T20I Action: Pakistan Beats Afghanistan in Sharjah – What Happened and What’s Next

If you love short, explosive cricket, the first T20I of the UAE Tri-Series delivered exactly that. Pakistan posted 183 on the board, then bowled out Afghanistan for 144, securing a 39‑run win. Here’s a quick rundown of the key moments, standout players, and what fans can expect from the rest of the series.

How Pakistan Set Up the Chase

Opening the innings, skipper Salman Ali Agha anchored the run‑chase with a calm 50‑run knock. He built a solid partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, who added another half‑century. Their 100‑run stand kept the scoreboard ticking and gave Pakistan a platform to finish at 183 for 5.

The middle order didn’t waste time. Quick singles, a few boundaries, and a couple of sixes meant the target felt reachable even for the lower order. When the innings wrapped, Pakistan’s total looked daunting for any side chasing in a T20I.

Afghanistan’s Collapse and Pakistan’s Bowling Fireworks

Afghanistan started bright, reaching 92 for 2 with a solid opening stand. But the breakthrough came when Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem turned the tide. Rauf’s pace and Muqeem’s variations ripped through the middle order, triggering a dramatic 5‑wicket collapse in just 17 balls.

Afghanistan ended at 144 for 7, well short of the target. The loss highlighted the importance of staying composed after a good start; once the wickets fell, the pressure mounted and the run‑rate spiraled.

Beyond the numbers, the match served as a crucial warm‑up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Both teams will fine‑tune their line‑ups, especially in the death overs, where a single over can swing the result.

If you’re tracking the Tri‑Series, keep an eye on the next fixtures. Pakistan’s batting depth looks solid, but their bowlers will need to maintain that lethal finishing spell. Afghanistan must regroup, possibly tweaking their middle‑order strategy to avoid another rapid collapse.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual viewer, T20I cricket offers nonstop thrills. The Sharjah match proved why the format is perfect for quick, edge‑of‑your‑seat action. Stay tuned for more updates, scores, and analysis as the series unfolds.