Sharjah (SBR): Captain’s innings from Salman Ali Agha and four-fer by Haris Rauf led Pakistan to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the first T20I match of the tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night. Pakistan will take on the UAE in the second match of the tournament at the same venue on Saturday, with the first ball set to be bowled at 7pm local time.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 182 for seven in their 20 overs. Salman anchored the innings with a well-compiled unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, which included three fours and as many sixes. He added 53 runs for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz (21, 11b, 1x4, 2x6s) after Pakistan had been reduced to 83 for four.
Sahibzada Farhan (21, 10b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Fakhar Zaman (20, 17b, 1x4, 1x6) also contributed at the top of the order, while Afghanistan’s Fareed Ahmed claimed two wickets for 47 runs.
In turn, Afghanistan reached 92 for two before losing five wickets for just four runs, slipping to 97 for seven. Captain Rashid Khan top-scored with 39 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 38, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control. Haris Rauf led the attack with four wickets for 31 in 3.5 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-21), Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Moqim (2-25) chipped in as Afghanistan were dismissed for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan 182-7, 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 53 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Sahibzada Farhan 21; Fareed Ahmed 2-47)
Afghanistan 143 all out, 19.5 overs (Rashid Khan 39, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 38; Haris Rauf 4-31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-21, Mohammad Nawaz 2-23, Sufiyan Moqim 2-25)
Player of the match – Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan
