SHARJAH: Pakistan posted 142 for 8 after electing to bat first in the T20I tri-series final against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.
The innings got off to a shaky start as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Fazalhaq Farooqi, putting Pakistan immediately on the back foot. Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained control through the powerplay, allowing little room for recovery.
Saim Ayub tried to steady the innings but managed only 17 off 19 before falling to Rashid Khan. Fakhar Zaman looked the most composed among Pakistan’s batters, scoring 27 off 26, but his promising knock was cut short when Rashid trapped him lbw. Rashid’s spell proved decisive, returning figures of 2 for 17 in two overs.
Young spinner Noor Ahmad further tightened the screws, conceding just nine runs in 2.2 overs while removing Hasan Nawaz (15 off 8). Consistent breakthroughs and economical spells prevented Pakistan from building partnerships, slowing the scoring rate significantly.
By the close, skipper Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten on 6 (10) alongside Mohammad Haris on 2 (2), with power-hitters Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Shaheen Afridi yet to bat.
Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling effort restricted Pakistan to a below-par total, leaving them well-positioned to chase down the target and seize control of the final.
