Pakistan secured a resounding victory, a true Tri-Series Triumph, over Afghanistan in the opening match of the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s stellar half-century and Haris Rauf’s devastating bowling performance were instrumental in the 39-run win, setting a strong precedent for the tournament and providing valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, according to reports from News9live.
Pakistan’s Dominant Display
The match, played on Friday, August 29, 2025, witnessed Pakistan’s all-round dominance, first with the bat and then with the ball. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that ultimately proved fruitful as they posted a competitive total of 182 for 7 in their 20 overs, as reported by Business Standard. Afghanistan, in response, struggled to build momentum and were eventually bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, succumbing to the pressure exerted by Pakistan’s potent bowling attack.
Salman Agha’s Captain’s Knock
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a brilliant unbeaten half-century from their captain, Salman Ali Agha. Coming in to bat after an early wobble, Agha played a composed and aggressive innings, scoring 53 runs off just 36 balls. His innings included three fours and three sixes, providing the much-needed impetus to Pakistan’s scoring rate. According to Dunya News, Agha formed a crucial 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11 balls), rescuing Pakistan from a potentially precarious position and propelling them towards a challenging total.
Rauf’s Fiery Spell Decimates Afghanistan
While Agha’s batting performance set the stage, it was Haris Rauf’s exceptional bowling that truly sealed the victory for Pakistan. Rauf unleashed a devastating spell of fast bowling, claiming four crucial wickets and dismantling the Afghan batting lineup. His spell was particularly impactful in the 12th over, where he delivered a double-wicket maiden, triggering a dramatic collapse that Afghanistan never recovered from. SA Cricketmag highlighted Rauf’s ability to generate pace and extract bounce, making him a constant threat to the Afghan batsmen. Rauf finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 31 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Afghanistan’s Fight and Fall
Despite the comprehensive defeat, Afghanistan showed glimpses of resilience throughout the match. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and captain Rashid Khan provided some resistance, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome Pakistan’s dominance.
Early Promise Fades Away
Afghanistan’s chase began with promise, as they reached 92 for 2 at one stage, raising hopes of a successful run chase. However, Rauf’s game-changing over turned the tide decisively in Pakistan’s favor. The double-wicket maiden triggered a collapse, with Afghanistan losing five wickets for just four runs in a mere 16 balls, as noted by the Guyana Chronicle. This dramatic slump effectively derailed their chase and left them with an insurmountable task.
Rashid Khan’s Late Blitz
Even amidst the collapse, Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, showcased his explosive hitting abilities. Coming in down the order, Rashid smashed a quickfire 39 off just 16 balls, including four sixes, providing a late flourish to the innings. However, his valiant effort was not enough to salvage the situation, and Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 143, according to UrduPoint.
Tri-Series Significance and Asia Cup Preparation
The UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 serves as a crucial platform for all three participating teams – Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE – to fine-tune their strategies and acclimatize to the conditions ahead of the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28, will provide a sterner test for these teams, and the tri-series offers them a valuable opportunity to identify areas for improvement and build momentum. The PCB has emphasized the importance of this series in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
Bowling Support for Pakistan
While Haris Rauf was the standout performer with the ball, Pakistan’s other bowlers also contributed significantly to the victory. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem each picked up two wickets, providing crucial support to Rauf and ensuring that Afghanistan’s batsmen were constantly under pressure. Their combined efforts ensured that Pakistan maintained control throughout the innings and prevented Afghanistan from building any substantial partnerships.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s commanding 39-run victory over Afghanistan in the opening match of the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 was a testament to their all-round strength and strategic preparedness. Salman Agha’s responsible captaincy and Haris Rauf’s fiery bowling spell were pivotal in securing the win. This triumph provides Pakistan with a strong start to the tri-series and valuable momentum heading into the Asia Cup, instilling confidence and setting the stage for further success.
