Sharjah, September 2 – Afghanistan once again proved their growing strength in T20 cricket by defeating Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth match of the ongoing Tri-Series.
It was a performance full of grit and skill as Afghanistan’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting order after their top order had earlier set a strong platform with the bat.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a total of 169 for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a superb 113-run stand between openers Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran, both of whom struck stylish half-centuries. Their fluent stroke play allowed Afghanistan to dominate the Powerplay and maintain momentum deep into the innings. Though they slowed down in the final overs, finishing slightly below what might have been a 185-plus score, their total was still competitive. For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler, taking four wickets with clever variations and excellent death bowling. Saim Ayub chipped in with an important breakthrough to break the opening partnership.
Chasing 170, Pakistan were never able to settle. Despite flashes of aggression from Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan, the batting unit failed to stitch together meaningful partnerships. Their inability to handle Afghanistan’s spinners was particularly glaring, and once Salman Agha was run out, the innings completely unraveled. From 75/4, Pakistan collapsed to 111/9 before Haris Rauf struck a few late blows, top-scoring with 34 not out. But the fight came too late as the team closed at 151/9.
The result leaves Afghanistan level on points with Pakistan in the tri-series, with all three teams still vying for a place in the final. For Afghanistan, the victory was not just about points on the table but also about confidence, as they outplayed Pakistan in all departments. For Pakistan, however, the defeat raises serious questions about their batting depth and their ability to adapt against quality spin. With the series still wide open, the next encounters promise to deliver even more drama.