Afghanistan vs Pakistan delivered a high-voltage T20 clash at Sharjah where Afghanistan outclassed Pakistan by 18 runs. This detailed blog covers match summary, scorecard, top performers, and full analysis.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Triumph in Sharjah – A Masterclass Performance That Dominated the T20 Tri-Series

Introduction: A Spectacular Clash Under the Sharjah Lights

The enduring rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan cricket teams continues to deliver exceptional moments that captivate millions across the subcontinent. The latest chapter unfolded at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium during the T20 Tri-Series in UAE 2025, where Afghanistan produced a commanding performance to secure an impressive 18-run victory over their formidable neighbors.

This wasn’t merely another cricket match—it was a statement of intent. Afghanistan’s comprehensive display showcased their evolution from underdogs to genuine contenders on the international stage. Ibrahim Zadran’s magnificent batting masterclass, combined with Sediqullah Atal’s powerful support, laid the foundation for a total that proved beyond Pakistan’s reach despite their spirited resistance.

The match, played before a passionate crowd predominantly waving Afghan flags, transformed Sharjah into a cauldron of emotion. What followed was a gripping contest featuring brilliant individual performances, tactical battles between captains, and moments of pure cricketing excellence that will be remembered for years to come.

Afghanistan posted a competitive 169/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with Zadran’s elegant 65 off 45 deliveries and Atal’s aggressive 64 off 45 balls forming the backbone of their innings. Pakistan’s chase faltered from the outset, and despite late heroics from Haris Rauf, they could only muster 151/9, falling short by 18 runs.

This comprehensive analysis delves into every aspect of this thrilling encounter—from the toss decision that shaped the contest to the individual performances that decided the outcome, complete with detailed statistics, strategic insights, and expert perspectives on what this result means for both teams moving forward.

Match Overview: Key Details and Context

Match Details	Information
Tournament	T20 Tri-Series UAE 2025
Date	2025 (Tri-Series)
Venue	Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Toss Winner	Afghanistan
Toss Decision	Elected to bat first
Result	Afghanistan won by 18 runs
Player of the Match	Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45 balls)
Match Format	T20 International

Venue Analysis: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds a legendary status in cricket history. This venue has witnessed countless memorable battles since its establishment, and it continues to be a favorite for high-stakes encounters in the UAE. The pitch typically offers assistance to both batsmen and bowlers, with spinners finding particular success in the middle overs.

For this match, the surface showed signs of wearing, which influenced Afghanistan’s decision to bat first. The wicket demonstrated variable bounce as the match progressed, vindicating their choice and making Pakistan’s chase increasingly difficult under the lights.

The stadium was packed to capacity, with Afghan supporters creating an atmosphere that rivaled any home game. The sea of blue and red flags, combined with traditional chants and songs, provided Afghanistan with what felt like genuine home advantage on neutral territory.

Toss and Strategic Decisions

The toss proved to be a pivotal moment in shaping the match narrative. Afghanistan’s captain won the crucial coin flip and made the bold decision to bat first—a choice that demonstrated confidence in their batting depth and bowling attack.

Strategic Considerations:

Surface Assessment: The pitch appeared dry with cracks visible, suggesting it would deteriorate as the match progressed, favoring Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.
Dew Factor: While evening matches in the UAE can bring dew, the captain gambled that their bowling attack could defend a competitive total regardless of conditions.
Batting First Momentum: Setting a target allows teams to dictate terms and put pressure on the opposition from ball one of the chase.
Playing to Strengths: Afghanistan’s bowling arsenal, featuring world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, typically performs better when defending totals.

The decision ultimately proved masterstroke, as Afghanistan’s batsmen capitalized on the better batting conditions in the first half before their bowlers exploited the wearing pitch to devastating effect.

First Innings: Afghanistan’s Powerful Batting Display

Opening Phase: Setting the Foundation

Afghanistan’s innings began with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran walking out to face Pakistan’s new-ball attack. The powerplay proved crucial, though it came with early drama.

Gurbaz, known for his explosive starts, managed only a quick 8 runs before departing in the second over at 10/1. His dismissal could have derailed the innings, but instead, it brought Sediqullah Atal to the crease, where he joined Zadran in a partnership that would define the match.

The Match-Defining Partnership

The partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal was nothing short of spectacular. These two batsmen complemented each other perfectly, with Zadran providing the anchor role while Atal played the aggressor.

Ibrahim Zadran’s Masterclass:

Zadran’s innings of 65 off 45 deliveries showcased his maturity and technique. His shot selection remained impeccable throughout, mixing classical drives with innovative strokeplay. He struck 6 boundaries and cleared the rope twice, maintaining a strike rate that kept Afghanistan ahead of the required pace without taking unnecessary risks.

His footwork against spin was particularly impressive, using depth of the crease intelligently to create scoring opportunities. When Pakistan’s bowlers pitched short, he pulled and cut with authority. When they went full, he drove elegantly through the covers. This was batting of the highest caliber from a player who has rapidly established himself as Afghanistan’s premier batsman.

Sediqullah Atal’s Aggressive Support:

Atal’s contribution of 64 off 45 balls provided the perfect foil to Zadran’s measured approach. He took on Pakistan’s spinners with particular relish, striking 5 fours and launching 3 sixes that shifted momentum decisively in Afghanistan’s favor.

His ability to find boundaries against both pace and spin kept the scoreboard ticking even when Zadran played out dot balls. The partnership added 113 runs, giving Afghanistan a platform from which they could launch in the death overs.

Middle and Death Overs: Consolidation and Acceleration

The dismissal of Atal in the 16th over at 123/2 signaled the beginning of Pakistan’s fightback. Azmatullah Omarzai arrived but struggled to get going, departing for a brief contribution that left Afghanistan at 145/3 in the 18th over.

Zadran’s dismissal immediately afterward at 148/4 threatened to derail the innings entirely. However, experienced campaigner Mohammad Nabi and the ever-reliable Rashid Khan ensured Afghanistan finished strongly.

Nabi’s quick innings kept the momentum alive before his dismissal at 161/5, and Rashid Khan provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten cameo of 8 off just 4 balls, including crucial boundaries in the final over.

Afghanistan Innings Summary

Batsman	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Rahmanullah Gurbaz	8	–	–	–	–
Ibrahim Zadran	65	45	6	2	144.44
Sediqullah Atal	64	45	5	3	142.22
Azmatullah Omarzai	–	–	–	–	–
Mohammad Nabi	–	–	–	–	–
Rashid Khan*	8	4	–	–	200.00
Total	169/5	120	–	–	140.83

Fall of Wickets – Afghanistan

Wicket	Score	Over	Batsman Dismissed
1st	10/1	1.2	Rahmanullah Gurbaz
2nd	123/2	15.2	Sediqullah Atal
3rd	145/3	17.5	Azmatullah Omarzai
4th	148/4	18.2	Ibrahim Zadran
5th	161/5	19.2	Mohammad Nabi

Pakistan’s Bowling Performance: Faheem Shines Amid Struggles

Pakistan’s bowling unit faced a challenging task containing Afghanistan’s aggressive batsmen. While they experienced patches of success, the overall performance lacked the consistency required to restrict the opposition to a chaseable total.

Bowling Analysis

Faheem Ashraf – The Lone Warrior:

Faheem Ashraf emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler, claiming 4 wickets for just 27 runs in his 4 overs. His performance was characterized by intelligent variations in pace and length, troubling the Afghan middle order particularly. He broke the crucial Zadran-Atal partnership and continued to strike at regular intervals, preventing Afghanistan from posting an even more daunting total.

His spell between overs 15-18 was particularly effective, accounting for three wickets that pegged back Afghanistan’s momentum. Had his teammates provided similar support, Pakistan might have restricted Afghanistan to 150 or below.

Saim Ayub’s Economical Spell:

Young all-rounder Saim Ayub delivered a tidy performance, conceding only 18 runs from his 4 overs while picking up a crucial wicket. His control and discipline stood out, rarely offering scoring opportunities and building pressure through dot balls.

Areas of Concern:

The remaining bowlers struggled to make an impact. Pakistan’s pace attack lacked penetration in the powerplay, allowing Afghanistan’s openers to settle. The death bowling proved particularly expensive, with boundaries coming at regular intervals as Afghanistan accelerated toward a competitive total.

Pakistan Bowling Summary

Bowler	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Economy
Faheem Ashraf	4	27	4	6.75
Saim Ayub	4	18	1	4.50
Others	12	124	0	10.33
Total	20	169	5	8.45

Second Innings: Pakistan’s Faltering Chase

Powerplay Collapse: The Chase Derailed

Pakistan’s pursuit of 170 began disastrously. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck with his third delivery, removing Saim Ayub for a duck and setting the tone for what would become a struggle throughout the innings.

The early wicket put immediate pressure on the remaining batsmen, and Pakistan never truly recovered. At 8/1 in the first over, the chase was already in jeopardy.

Sahibzada Farhan attempted to stabilize the innings but fell at 29/2 in the fourth over, leaving Pakistan well behind the required rate and losing wickets at regular intervals.

Middle Order Wobbles

Fakhar Zaman’s Brief Resistance:

Fakhar Zaman provided a glimpse of hope with an aggressive 25 off 18 balls, striking 3 boundaries and playing with the intent required in a chase. His approach suggested Pakistan might still mount a competitive chase, but his dismissal at 62/3 in the eighth over effectively ended their realistic chances.

Salman Ali Agha’s Consolidation Attempt:

Salman Ali Agha contributed a steady 20 off 15 deliveries, attempting to rebuild the innings alongside the remaining batsmen. However, wickets continued falling at the other end, and his dismissal at 67/4 left Pakistan facing an uphill battle with more than half the team back in the pavilion.

Tail-End Fireworks: Too Little, Too Late

Haris Rauf’s Remarkable Cameo:

In a remarkable display of lower-order hitting, fast bowler Haris Rauf produced Pakistan’s most entertaining innings of the match. His unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls, featuring 3 towering sixes, showed what Pakistan might have achieved had their top order fired.

Rauf’s clean hitting brought brief excitement to Pakistan supporters, but with wickets falling consistently at the other end, his efforts proved insufficient to alter the result.

Shaheen Afridi’s Contribution:

Another fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, joined the party with 14 runs off 7 balls, including 2 sixes that momentarily threatened Afghanistan’s victory. However, his dismissal in the 19th over at 111/8 effectively sealed Pakistan’s fate.

Pakistan Innings Summary

Batsman	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Saim Ayub	0	–	0	0	0.00
Sahibzada Farhan	–	–	–	–	–
Fakhar Zaman	25	18	3	0	138.89
Salman Ali Agha	20	15	–	–	133.33
Mohammad Nawaz	–	–	–	–	–
Faheem Ashraf	–	–	–	–	–
Shaheen Afridi	14	7	0	2	200.00
Haris Rauf*	34	16	–	3	212.50
Sufiyan Muqeem	–	–	–	–	–
Total	151/9	120	–	–	125.83

Fall of Wickets – Pakistan

Wicket	Score	Over	Batsman Dismissed
1st	8/1	0.4	Saim Ayub
2nd	29/2	3.2	Sahibzada Farhan
3rd	62/3	7.4	Fakhar Zaman
4th	67/4	8.3	Salman Ali Agha
5th	75/5	11.0	Mohammad Nawaz
6th	82/6	13.0	Haris (Name)
7th	103/7	15.2	Faheem Ashraf
8th	111/8	18.1	Shaheen Afridi
9th	131/9	18.4	Sufiyan Muqeem

Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance: A Clinical Display

Afghanistan’s bowling attack delivered a masterclass in defending a total, combining accuracy, variations, and intelligent field placements to strangle Pakistan’s chase.

Early Strikes: Farooqi’s Impact

Fazalhaq Farooqi set the tone with his opening spell, removing Saim Ayub in the first over and immediately putting Pakistan under pressure. His ability to swing the new ball both ways troubled the Pakistani batsmen, and he returned to claim a second wicket, finishing with excellent figures of 2/21 from 3 overs.

His economy rate of 7.00 in a T20 chase demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly given the pressure Pakistan needed to apply throughout the innings.

Spin Stranglehold: Nabi and Noor Ahmad

Mohammad Nabi’s Experience:

The veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi showcased why he remains invaluable to Afghanistan. His figures of 2/20 from 4 overs included crucial middle-order wickets that prevented any Pakistani partnership from developing. His variations in flight and pace kept batsmen guessing, and his extensive experience showed in his intelligent bowling changes and field settings.

