressure in big matches, echoing their semifinal collapse against South Africa in the T20 World Cup when they were bundled out for 56.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated from the outset. Shaheen Afridi set the tone in his opening over, but after that, spin completely took over. Out of 15.5 overs bowled in the match, seamers contributed only two, underlining how perfectly Pakistan adapted to the conditions. The night revived memories of the 1990s when Pakistan made Sharjah their fortress with stunning bowling performances.
As Pakistan players celebrated with a lap of honor, fans were reminded of the team’s glorious past and hopeful for a strong future. Nawaz’s brilliance not only secured the trophy but also boosted Pakistan’s confidence ahead of upcoming challenges. For Afghanistan, it was a night to forget, while for Nawaz and Pakistan, it was a night to remember forever.