Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan was full of confidence following an exceptional performance by the spinners, which led to a decisive victory over Pakistan in the tri-series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
After choosing to bat first, Afghanistan scored 169 for five, thanks to impressive half-centuries by Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45 balls) and Sediqullah Atal (64 off 45 balls). The Afghan spinners rose to the occasion, restricting Pakistan to 151 for nine, securing a well-earned 18-run win.
Noor Ahmad (2/20), Mohammad Nabi (2/20), and captain Rashid Khan (2/30) showcased excellent bowling control, leaving Pakistan struggling, while left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi also claimed two wickets.
Under relentless pressure from the Afghan bowlers, Pakistan was reduced to 111 for nine by the 17th over.
Number 10 batsman Haris Rauf’s quickfire 34 not out off 16 balls, including four sixes, helped Pakistan surpass the 150-run mark.
Rashid praised his bowling attack’s performance and highlighted the team’s depth of talent.
“We have the bench strength. It’s not just about the playing eleven. Whoever gets the chance can deliver,” he commented.
“We make decisions based on the opposition and the conditions. I’m very pleased with their bowling and the lengths they maintained.”
Rashid was also confident in defending 169 on the Sharjah pitch against Pakistan, who had earlier defeated them by 39 runs in the series opener.
“If you bowl in the right areas, with our bowling unit, it’s defendable,” the celebrated leg-spinner stated.
The Sharjah tri-series serves as an important warm-up ahead of the Asia Cup (September 9-28) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Despite three matches, Pakistan leads the standings with four points, pushing Afghanistan — also with four points from three games — to second place due to a superior net run rate.
Hosts UAE, who lost their first two matches, are scheduled to face Pakistan on Thursday before meeting Afghanistan on Friday in the final league match.
The final will be played on Sunday, September 7.
