Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to lift the T20I Tri-Series 2025 trophy in the UAE, thrashing Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. It was a night when Pakistan’s bowlers stole the show, defending a modest total with sheer brilliance.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s innings never quite took off, but crucial contributions from the middle order gave them a fighting chance. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 27 off 26 deliveries, while Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 21) and Salman Ali Agha (24 off 27) added vital runs under pressure. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan’s spinners kept things tight. Rashid Khan led the charge with figures of 3/38, while Noor Ahmad (2/17) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/19) ensured Pakistan were restricted to 141/8 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 142, Afghanistan faltered spectacularly. Pakistan’s bowlers turned the contest into a one-sided affair with relentless accuracy. Mohammad Nawaz was the hero of the night, producing a career-best spell of 5/19 in his four overs, dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/9) and Abrar Ahmed (2/17) provided excellent support as Afghanistan were bundled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs.
Rashid Khan showed some resistance with a fighting 17 off 18 balls, while Sediqullah Atal chipped in with 13. However, the rest of the batting order collapsed under pressure, with no one else reaching double figures apart from Ibrahim Zadran’s 9.
The victory not only handed Pakistan the Tri-Series title but also highlighted the strength of their bowling attack in crunch situations. Defending 141 on a batting-friendly Sharjah surface was always going to be a challenge, but Nawaz’s match-winning spell ensured Afghanistan never stood a chance.
As Pakistan celebrated their clinical win, Afghanistan were left to reflect on what went wrong in the decider. While their bowlers gave them hope, the batting lineup’s collapse left fans disappointed.
Match Summary:
Pakistan – 141/8 (20)
Fakhar Zaman 27 (26), Nawaz 25 (21), Salman Ali Agha 24 (27); Rashid Khan 3/38, Noor Ahmad 2/17, Farooqi 2/19
Afghanistan – 66 (15.5)
Rashid Khan 17 (18), Sediqullah Atal 13 (15); Nawaz 5/19, Muqeem 2/9, Abrar 2/17
Result – Pakistan won by 75 runs, crowned T20 Tri-Series champions
