Sharjah hosted the opening match of the T20I tri-series on Friday, where Pakistan set a strong total against Afghanistan. Agha powers Pakistan to 182 with a captain’s knock, ensuring his side ended on a competitive score despite early setbacks.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Opener Sahibzada Farhan gave the team a quick start with 21 runs from just nine balls. His dismissal in the third over left Pakistan at 26/1. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub added 29 runs together before Ayub was caught by Rashid Khan for 20. Fakhar followed soon after, dismissed by Mohammad Nabi for 24.
At 63/3, Pakistan looked in trouble. Hasan Nawaz struggled to find rhythm, managing only nine runs from 13 deliveries. However, Captain Salman Ali Agha took control of the innings. He built a vital partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, adding 53 runs off 28 balls. Nawaz contributed a brisk 21 from 11 balls before falling to Mujeeb Ur Rehman.
Mohammad Haris chipped in with 15 runs, while Faheem Ashraf struck 14 off just five balls before being run out on the final delivery. Despite the regular loss of wickets, Agha held firm at the other end. He stayed unbeaten on 53 from 36 balls, hitting three boundaries and three sixes to steer Pakistan to 182/7 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan used their bowling depth well, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rehman among the wicket-takers. However, they could not contain Pakistan’s late surge.
Pakistan’s playing XI featured Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Afghanistan lined up with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmed.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, continues in Sharjah as all three sides prepare for upcoming major tournaments.
For detailed insight into this major shake-up, read more here: PCB demotes Babar, Rizwan in 2025–26 central contracts.
