Pakistan started their T20I tri-series campaign with a dominant 39-run victory over Afghanistan in Sharjah. The win reflected not only their strength on the field but also their growing maturity in high-pressure moments.
Salman Ali Agha’s composed leadership was key to Pakistan’s total of 182/7. After early wickets left the team at 83/4, Agha steadied the ship with a 53-run knock, including three sixes. His 53 off 36 balls anchored Pakistan’s innings, and his 53-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) was crucial in pushing the total beyond the expected score.
With Afghanistan chasing 183, Haris Rauf turned the game in Pakistan’s favor with a brilliant spell of 4/31. The middle-order collapse, triggered by Rauf’s double-wicket maiden, saw Afghanistan crumble from 92/2 to 97/7. Shaheen Afridi (2/21) and Sufiyan Muqim (2/25) also played pivotal roles. Nawaz, praised by his captain for his composure, bowled a key spell and finished with figures of 2/23.
The match also showcased Pakistan’s depth, with batting extending to Faheem Ashraf at No. 8. Afghanistan, however, were undone by their fragile middle order, once again exposing their vulnerabilities under pressure.
The game passed without incident, thanks to strict crowd management measures, keeping the focus firmly on the cricket. With this win, Pakistan set an early marker for the tri-series and are now eyeing their next game against UAE. For Salman Ali Agha, it was a perfect start to his captaincy, leading with both bat and leadership.