Pakistan Dominate Afghanistan by 39 Runs in Sharjah T20I

Pakistan opened the UAE T20I Tri-Series with a commanding 39-run victory over Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, August 29, 2025. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan compiled a formidable 182 for 7 before bowling Afghanistan out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, anchoring a late-innings surge alongside Mohammad Nawaz’s quickfire 21 from 11 deliveries to propel his side past the 180-run mark. Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive 21 off just 10 balls provided an electric start, while Faheem Ashraf’s cameo 14 off 5 balls added late acceleration, helping Pakistan finish strongly at a run rate of 9.10.

In response, Afghanistan got off to a poor start but rallied briefly through Rashid Khan’s blistering 39 runs off 16 balls and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 38. However, the Afghans’ chase faltered against Pakistan’s potent pace attack. Haris Rauf was the standout with figures of 4 for 31, while Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz contributed two wickets each to dismantle the Afghan lineup.

Despite spirited efforts from the Afghan lower order, including contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan were unable to overcome the target and were dismissed for 143. The result sees Pakistan take an early lead in the tri-series as all three nations - Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the West Indies - vie for a spot in the final on September 7.