Noor Ahmad’s Control:

Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad matched Nabi’s effectiveness, claiming 2/20 from his 4 overs. His ability to spin the ball sharply while maintaining control proved too much for Pakistan’s batsmen, who struggled to read his variations. His wickets at crucial junctures maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Rashid Khan’s Class

The world-renowned leg-spinner Rashid Khan delivered a typically economical spell, conceding just 24 runs from his 4 overs while claiming the important wicket of Faheem Ashraf. Though he managed only one wicket, his presence forced Pakistan’s batsmen into taking risks against other bowlers, leading to dismissals elsewhere.

Afghanistan Bowling Summary

Bowler	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Economy
Fazalhaq Farooqi	3	21	2	7.00
Mohammad Nabi	4	20	2	5.00
Noor Ahmad	4	20	2	5.00
Rashid Khan	4	24	1	6.00
Others	5	66	2	13.20
Total	20	151	9	7.55

Tactical Analysis: Key Strategic Decisions

Afghanistan’s Winning Strategy

Batting First Gamble: The decision to bat first proved inspired, allowing their batsmen to capitalize on better conditions while their bowlers exploited a deteriorating surface.
Balanced Partnerships: Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Afghanistan built their innings through partnerships, ensuring wickets didn’t trigger collapses.
Spin Strategy: Deploying spinners early in Pakistan’s chase prevented the opposition from gaining momentum, a tactical masterstroke given the pitch conditions.
Field Placements: Afghanistan’s captain showed excellent game awareness, positioning fielders to cut off boundaries and create pressure through dot balls.

Pakistan’s Missed Opportunities

Powerplay Failure: Losing early wickets meant Pakistan never established the platform required for a successful chase.
Middle-Order Instability: The inability of Pakistan’s middle order to form partnerships left too much for the lower order to accomplish.
Spin Struggles: Pakistan’s batsmen appeared unprepared for Afghanistan’s quality spin attack, lacking clear plans against Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Rashid Khan.
Death Bowling Concerns: Conceding boundaries in Afghanistan’s final overs added 15-20 runs that proved decisive in the final margin.

Player Performances: Stars and Struggles

Outstanding Performers

Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): Richly deserved his Player of the Match award with an innings that combined elegance with efficiency. His 65 off 45 balls provided the foundation for Afghanistan’s competitive total.

Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan): His aggressive 64 off 45 deliveries ensured Afghanistan maintained momentum throughout the middle overs, putting Pakistan’s bowlers under constant pressure.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): The all-rounder’s contribution with both bat and ball proved invaluable, scoring quick runs and then claiming two crucial wickets.

Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan): Despite the loss, his 4/27 represented a brilliant individual performance that prevented Afghanistan from posting an even bigger total.

Disappointments

Pakistan’s Top Order: The collective failure of Pakistan’s specialist batsmen placed unfair burden on the lower order, highlighting concerning fragility against quality spin bowling.

Pakistan’s Death Bowling: The inability to close out Afghanistan’s innings economically proved costly, with the extra runs conceded making a significant difference to the final margin.

Statistical Highlights and Records

Match-Defining Numbers

Highest Partnership: 113 runs (Zadran & Atal) – Afghanistan’s 2nd wicket
Most Boundaries: Ibrahim Zadran (8 boundaries – 6 fours, 2 sixes)
Best Bowling Figures: Faheem Ashraf 4/27 (Pakistan)
Most Economical Bowler: Mohammad Nabi & Noor Ahmad (5.00 economy)
Fastest Scoring Rate: Rashid Khan (200 strike rate)

Tournament Context

This victory consolidated Afghanistan’s position in the T20 Tri-Series standings, demonstrating their credentials as serious contenders for future global tournaments. For Pakistan, the loss highlighted areas requiring urgent attention before upcoming international commitments.

Expert Commentary and Reactions

Cricket analysts praised Afghanistan’s comprehensive performance, with particular emphasis on their bowling attack’s ability to defend moderate totals through variations and accuracy. Former international players noted that Afghanistan’s rise continues to reshape Asian cricket’s competitive landscape.

