Sharjah, 29 August 2025:
Captain Salman Ali Agha struck a composed half-century and Haris Rauf claimed four wickets as Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opening match of the T20 tri-series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Pakistan, who face the United Arab Emirates in the second game on Saturday, posted 182-7 after choosing to bat first. Salman guided the innings with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, including three fours and three sixes. He shared a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) after Pakistan had slipped to 83-4. Sahibzada Farhan (21 off 10) and Fakhar Zaman (20 off 17) provided a quick start, while seamer Fareed Ahmed finished with 2-47 for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan appeared well placed in their chase at 92-2 before collapsing to 97-7 in the space of just 17 balls. Rashid Khan top-scored with 39 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 38, but the middle order faltered against Pakistan’s pace attack. Haris led the way with 4-31, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-21), Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Moqim (2-25), as Afghanistan were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Salman, named player of the match, said Pakistan’s preparation against spin proved crucial.
“I saw the first few overs and realised the ball was holding when they bowled slower,” Salman said. “I knew if I got in, I could hit a few sixes against the spinners. We came here 10 days early to prepare for spin, and it paid off. Bowling was outstanding — Haris and Shaheen are among the best fast bowlers in the world, but for me Nawaz was the pick. He always bowls the tough overs and did a great job.”
Rashid Khan admitted Afghanistan’s collapse cost them the game.
“We started well but lost wickets between the 13th and 15th overs,” Rashid said. “That’s where the game turned. If we had rotated the strike better and avoided dot balls, we could have chased it. Dot balls hurt you more than wickets in T20 cricket.”
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan 182-7, 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 53 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Sahibzada Farhan 21; Fareed Ahmed 2-47)
Afghanistan 143 all out, 19.5 overs (Rashid Khan 39, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 38; Haris Rauf 4-31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-21, Mohammad Nawaz 2-23, Sufiyan Moqim 2-25)
Player of the Match — Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
