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Afghanistan Posts 169/5 as Pakistan Faces Test in UAE T20 Tri-Series Clash

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal Spark Afghanistan Recovery in Fourth Match

Sharjah, September 2, 2025 - Afghanistan set Pakistan a target of 170 runs after posting 169/5 in their 20 overs in the fourth match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday night. Despite losing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz early for just eight runs, Afghanistan’s middle order responded brilliantly through a magnificent 113-run partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran.

Both batsmen recorded impressive half-centuries, with Atal scoring 64 off 45 balls and Zadran contributing 65 off 45 deliveries. Their partnership, which became the second-highest second-wicket stand for Afghanistan in T20I cricket, rescued the innings after the early dismissal of Gurbaz and put Pakistan’s bowling attack under significant pressure.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by fast bowler Faheem Ashraf, who delivered a career-best performance with figures of 4-27. Ashraf’s spell proved crucial in breaking Afghanistan’s momentum, dismissing both set batsmen in quick succession along with Azmatullah Omarzai for four runs. Saim Ayub also chipped in with one wicket for Pakistan.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first, explaining that runs on the board would be crucial with dew expected to make bowling more difficult later in the evening. The decision to bat first aligned with Afghanistan’s traditional strength of defending totals.

The Afghan innings concluded with captain Rashid Khan remaining unbeaten on eight runs from four balls, unable to provide the late flourish his team needed to reach a more imposing total.

For Pakistan, the match represents a significant opportunity to secure their place in the tournament final. Led by captain Salman Agha, Pakistan have maintained a perfect record in the tri-series, having defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs in the tournament opener and subsequently beating UAE by 31 runs. A victory in this encounter would guarantee Pakistan’s spot in the final scheduled for September 7.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, find themselves in a must-win situation after their earlier defeat to Pakistan. The team currently sits in second place with two points from two matches, having bounced back from their opening loss with a convincing 38-run victory over the UAE.

The match marks the continuation of the competitive cricket rivalry between the two neighboring nations, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in their T20I head-to-head record, winning five of their eight previous encounters. Both teams are using this tri-series as preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

As Pakistan began their chase of 170 runs, they faced early setbacks with Fazalhaq Farooqi making immediate inroads into their batting lineup. The result of this chase would determine whether Pakistan advance directly to the final or if the tournament remains open for all three participating nations.

The match continues the tradition of high-stakes cricket between Afghanistan and Pakistan, two teams that share deep cultural and geographical ties but have developed an intense sporting rivalry in recent years across multiple cricket formats.