Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the 4th match of the tri-nation series on Tuesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, thanks to a strong performance from their spin attack.
Afghanistan’s Innings
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 169 for 5. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal were the mainstays of the innings. Zadran continued his excellent form, scoring 65 runs off 45 balls, with eight boundaries and a six. Atal was equally impressive, smashing 64 runs from 45 balls, which included three fours and three sixes. After a shaky start, the pair built a crucial 113-run partnership in just 80 deliveries.
For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs, his best T20I bowling figures. He dismissed Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ibrahim Zadran, and Atal. Saim Ayub took one wicket, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem went wicketless.
Pakistan’s Innings
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled, managing only 151 for 8 in their 20 overs. Haris Rauf was the top scorer with an unbeaten 34 runs from 16 balls, including four sixes, but his effort was not enough to secure a victory. Sufiyan Muqeem remained not out with 7 runs.
Pakistan had a quick start, scoring 52 runs in the powerplay, but lost momentum after two quick wickets. Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha both looked promising, scoring 25 and 20 runs, respectively, but failed to build on their starts. Afghanistan’s spinners were exceptional in restricting the Pakistani batters. Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Rashid Khan all took two wickets each, while AM Ghazanfar went wicketless.
