By Syeda Rubab 
Afghanistan triumph after emotional week
Afghanistan delivered a stirring performance in Sharjah, overcoming Pakistan by 18 runs to register their first win of the UAE T20I Tri-Series. In the shadow of grief back home, the Afghan side showcased resilience, driven by a superb batting stand from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, before their world-class spin attack dismantled Pakistan’s chase.
Zadran and Atal anchor innings
After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz cheaply, Afghanistan rebuilt through a remarkable 113-run partnership for the second wicket. Zadran played with characteristic calmness, stroking 65 off 45 balls, while Atal matched him stroke for stroke with 64 off 45 balls.
Their stand—Afghanistan’s second-highest for the second wicket in T20I history—lifted the innings from a precarious start to a strong position.
Even though Faheem Ashraf produced a career-best spell of 4/27, including the wickets of Atal, Zadran, and Nabi, Afghanistan still posted 169/5, a total just beyond par on a tricky surface.
Ashraf shines in defeat
For Pakistan, Ashraf was the lone bright spot in an otherwise difficult evening. Varying his pace smartly, he dismantled Afghanistan’s momentum late in the innings, conceding just 18 runs in his final three overs. His control under pressure showcased why he remains a crucial all-round option in Pakistan’s T20 setup.
But his heroics with the ball were ultimately in vain, as Pakistan faltered against Afghanistan’s spinners.
Afghan spinners run riot
Chasing 170, Pakistan stumbled early when Fazalhaq Farooqi removed both Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan inside the Powerplay. Fakhar Zaman briefly threatened with a quick 25, but once Mohammad Nabi dismissed him, the floodgates opened.
Noor Ahmad (2/20), returning to the XI, struck immediately with his left-arm variations, while Rashid Khan (2/20) bamboozled the middle order. Nabi added 2/20, tightening the screws as Pakistan slumped from 62/2 to 82/6.
From there, there was no way back.
Rauf’s late fireworks
A defiant cameo from Haris Rauf (34 off 16)* saved Pakistan from complete collapse, lifting them past 150. His late hitting reduced the margin of defeat but never threatened Afghanistan’s control of the contest.
For Afghanistan, the victory was more than just points on the board—it was a statement of strength, unity, and resilience under testing circumstances.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 169/5 (20 overs): Ibrahim Zadran 65 (45), Sediqullah Atal 64 (45); Faheem Ashraf 4/27, Saim Ayub 1/18
Pakistan 151/9 (20 overs): Haris Rauf 34* (16), Fakhar Zaman 25 (18); Mohammad Nabi 2/20, Noor Ahmad 2/20, Rashid Khan 2/20
Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45)