Pakistan kicked off the tri-series in Sharjah with a convincing 39-run victory over Afghanistan. Agha Salman's unbeaten half-century and Haris Rauf's fiery spell with the ball proved to be the difference in a match played before a boisterous crowd.
Agha's Masterclass Guides Pakistan
Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a competitive total of 182-7 in their 20 overs. Skipper Salman Agha was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 53 off just 36 balls, including three towering sixes and three boundaries. Agha's composed innings provided the backbone to Pakistan's innings after an explosive start from Sahibzada Farhan (21 off 10 balls).
Agha also formed a crucial 53-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11 balls) for the fifth wicket, helping Pakistan plunder 51 runs in the final five overs, adding crucial momentum to the innings.
Rauf's Pace Proves Decisive
In response, Afghanistan started brightly, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38 off 27 balls) and Sediqullah Atal (23) putting on a 51-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Haris Rauf turned the game on its head with a game-changing 12th over, dismissing both Atal and Karim Janat without conceding a run.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan tried to ignite a fightback with a whirlwind 39 off just 16 balls, including five massive sixes and a four. But Rauf returned to dismiss Khan, effectively ending Afghanistan's hopes. Rauf finished with impressive figures of 4-31, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with 2-21. Spinners Mohammad Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2-25) also played their part in restricting Afghanistan to 143 all out in 19.5 overs.
Pakistan will now face hosts United Arab Emirates on Saturday. All three teams will play each other twice, with the top two teams progressing to the final on September 7th.