Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth match of the tri-nation T20 series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The Afghan spinners once again played a key role in dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up, while Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal guided their side to a strong total.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 169 for 5 in 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran continued his fine form and top-scored with 65 runs from 45 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six. Sediqullah Atal supported him with a solid 64 off 45 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes. The pair built a 113-run partnership that proved decisive for Afghanistan. Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs, his best figures in T20 internationals. Saim Ayub also picked up one wicket, while Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem went wicketless.
Chasing 170, Pakistan faltered against Afghanistan’s spin attack and were bowled out short of the target. Haris Rauf was the unlikely top scorer with an unbeaten 34 from 16 balls, hitting four sixes. Fakhar Zaman made 25 runs, while Salman Ali Agha contributed 20 before getting run out. No other batter was able to make a significant impact, with Afghanistan bowlers striking at regular intervals. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi all picked up two wickets each.
Debutant AM Ghazanfar remained wicketless but bowled with good control. Afghanistan restricted Pakistan to 151, sealing a convincing victory.
This win gives Afghanistan a big boost in the tri-series as their spinners once again proved too good for Pakistan’s batting order. The match also marked a milestone for Mohammad Nabi, who completed 100 wickets in T20 internationals after dismissing Fakhar Zaman.
