By Syeda Rubab 
Sharjah, August 29, 2025 – Pakistan kicked off the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 with a commanding 39-run victory over Afghanistan, powered by Agha Salman’s 53 and Haris Rauf’s four-wicket burst*. The clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium had its moments of tension, but Pakistan’s depth proved too strong in the series opener.
Pakistan’s Innings – Agha Salman anchors after brisk start
Batting first, Pakistan posted 182/7 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan (21 off 10) gave them a flying start, while Fakhar Zaman (20 off 17) and Saim Ayub (14 off 16) chipped in.
The innings was anchored by skipper *Agha Salman (53 off 36, 3 fours, 3 sixes)**, who paced his knock perfectly. Cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) and Faheem Ashraf (14 off 5) ensured Pakistan crossed the 180-mark.
For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/22) and Rashid Khan (1/26) were the most economical, while Fareed Ahmad (2/47) picked wickets but went for runs.
Afghanistan’s Reply – Rauf, Afridi too hot to handle
Chasing 183, Afghanistan started brightly with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38 off 27) and Sediqullah Atal (23 off 19) taking them to 68/2 inside 8 overs. At one stage, they looked well placed at 93/3.
But Pakistan stormed back with a game-changing spell of five wickets for just four runs. Haris Rauf (4/31) was lethal in the middle and death overs, while Shaheen Afridi (2/21) and Mohammad Nawaz (2/23) broke the backbone of Afghanistan’s chase.
Skipper Rashid Khan’s 39 off 16 balls (1 four, 5 sixes) gave some late entertainment, but it was too late as Afghanistan were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Brief Scores
Pakistan 182/7 in 20 over (Agha Salman 53, Sahibzada Farhan 21, Mohammad Nawaz 21; Fareed Ahmad 2/47, Mujeeb 1/22)*
Afghanistan 143 all out in 19.5 overs (Gurbaz 38, Rashid Khan 39; Haris Rauf 4/31, Shaheen 2/21, Nawaz 2/23)
Result: Pakistan won by 39 runs and earned 2 Points in the Tournament.
Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha (53 off 36)
Himadullah Sohoo