Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I match saw Pakistan snatch a close win in Sharjah to kick off the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025. Full highlights & key moments inside.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I was hyped up big time, and Sharjah crowd wasn’t dissapointed at all. The match had drama, nerves, big hits, and at the end Pakistan walked away with a tight win.
Both teams came in with different goals – Pakistan needed a good start for confidence, while Afghanistan wanted to prove their consistency against big names. In the end, Pakistan just managed to hold their nerves when it mattered most.
Pakistan’s Batting – From Struggle to Recovery
Batting first, Pak looked in trouble early. Afghan bowlers were sharp right from ball one – Fazalhaq Farooqi’s swing caused problems and Rashid Khan made run scoring look impossible for a while.
But Babar Azam once again showed why he’s the backbone. He didn’t go flashy, just kept ticking the score, holding one end tight. Later, Iftikhar Ahmed stepped in and played that quick cameo which gave Pakistan some late push.
It wasn’t a huge total by Sharjah standards, but it was a fighting score – one that kept them in the contest.
Afghanistan’s Run Chase – Hope But Not Enough
Chasing under lights, Afghanistan started pretty well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz cracked some clean shots and got the crowd on their feet. The Afghan fans in the stadium were loud, every run was cheered like a six.
But then Shaheen Afridi did what he always does – took big wickets early. That shifted the momentum. Mohammad Nabi tried to slow things down, keeping Afghanistan alive, but Pak bowlers kept sneaking in wickets at the right times.
Towards the end, when Rashid Khan came in swinging, Afghan supporters started to believe again. But Haris Rauf’s death overs were just too sharp. And with that, Pakistan sealed the game.
Key Highlights of Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I
- Babar Azam’s steady knock gave Pakistan a platform.
- Iftikhar Ahmed’s late cameo pushed the total higher.
- Shaheen Afridi’s opening spell broke Afghan momentum.
- Haris Rauf’s yorkers at the death ended the chase.
- Afghanistan fought hard but middle-order collapse cost them.
What the Win Means for Pakistan
For Pakistan, this was the kind of win that builds confidence. They didn’t play perfect cricket, but they held their nerve. Babar’s calm batting, Shaheen’s fire, and Haris’s control at the end – it all clicked together.
This start gives them a boost in the Tri-Series, and maybe sets the tone for bigger tournaments later in the year.
Afghanistan’s Takeaways
Afghanistan didn’t get the result but they weren’t bad either. Gurbaz looked dangerous, Nabi gave them stability, and Rashid brought that usual energy. What they need is more solid middle-order support, coz without that they’ll struggle in close games.
Still, they’re very much in the race for the Tri-Series.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I Scorecard Snapshot
- Pakistan innings: Early wickets lost, Babar top scored, Iftikhar late fireworks.
- Afghanistan innings: Good start, middle collapse, ended short despite late fight.
- Result: Pakistan won a thriller to open the series.
Sharjah & This Rivalry
Sharjah has always been a special venue when Pakistan plays Afghanistan. The crowd is loud, the energy is crazy, and the matches usually go down to the wire. This one was no different – another chapter in what’s quickly becoming a must-watch rivalry.
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FAQs
Q1: Who won Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I in Sharjah?
Pakistan edged out Afghanistan in a close finish.
Q2: Who was best performer for Pakistan?
Babar Azam with the bat and Shaheen Afridi + Haris Rauf with the ball stood out.
Q3: How did Afghanistan’s batting go?
They started quick but couldn’t keep the momentum after the middle-order collapse.
Q4: Which series is this match part of?
It’s the opening clash of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025.
Q5: What’s next for the teams?
Both sides continue in the Tri-Series, aiming for a spot in the final.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I had everything – swings, collapses, late drama. Pakistan showed just enough experience to edge through, while Afghanistan proved they can never be written off.
Fans in Sharjah got a treat, and with more Tri-Series matches ahead, the excitement is only just getting started.
