Pakistan delivered an exceptional all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by 39 runs in the first match of the tri-series at a packed Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
After choosing to bat, Pakistan scored 182 for seven, thanks to skipper Salman Agha’s 36-ball unbeaten 53 (3 fours, 3 sixes). The Pakistani bowlers then stepped up by limiting Afghanistan to 143 all out in 19.5 overs.
Pacer Haris Rauf (4/31) bowled an outstanding spell, while star left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi also took two wickets for 21 runs in four overs.
This clinical performance was a great confidence boost for the Pakistan team ahead of the Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, starting on September 9.
“Every match is important for us, and our solid preparations in Dubai since our arrival have helped us a lot,” Rauf said after the match.
Chasing 183, Afghanistan found themselves in trouble at 7/97 as skipper Rashid Khan’s 16-ball 39 only delayed the inevitable.
“We lost so many wickets (in the overs between 11-15) and that did not give us the momentum (towards the end). If we had a couple of good overs between overs 11-16, we could have chased it,” Rashid said.
Pakistan will return to the field on Saturday for their second match of the tournament against the UAE.
The home team made history on the same ground with a stunning 2-1 T20I series win over Bangladesh in May.
However, the Muhammad Wasim-led UAE, making their first Asia Cup appearance next month after more than 10 years, will face a tough challenge against Pakistan.
The match starts at 7 pm.
