On 29 August 2025, the Pakistan and Afghanistan national cricket teams clashed in the first match of the UAE T20I Tri Series 2025, held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This tournament is a key part of both sides’ preparations for the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a competitive total of 182/7 in their 20 overs, before defending it to beat Afghanistan by 39 runs—bowling the visitors out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Batting Highlights

• Sahibzada Farhan made an explosive start, scoring 21 off 10 balls including two sixes before Azmatullah Omarzai claimed his wicket early in the innings.
• Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha played the innings of the night: 53 off 36 balls* with three fours and three sixes, anchoring recovery after early wickets fell. His knock lifted Pakistan to a defendable total.
• Supporting Agha were Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) and Sedigullah Ayub / Fakhar Zaman, who gave quick starts before being dismissed. Others chipped in with useful cameos to reach 182/7.

Bowling Brilliance

• Haris Rauf spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort, claiming 4 wickets and triggering a disastrous middle-order collapse. Afghanistan slumped from 92/2 to 97/7 in mere balls, effectively ending the chase.
• Sufiyan Muqeem backed him well, taking 2 wickets, while Shaheen Afridi (2/21) and Mohammad Nawaz (2/23) wrapped up the innings neatly.

Afghanistan’s Reply

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz offered resistance with 38 off 27 balls (including three fours and one six), and Rashid Khan smashed 39 off 16 balls before falling to Rauf.
• But apart from those two, the Afghanistan lineup couldn’t cope: Ibrahim Zadran made 9, Sediqullah Atal 23, Darwish Rasooli 21—none could form lasting partnerships. Wickets tumbled at crucial moments under Pakistan’s sustained pressure.

Key Players Snapshot

Context & Implications

This win gives Pakistan an early advantage in the tri-series, placing psychological pressure on Afghanistan and host UAE. With both teams using this tri-nation event as final tune-up before the Asia Cup, Pakistan’s clinical performance—combining middle-order resilience and incisive bowling—will boost confidence significantly. Afghanistan, despite the firepower of Rashid Khan and Gurbaz, will need to rediscover consistency if they’re to challenge Pakistan again in the upcoming rematch on 2 September, and beyond.

Where Are the Players Now?

• Muhammad Waseem, mentioned often in squad lists, is captain of UAE—but didn’t play in this match for Pakistan/Afghanistan, as he leads the host side.
• Key Afghan players like Ibrahim Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and stalwart Rashid Khan were in action and will be vital in later games.
• Pakistan’s emerging pace battery of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and all-rounders including Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf gave a glimpse of a well-rounded unit ready for the challenges ahead.

Final Word

Pakistan’s 39-run win over Afghanistan on 29 August 2025 was emphatic—fuelled by aggressive batting, tactical bowling, and leadership under pressure. As both teams now shift focus to their next encounters in the tri-series (Pakistan vs UAE, Afghanistan vs UAE, and a rematch between the two), this result sets the tone. The Asia Cup looms, and both sides know they have questions to answer—but on that night in Sharjah, Pakistan had more answers than their rivals.

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