Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs

Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs

Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in a gripping T20 tri-series match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 2 September 2025; thus, they registered a hard-fought victory that, in turn, reignited their campaign ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.

Match Summary

After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat; consequently, they posted a competitive total of 169 for 5 in their 20 overs—anchored, moreover, by fluent half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45 balls) and Sediqullah Atal (64 off 45 balls). Furthermore, their remarkable 113-run partnership for the second wicket laid the platform for a challenging target.

Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Faheem Ashraf, responded with intent at the death overs. Furthermore, Ashraf claimed an impressive 4 for 27—his career-best T20I figures—effectively halting Afghanistan from pushing beyond 180.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Masterclass

In defence of their total, Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack held firm. Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad both recorded tight figures of 2 for 20, while captain Rashid Khan added pressure with 2 key wickets. Fazalhaq Farooqi also contributed with 2 wickets in support.

Pakistan’s chase never got momentum. Early setbacks—both openers dismissed cheaply—left them reeling. Although Haris Rauf yielded a late flourish with 34 not out off 16 balls featuring four sixes, Pakistan were ultimately bundled out for 151 for 9, falling short by 18 runs.

Individual Highlights

• Top Scorers
  
  • Ibrahim Zadran: 65 (45) – Player of the Match
    
  • Sediqullah Atal: 64 (45)
    
• Best Bowling Figures
  
  • Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan): 4/27
    
  • Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): 2/20
    
  • Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan): 2/20
    
  • Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): 2 wickets
    
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): 2 wickets
    

Additionally, Fakhar Zaman crossed the 2,000-run milestone in T20I for Pakistan during this match—becoming only the fifth Pakistani cricketer to do so.

Turning Points

1. The Atal–Zadran Partnership
   A shaky start gave way to a commanding second-wicket stand—Afghanistan’s second-highest in T20Is—shifting momentum decisively.
   
2. Ashraf’s Late Exploits
   Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket burst in the final overs was Pakistan’s best hope; without that, they might have conceded over 180.
   
3. Tight Spin Bowling
   Afghanistan’s trio of spin—Nabi, Noor, and Rashid—choked Pakistan’s middle order, turning wedges of momentum firmly Afghanistan’s way.
   
4. Haris Rauf’s Late Charge
   His brutal late overs helped salvage some pride for Pakistan, but it wasn’t enough to tilt the result.
   

Significance & Outlook

This win marks a key milestone; consequently, Afghanistan have now beaten Pakistan in T20Is four times, thus ending Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the series. Furthermore, both teams now sit atop the tri-series table with four points each.

For Afghanistan, the victory injects confidence and underscores its growing depth, especially in spin options. Pakistan, meanwhile, must address its middle-order collapses ahead of its next fixture against the UAE and the forthcoming Asia Cup.