Pakistan capped off their tri-nation T20I campaign with a resounding 75-run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah, and the performance drew high praise from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi, speaking after the game, commended the side for their composure with the bat and dominance with the ball, highlighting Mohammad Nawaz’s match-turning brilliance.
Nawaz Steals the Spotlight
The left-arm spinner was the undisputed star of the final, first steadying Pakistan’s innings with a gritty 25 runs before dismantling Afghanistan’s batting order. Nawaz produced a sensational hat-trick—removing Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ibrahim Zadran in quick succession—and finished with four wickets. His spell left Afghanistan reeling at 32-6, effectively sealing the contest.
Nawaz’s all-round effort came at a crucial time, with Pakistan managing only 141-8 on a tricky surface. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s 26 and Nawaz’s 40-run stand with him ensured the total was at least competitive.
Afghanistan Falter Under Pressure
Chasing 142, Afghanistan never settled. Shaheen Afridi’s early strike against Rahmanullah Gurbaz set the tone, and the collapse continued as Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with two wickets apiece. Afghanistan folded for just 66, with only Sediqullah Atal (13) offering brief resistance.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan’s 3-38 and Noor Ahmad’s disciplined spell had earlier kept Pakistan in check, but their batting frailties exposed them once more in a high-pressure chase.
Naqvi Calls for Unity Ahead of Asia Cup
Naqvi credited head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha for instilling a fearless brand of cricket in a relatively new-look side. He reminded fans that Pakistan have now won 10 of their last 14 T20Is under the current coaching setup—a record he believes signals growing consistency.
“The nation expects top-level performances, and today’s victory shows this team is capable of exactly that,” Naqvi said. He urged supporters to rally behind the players as they gear up for the upcoming Asia Cup, stressing that “criticism and analysis can wait until after the tournament.”
What This Means Going Forward
Pakistan’s win in Sharjah is more than just another trophy—it’s a statement of intent before the Asia Cup. With a mix of rising talent and experienced performers, the team is showing signs of balance, especially in bowling depth. The challenge, however, remains their batting stability, which again looked fragile until Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha rescued them.
If Pakistan can address that, Naqvi’s optimism about competing strongly in upcoming tournaments may not be misplaced.