Pakistan’s performance drew criticism for familiar failings—middle-order instability and struggles against quality spin bowling. Experts suggested that Pakistan needs to develop better strategies for facing spin-heavy attacks, particularly on UAE pitches that traditionally favor slower bowlers.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Teams

Afghanistan’s Continued Rise

This victory represents another milestone in Afghanistan’s remarkable journey. Their balanced team composition, featuring quality batsmen, world-class spinners, and improving fast bowlers, positions them as dangerous opponents for any team.

Key strengths include:

Reliable top-order batting
World-class spin attack
Improving fast bowling resources
Strong team morale and unity

Pakistan’s Challenges

Pakistan faces questions about team selection and strategy moving forward. While they possess individual talent, the team’s inability to perform collectively under pressure remains concerning.

Areas requiring attention:

Middle-order batting stability
Better planning against spin
Death bowling execution
Building partnerships under pressure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20 match in Sharjah 2025?

Afghanistan won the match by 18 runs. They posted 169/5 in 20 overs batting first, and Pakistan could only manage 151/9 in response, falling short despite late resistance from Haris Rauf.

2. Where was the Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20 Tri-Series match played?

The match was played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is renowned for hosting memorable cricket encounters and provided an excellent venue for this high-intensity rivalry match.

3. Who was awarded Player of the Match in the Afghanistan vs Pakistan game?

Ibrahim Zadran received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding innings of 65 runs off 45 balls. His knock included 6 fours and 2 sixes, providing the foundation for Afghanistan’s competitive total.

4. What was Pakistan’s final score chasing 170 runs?

Pakistan finished at 151/9 in their full quota of 20 overs. Despite Haris Rauf’s unbeaten 34 off 16 balls and Shaheen Afridi’s quick-fire 14 off 7 deliveries, they fell 18 runs short of the target.

5. Who were the top scorers in the Afghanistan innings?

The top scorers for Afghanistan were Ibrahim Zadran with 65 runs off 45 balls and Sediqullah Atal who scored 64 runs off 45 deliveries. Their 113-run partnership for the second wicket proved match-winning.

6. Which bowler was most successful for Pakistan?

Faheem Ashraf was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for just 27 runs in his 4 overs. He broke the crucial Zadran-Atal partnership and continued taking wickets in the death overs to restrict Afghanistan to 169/5.

7. How did Afghanistan’s bowling attack perform against Pakistan?

Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance with multiple contributors. Fazalhaq Farooqi took 2/21 in 3 overs, while both Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad claimed 2/20 from their 4 overs each. Rashid Khan added 1/24, ensuring consistent pressure throughout Pakistan’s chase.

8. What was the key turning point in the match?

The dismissal of Fakhar Zaman at 62/3 in the 8th over marked the crucial turning point. Zaman had been scoring at an aggressive rate and his wicket effectively ended Pakistan’s realistic hopes of chasing down the target, leaving too much for the middle and lower order to accomplish.

Conclusion: Afghanistan’s Dominance Continues

The Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20 encounter at Sharjah Cricket Stadium delivered everything fans expected—passion, intensity, and quality cricket. Afghanistan’s comprehensive 18-run victory showcased their evolution into a formidable T20 unit capable of defeating established cricket nations through smart planning and excellent execution.

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal’s batting brilliance provided the platform, while the bowling attack featuring Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Rashid Khan demonstrated why Afghanistan possesses one of the most feared bowling units in T20 cricket.

For Pakistan, this defeat highlighted persistent concerns about middle-order stability and vulnerability against quality spin bowling. While individual performances from Faheem Ashraf and Haris Rauf provided bright spots, the collective performance fell short of requirements.

As the T20 Tri-Series continues, Afghanistan can approach remaining matches with confidence, knowing they possess the skills and temperament to compete against anyone. Pakistan, meanwhile, must regroup quickly and address the issues that have cost them crucial matches.

This match will be remembered as another chapter in Afghanistan’s inspiring cricket story—a team that continues defying expectations and establishing themselves among international cricket’s elite nations.

What are your thoughts on Afghanistan’s impressive victory? Do you believe they can maintain this momentum throughout the tournament? Share your predictions and analysis in the comments below!