New Delhi, 3 September (Kiran News): Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the Tri-Nation T20 Series match played in Sharjah on Tuesday night. The third team in the series is the UAE.
The heroes of Afghanistan’s victory were Ibrahim Zadran (65) and Sediqullah Atal (64), both of whom scored impressive half-centuries. Afghanistan’s bowlers then delivered a collective performance to keep Pakistan under pressure throughout the chase. For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was the most successful bowler with figures of 4 for 27, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for his team.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan did not have the best start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed for 8 by Saim Ayub. However, Atal and Ibrahim stabilised the innings and played several fine shots. The pair completed a 50-run partnership in the ninth over and shifted the momentum in the 14th over by scoring 20 runs off Sufiyan Muqeem. Atal reached his second T20 international half-century in the same over. Together, they built a partnership of 113 runs.
Ashraf bowled well, dismissing Ibrahim, Umarzai, and Karim Janat. Mohammad Nabi then played a quick cameo to take Afghanistan to 169/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 170, Pakistan started decently with Sahibzada Farhan hitting a six, but Saim Ayub was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi on the first ball he faced. Fakhar Zaman and Farhan tried to accelerate the run rate but were soon dismissed. Salman Ali Agha’s run-out further increased the pressure on Pakistan.
Afghan bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals. Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan broke Pakistan’s hopes by taking two wickets in two consecutive balls. In the end, Haris Rauf added some fireworks with four sixes, but Pakistan could only reach 151/9 in 20 overs.
Brief Scores:
-
Afghanistan: 169/5 (20 overs) — Ibrahim Zadran 65, Sediqullah Atal 64; Faheem Ashraf 4/27, Saim Ayub 1/18
-
Pakistan: 151/9 (20 overs) — Haris Rauf 34*, Fakhar Zaman 25; Noor Ahmad 2/20, Mohammad Nabi 2/20
Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.