Pakistan lifted the T20I tri-series trophy in Sharjah with a powerful win over Afghanistan, just days before the Asia Cup 2025 begins.
On a tough pitch where batting was never easy, Pakistan managed to put up 141 runs before their bowlers, especially the spinners, completely destroyed Afghanistan’s run chase.
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In the end, the Men in Green sealed a huge 75-run win, giving themselves a big boost of confidence going into the upcoming Asia Cup.
How did Pakistan manage with the bat on a slow pitch?
Pakistan’s batting innings was a story of struggle on a surface where the ball gripped and held. The early blow came when Sahibzada Farhan fell for a duck in the opening over.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub tried to steady the innings, putting on 49 runs for the second wicket, but both departed soon after the powerplay.
Once Afghanistan’s spinners took control, Pakistan’s scoring slowed down heavily. From 49/1, they slipped quickly to 72/5, with captain Salman Agha battling hard but at a very slow pace.
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The middle overs were tough, and boundaries dried up. Pakistan managed to push the score past 140, finishing at 141/8 in 20 overs.
How did Pakistan’s bowlers win the game for them?
The target looked modest, but Pakistan’s bowlers turned it into a winning one. Shaheen Afridi struck in the first over, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and giving Pakistan the start they needed.
After that, it became the Mohammad Nawaz show. The left-arm spinner ran through Afghanistan’s middle order with a brilliant spell that included four quick wickets and even a stunning hat-trick.
He later returned to dismiss Rashid Khan and complete a five-wicket haul. Afghanistan never found their footing. Their batting collapsed under pressure, with no partnerships of note.
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By the 16th over, they were bowled out for just 66 runs. Pakistan’s spinners, backed by early pace support, ensured this was one of Afghanistan’s heaviest defeats, sealing the final by a massive 75-run margin.
What does this win mean for Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup?
This victory not only gave Pakistan the tri-series trophy but also sent out a strong message before the Asia Cup 2025.
Defending just 141 in Sharjah was never going to be easy, but Pakistan’s bowlers showed real class to get the job done. They proved once again that Pakistan’s biggest weapon is their bowling and they can win even when the batting doesn’t put up a huge score.
With the Asia Cup just around the corner, this performance gives them the lift they needed. The team will now walk into the tournament with belief and momentum to win the tournament.