Tri-Nation Series

Pakistan begin Tri-Series with a win over Afghanistan

Online Desk

5 hrs ago

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi (centre) celebrates taking a wicket with teammates during their UAE T20I Tri-series match against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, PCB

Salman Ali Agha’s explosive half-century and Pakistan’s disciplined bowling powered them to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the UAE T20I tri-series opener at Sharjah on Friday.

Set 183 to win, Afghanistan folded for 143 in 19.5 overs despite Rashid Khan’s late fireworks – a 16-ball 39 with five sixes.

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Earlier, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a bright start with 38 off 27, but once Mohammad Nawaz bowled him out, the innings collapsed.

From 97/3, they lost four wickets for as many runs, with Haris Rauf leading Pakistan’s charge (4/31). Shaheen Afridi, Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem grabbed two wickets each.

Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted 182/7. After a brisk 21 from Sahibzada Farhan, the innings wobbled at 83/4 before Agha (53* off 36) steadied with Mohammad Nawaz (21) and Mohammad Haris (15).