Pakistan gear up for Asia Cup after easing past Afghanistan in UAE tri-series opener

Pakistan launched their Asia Cup preparations in style, brushing aside Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opening match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series in Sharjah on Friday. The victory was built on a blend of batting authority, disciplined bowling, and timely flashes of brilliance.

Leading the charge was skipper Salman Agha, who anchored Pakistan’s innings with a composed 53 off 36 balls. Coming in after a brisk start, Salman first steadied the middle overs before shifting gears, peppering the midwicket boundary with three sixes and as many fours.

UAE tri-series, Match 1, Afghanistan vs Pakistan Highlights

His calm yet calculated aggression set the tone for Pakistan’s 182 for 7 in 20 overs. Late cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) and Faheem Ashraf (14 off 5) added the finishing touches.

Afghanistan’s reply began brightly through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed a rapid 38. But once Pakistan’s pacers settled, the innings unravelled. The turning point arrived in the 12th over when Haris Rauf delivered a sensational double-wicket maiden, removing Sediqullah Atal and Karim Janat off successive balls. From a promising 93 for 2, Afghanistan slipped into freefall.

There was, however, late drama. Skipper Rashid Khan reminded everyone of his all-round prowess with a breathtaking 16-ball 39. His assault on Rauf, featuring three towering sixes in a single over, briefly lit up the Sharjah crowd and stirred Afghan hopes. But once he holed out in the deep, the chase collapsed. Afghanistan were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Despite Rashid’s onslaught, Rauf finished with impressive figures of 4 for 31, reaffirming his knack for breakthroughs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Nawaz picked up two wickets apiece, while young left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem also impressed with 2 for 25.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 182/7 in 20 overs. Salman Agha 53*, Sahibzada Farhan 21; Fareed Ahmed 2/47, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/21

Afghanistan: 143 all out in 19.5 overs. Rashid Khan 39*, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 38; Haris Rauf 4/31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/21

Result: Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs.