PAK v AFG HIGHLIGHTS T20 Tri-Series Final: Pakistan delivered a vintage bowling performance to crush Afghanistan by 75 runs in the T20I tri-series final, held in Sharjah. The Men in Green showcased the kind of dominance that brought back memories of their glory days in the 1990s, leaving Afghan fans stunned and Pakistani supporters in raptures.
Afghanistan Collapse in Chase
Chasing a modest total, Afghanistan faltered under immense pressure and were bundled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs. The innings never really gained momentum, as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws with relentless accuracy and variation.
The final over-sum paints a bleak picture for Afghanistan: 0 0 B1 0 W. Their batting unit looked clueless against Pakistan’s spin web, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. The dismissal of AM Ghazanfar (7) summed up Afghanistan’s night, leaving Fazalhaq Farooqi stranded at the other end.
Spin Triumphs in Sharjah
Unlike traditional Pakistan teams that relied heavily on their pace attack, this victory was orchestrated almost entirely through spin. Out of the 15.5 overs bowled, pace accounted for just two, underlining the team’s tactical adjustment to the Sharjah conditions.
- Shaheen Afridi set the tone early with a fiery opening over, creating pressure from the start.
- Once spin was introduced, Afghanistan had no answers.
- The highlight of the match came from Mohammad Nawaz, who delivered a career-defining performance.
Nawaz’s Magical Spell
Mohammad Nawaz’s rise as a dependable all-rounder in the Pakistan side has been noticeable since the 2025 PSL. But in this final, he took his game to another level. Mixing flight, loop, and subtle variations, Nawaz ripped through Afghanistan’s middle order to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is.
The moment of the night was his hat-trick, the first ever by a Pakistani spinner in T20 internationals and only the third overall for the nation. His ability to vary pace and sneak in arm balls left Afghanistan’s batters bamboozled.
This spell didn’t just secure the win; it symbolized Pakistan’s growing depth in the spin department — something they have historically struggled with compared to their legendary fast-bowling arsenal.
A Nod to the Past
For older fans, the match evoked memories of Pakistan’s dominance in Sharjah during the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, the team regularly turned the desert venue into their fortress, especially in ODIs. While those were the days of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq, this final proved Pakistan can still reinvent themselves, leaning on spin to dictate terms.
The team celebrated their win with a lap of honour, thanking the loyal supporters who had turned up in large numbers. The atmosphere in Sharjah was electric, echoing the golden days when Pakistan cricket and Sharjah cricket were synonymous.
Afghanistan’s Struggles
For Afghanistan, this final will be a tough pill to swallow. Known for their spirited fight and fearless brand of cricket, they never got going in the chase. Poor shot selection, lack of partnerships, and an inability to rotate strike were glaring issues.
Captain Rashid Khan, normally their go-to man, couldn’t turn things around, while their younger batters looked out of depth against Nawaz’s guile. Adding to their woes, their bowlers had earlier leaked runs at crucial stages, making the chase steeper than it should have been.
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A Team Effort for Pakistan
While Nawaz stole the spotlight, this victory was built on a collective effort:
- Shaheen Afridi’s early aggression put Afghanistan under immediate pressure.
- Sufiyaan Muqeem supported well, chipping in with crucial wickets and keeping the runs tight.
- The fielding unit, often criticized in the past, was sharp and energetic, cutting off singles and maintaining intensity throughout.
Even though Pakistan’s batting didn’t completely fire, they had enough runs on the board, thanks to a few cameos in the first innings that allowed their bowlers breathing space.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
This dominant display serves as a confidence booster ahead of bigger challenges, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 looming. Pakistan’s ability to win without relying solely on pace is a huge positive. It demonstrates:
- Flexibility in adapting to conditions.
- Emergence of spin options beyond the traditional names.
- Improvement in team balance, as both senior and young players stepped up.
If Pakistan can consistently reproduce such all-round performances, they will be a serious threat on the global stage.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 75-run win over Afghanistan in the tri-series final wasn’t just about lifting a trophy — it was about sending a message. The Men in Green showed adaptability, resilience, and flashes of their old dominance at Sharjah. With Mohammad Nawaz’s historic hat-trick and Shaheen Afridi’s fiery opening spell, Pakistan reminded the cricketing world why they remain one of the most unpredictable yet dangerous sides in the game.
As fans soaked in the lap of honour and chants echoed through the stands, it felt like Pakistan had rekindled a piece of their glorious past, while simultaneously building a promising future.
