Sharjah – Pakistan opened their T20 tri-series campaign on a high as skipper Salman Agha and pacer Haris Rauf produced stellar performances to secure a 39-run victory over Afghanistan in the series opener on Friday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a strong total of 182-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Salman anchored the innings brilliantly, smashing an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, laced with three sixes and three boundaries, to guide his side to a commanding position. His controlled knock provided Pakistan with the momentum needed to challenge Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
In response, Afghanistan were bundled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated under the floodlights. Fast bowler Haris Rauf was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 4-31, while left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi contributed with 2-21. The spin duo of Mohammad Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2-25) also played crucial roles in stifling Afghanistan’s middle and lower order.
Despite a noisy 16,000-strong crowd cheering every boundary at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan’s chase never really gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Pakistan’s clinical performance with both bat and ball ensured they kicked off the tri-series with a comprehensive win.
Afghanistan put up a spirited fight in their chase against Pakistan, with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the way with a brisk 38 off 27 balls, including a six and three boundaries. He shared a 51-run stand for the second wicket with Sediqullah Atal, who contributed 23, giving Afghanistan early hope in the tri-series opener.
The turning point of the match came in the 12th over, when Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf struck twice in quick succession. Haris dismissed Atal and Karim Janat in the same over without conceding a single run, derailing Afghanistan’s momentum and tilting the game decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan provided late fireworks, smashing 39 off just 16 balls with five towering sixes and a boundary. However, his dismissal—again to Haris—effectively ended Afghanistan’s resistance, and they were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
For Pakistan, Salman Agha, whose unbeaten half-century anchored the innings earlier, was named man of the match. Reflecting on his performance, Salman said that focusing on staying at the crease allowed him to build his innings and accelerate later, which proved crucial to Pakistan’s eventual 39-run victory.
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