Sports Desk
Sharjah: Pakistan clinched the T20 tri-series title in emphatic fashion, defeating Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The star of the night was Mohammad Nawaz, who delivered a sensational all-round performance, scoring 25 off 21 balls with the bat before dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup with figures of 5 for 19, including a brilliant hat-trick.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 141-8 in their 20 overs. Despite a shaky start, with Sahibzada Farhan dismissed for a first-ball duck, contributions from Fakhar Zaman (27), Salman Ali Agha (24), and Nawaz (25) kept Pakistan afloat. Afghanistan’s spinners dominated, with skipper Rashid Khan (3-38) and Noor Ahmad (2-17) leading the attack, while pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-22) also struck early blows.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase unraveled almost immediately. Shaheen Afridi removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, before Nawaz’s devastating spell broke the backbone of the innings. He claimed four wickets in six balls, including a hat-trick, and later dismissed Rashid Khan to complete a five-wicket haul. Afghanistan were bundled out for 66 runs in 12.3 overs, with only Corbin Bosch (20) and Karin Janat (17) offering resistance.
Pakistan’s other spinners also shone, with Sufyan Moqim (2-9) and Abrar Ahmed (2-17) adding to Afghanistan’s misery.
With this win, Pakistan not only lifted the tri-series trophy but also gained a crucial confidence boost ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9. Nawaz was named Player of the Match for his match-winning heroics, becoming just the third Pakistani bowler to claim a T20I hat-trick.
