Pakistan Post 182/7 Against Afghanistan in Tri-Series Opener at Sharjah

Sharjah, — Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted 182 for 7 in their opening match of the T20I Tri-Series against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night.

Captain Salman Agha anchored the innings with a blistering 53 not out off 36 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 147.22. Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan provided a fiery start with 21 off just 10 deliveries, while Mohammad Nawaz played a quick cameo of 21 from 11 balls. Faheem Ashraf’s late flourish — 14 runs off just five balls — lifted Pakistan past 180.

Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fareed Ahmad claiming 2/47 and Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picking one apiece.

The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, runs from August 29 to September 7, serving as vital preparation for the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup Squad: A Selection Made in Chaos

Originally, Pakistan was scheduled to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series in August.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed converting it into a tri-nation event and shifting it to the UAE to provide players with an opportunity to adapt to local conditions ahead of the Asia Cup.

Historically, Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced off seven times in T20 Internationals. The men in green has won four matches, while Afghanistan has claimed victory in three.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium is alive with excitement ahead of the Pakistan-Afghanistan T20 match, as fans gather in large numbers and ticket sales continue.

Afghan supporters appear in greater numbers than Pakistani fans, while Indian cricket enthusiasts have also turned up to back Afghanistan.

Organisers have set up separate stands, pavilions, and entry routes for both sets of fans. Even the tickets are colour-coded — green for Pakistan supporters and blue for Afghan fans.

Afghan supporters are optimistic about their team’s chances against Pakistan. Despite the intense Sharjah heat, the passion for cricket remains high among the crowds.

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmed