UAE Tri-series Archives

Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan’s tri-series triumph

SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised Mohammad Nawaz after his heroics against Afghanistan in the final of the tri-series here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set 142, Afghanistan crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs, handing Pakistan a massive 75-run victory.

After the match, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the pitch and Pakistan’s total.

“It was the kind of wicket where even 130-140 was always going to be challenging, and once we got there, we knew it would be tough for them,” he remarked.

He lauded Mohammad Nawaz for his performance, expressing immense confidence in him during difficult situations.

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“Since Nawaz’s comeback, he’s been outstanding, performing brilliantly in all departments. For me, he’s the guy I can rely on in tough situations,” he said.

The 31-year-old spoke about playing eleven and going with two spinners in the final

“People often ask us – former cricketers, fans on social media – why we don’t play two spinners? We select based on conditions, and today it worked,” he revealed.

“We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup, and we’ve done that. We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup,” he concluded.

READ: Mohammad Nawaz reflects on match-winning performance in tri-series final

Mohammad Nawaz reflects on match-winning performance in tri-series final

SHARJAH: All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz shared his thoughts after leading Pakistan to a tri-series win over Afghanistan here at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.

Set 142, Afghanistan crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz starred with the bat and ball, picking up five for just 19 runs and scoring a vital 25 runs during the latter half of Pakistan’s innings.

Following the match, Nawaz stated his plan and shed light on his hat-trick-laced bowling spell.

“The plan was very simple. We knew the pitch was difficult to bat on, and we felt we had enough runs. Our focus was on disciplined bowling, sticking to line and length, and it worked, ” he said.

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“After my first two balls, I noticed there was spin, so I adjusted the pace accordingly. I bowled within the stumps, keeping the pads in view. I’m feeling really good and in rhythm, and having that control gives me confidence to stick with the plan,” he explained.

He emphasized his batting when Pakistan were in trouble, highlighting the partnerships and reaching a competitive total.

“I try to keep it simple and execute plans properly. At that point in the innings, we needed partnerships. It wasn’t easy to go after their spinners – they’re world-class – but we managed to recover and aimed for 140. Thankfully, we got there,” Nawaz concluded.

READ: Mohammad Nawaz joins elite list with hat-trick against Afghanistan

Mohammad Nawaz joins elite list with hat-trick against Afghanistan

SHARJAH: Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz on Sunday entered an elite list after taking a hat-trick in the final of the tri-series against Afghanistan here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Set 142, Afghanistan were reeling in the powerplay, courtesy of Mohammad Nawaz’s brilliant bowling spell. He took five for just 19 runs in his quota of four overs.

Nawaz came into the bowling attack in the last over of the powerplay and started to trouble Afghanistan batters.

The left-armer removed Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai on successive balls, which turned the match on its head.

On the first ball of his next over, he dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, who was stumped to complete his hat-trick.

With this feat, he became the third Pakistani player to take a hat-trick in the T20I format.

Hat-tricks for Pakistan in T20Is

Faheem Ashraf against Sri Lanka in 2017

Mohammad Hasnain against Sri Lanka in 2019

Mohammad Nawaz against Afghanistan 2025

After opting to bat, Pakistan put on a shambolic batting display and could only manage to score 141 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz was crucial with the bat as well, scoring a vital 25 off 21 balls, striking two sixes.

At the time of filing this story, Afghanistan were 64-9 in 14.3 overs with 78 runs more required to win.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz

READ: Pakistan sets Afghanistan 142 to win in tri-series final

Nawaz demolishes Afghanistan as Pakistan clinch tri-series title

SHARJAH: Mohammad Nawaz’s fiery five-fer, including a hat-trick, rattled Afghanistan as Pakistan secured the tri-series title at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set 142, Afghanistan crumbled under pressure and were bundled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs.

Afghanistan had a similar start to Pakistan as they lost their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5) in the opening over.

The next wicket came on the fourth ball of the fourth over as Sediqullah Atal (13) was caught by Faheem Ashraf. The wicket, however, sparked a massive collapse that Afghanistan could not recover from.

With Mohammad Nawaz’s introduction into the attack in the last over of the powerplay, things got ominous for Afghanistan. He first removed Darwish Rasooli for nought and then Azmatullah Omarzai (0) to put Pakistan in a commanding position.

Furthermore, he sent Ibrahim Zadran (9) packing on the first ball of the next over to bag a hat-trick. As a result, Afghanistan were 32-5 in 7.1 overs.

Afghanistan continued to lose wickets with no major contribution from the middle order, which eventually handed Pakistan a comprehensive victory.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz remained the standout bowler, taking five wickets, whereas Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Rashid Khan’s three-wicket haul restricted Pakistan to 141-8.

After opting to bat, Pakistan put on a shambolic batting display and could only manage to score 141 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Afghanistan put Pakistan under pressure right from the start as out-of-form Sahibzada Farhan was castled on the third ball of the opening over.

Following an early wicket, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman tried to rebuild after a slow start. Both batters batted cautiously until the last ball of the eighth over.

As soon as Noor Ahmed and Rashid Khan came to bowl, Pakistan batters looked in trouble. Both bowled in tandem and halted Pakistan’s progress.

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Saim Ayub was the first to go, caught after making 17 off 19 balls with the help of two fours, and on the very first ball of the eighth over, Zaman, who made 27 off 26 balls, was trapped in front.\

As a result, Green Shirts were reduced to 51-3 in 8.2 overs.

Afghanistan continued to take wickets and put pressure on Pakistan with economical bowling. Hasan Nawaz was caught after hitting a six in Rashid’s over, whereas wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris was cleaned up by Noor Ahmed.

Pakistan tried to break the shackles in the second half of the innings, with Mohammad Nawaz pressing the paddle with a 25-run knock. He hit two sixes in his crucial innings before getting dismissed on the second ball of the final over.

Yet, Pakistan managed to post a below-par score courtesy of fine bowling from Afghanistan.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan picked up three wickets, whereas Noor Ahmed and Fazalhaq Farooqi were equally good with two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz

READ: Mishara’s maiden half-century seals T20I series for Sri Lanka

Pakistan beat Afghanistan in tri-series final

SHARJAH: Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 75 runs to win the final of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

AFG: 66 (15 overs)

15.5: All over for Afghanistan as Pakistan clinch tri-series title

AM Ghazanfar 7 (7b 0x4 1×6 12m) SR: 100

Sufiyan continues

AFG: 65/9 (15 overs)

Abrar to bowl

AFG: 64/9 (14 overs)

Sufiyan to continue

AFG: 57/8 (13 overs)

Nawaz to bowl

AFG: 49/7 (12 overs)

Sufiyan introduced for the first time in the attack

AFG: 47/7 (11 overs)

Abrar comes to bowl

AFG: 44/6 (10 overs)

Nawaz to continue

AFG: 34/6 (9 overs)

Saim to continue

AFG: 32/6 (8 overs)

7.4: Another one for Nawaz. he has now four wickets for one runs in his two overs

Karim Janat 0 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0

7.1: What a ball, and Zadran is out stumped. Hat-trick for Mohammad Nawaz

Ibrahim Zadran 9 (15b 0x4 0x6) SR: 60

Nawaz continues

AFG: 32/4 (7 overs)

Saim returns

AFG: 29/4 (6 overs)

5.5: Rasooli is lbw for a nought. Afhgan

Darwish Rasooli Nawaz 0 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0

Mohammad Nawaz comes to bowl

AFG: 28/2 (5 overs)

4.4: A soft dismissal as Atal is caught at covers. Abrar with his first wicket of the match

Sediqullah Atal 13 (15b 2×4 0x6) SR: 86.66

Abrar to bowl

AFG: 22/1 (4 overs)

Saim Ayub comes to bowl

AFG: 17/1 (3 overs)

Shaheen continues

AFG: 16/1 (2 overs)

Spin from the other end. Abrar Ahmed to bowl the second over

AFG: 7/1 (1 over)

0.5: Shaheen gets Gurbaz early as he is caught at first slip

Rahmanullah Gurbaz 5 (4b 1×4 0x6) SR: 125

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal to open the innings for Afghanistan. Shaheen Afridi with the new ball.

PAKISTAN vs Afghanistan (2nd INNINGS)

SHARJAH: Pakistan set Afghanistan 142 runs to win in the final of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

PAK: 141/8 (20 Overs)

Farooqi to close out the innings

PAK: 130/7 (19 Overs)

18.5: Faheem Ashraf is out

Faheem Ashraf 15 (8b 2×4 1×6) SR: 187.5

Ghazanfar to bowl his final over of the night

PAK: 122/6 (18 Overs)

Nabi to bowl his final over

PAK: 116/6 (17 Overs)

16.5: Rashid has the last laugh. He removes Agha, who hit two sixes in this over.

Salman Agha 24 (27b 0x4 2×6) SR: 88.88

Rashid Khan returns

PAK: 99/5 (16 Overs)

Noor Ahmed to bowl his final over

PAK: 95/5 (15 Overs)

Ghazanfar comes back

PAK: 86/5 (14 Overs)

Nabi returns

PAK: 80/5 (13 Overs)

Rashid continues

PAK: 76/5 (12 Overs)

11.3: Another one bites the dust as Afghanistan leaves Pakistan reeling

Mohammad Haris 2 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66

Noor Ahmad comes to bowl

PAK: 70/4 (11 Overs)

10.5: Nawaz tries to go for another big one, and it’s caught.

Hasan Nawaz 15 (8b 1×4 1×6) SR: 187.5

Rashid to continue

PAK: 61/3 (10 Overs)

Noor continues

PAK: 58/3 (9 Overs)

8.2: Back-to-back blows as Fakhar is trapped in front

Fakhar Zaman 27 (26b 2×4 1×6) SR: 103.84

Rashid Khan to bowl his first over

PAK: 50/2 (8 Overs)

7.5: Noor gets Saim, and it’s a big wicket for Afghanistan at this stage of the game, just when Pakistan were trying to break the shackles.

Saim Ayub 17 (19b 2×4 0x6) SR: 89.47

Noor Ahmad comes to bowl

PAK: 46/1 (7 Overs)

Nabi continues

PAK: 41/1 (6 Overs)

Ghazanfar to continue

PAK: 32/1 ( 5 Overs)

Mohammad Nabi introduced into the attack for the first time

PAK: 19/1 ( 4 Overs)

Change in the bowling. It’s time for the AM Ghazanfar mystery.

PAK: 16/1 ( 3 Overs)

Farooqi continues

PAK: 8/1 ( 2 Overs)

Azmatullah Omarzai will share the new ball from the other end

PAK: 2/1 (1 Over)

0.3: Over the wicket and Farooqi with a beauty to castle Farhan, who tried to play across the line and ended up losing his wicket. First blow for Pakistan.

Sahibzada Farhan 0 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan to open the innings for Pakistan. Fazalhaq Farooqi will take the new ball for Afghanistan

PAKISTAN vs Afghanistan (1st INNINGS)

SHARJAH: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the final of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have faced each other in nine T20I matches so far. In this competitive rivalry, Pakistan holds a narrow edge with five victories, while Afghanistan has notched four wins.

Matches 9, Pakistan 5, Afghanistan 4

READ: Former cricketers back Pakistan amid strong India challenge in Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan win toss against Afghanistan in tri-series final

SHARJAH: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the final of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

In the opening match of the tri-series, Pakistan comprehensively defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs, primarily due to a powerful batting display.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan made a strong comeback in their second outing, defeating the Green Shirts by 19 runs, courtesy of a strong bowling performance.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have faced each other in nine T20I matches so far. In this competitive rivalry, Pakistan holds a narrow edge with five victories, while Afghanistan has notched four wins.

Matches 9, Pakistan 5, Afghanistan 4

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‘We’re set to play Pakistan’: Ibrahim Zadran confident ahead of tri-series final

SHARJAH: Afghanistan stand-in captain Ibrahim Zadran has expressed his confidence ahead of the UAE T20 tri-series final against Pakistan, set to be played on September 7 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan edged UAE by four runs in a last-ball thriller on Friday in the last league fixture of the T20I tri-series.

The game eventually went down to the wire with the UAE requiring 17 off the final over. However, Fareed Ahmad held his nerve under pressure and sealed a win for Afghanistan.

Fareed went for a four and six off the first two balls and a double on the third to leave the equation with UAE requiring five off three balls. Yet, Fareed came back with two excellent yorkers and eventually got rid of Asif Khan on the last ball.

In batting, Ibrahim Zadran starred with 48 off 35 balls, earning him the player of the match award.

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Speaking during the post-match presentation, Ibrahim, who was captaining in place of regular skipper Rashid Khan, highlighted the playing XI and hailed the bowlers for securing a narrow win.

“It was a good win to finish the group stage. We wanted to give a chance to the guys who didn’t get one in the previous game. UAE were playing well and looked like they might win, but credit to our bowlers for [pulling it back],” he said.

He emphasized conditions and expressed confidence ahead of their final showdown against Pakistan on Sunday.

“When you look at the conditions, you have to take responsibility and back your skills. I just go out there, enjoy myself, and give my 100 percent. Thankfully, I got the result today.

“It’s been a good series. Now we’re set to play Pakistan. We’ll prepare for the Asia Cup and go in with high energy and intensity,” he concluded.

READ: Asif’s heroics in vain as Afghanistan clinch last-ball thriller against UAE

Asif’s heroics in vain as Afghanistan clinch last-ball thriller against UAE

SHARJAH: Asif Khan’s 40 off 28 went in vain as Fareed Ahmad held his nerve in the last over to seal a four-run victory for Afghanistan over UAE in the T20I tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Set 171, UAE fell short of the target, scoring 166-5 in their 20 overs.

UAE started briskly in the chase with openers putting on a 65-run stand in seven overs. Muhammad Waseem, who made 44 off 29, remained the core aggressor while Alishan Sharafu played the second fiddle.

Noor Ahmed provided Afghanistan the much-needed breakthrough as the stand culminated with Sharafu’s wicket, who departed after making 27 off 23 balls.

UAE continued to bat steadily until Waseem’s wicket in the 10th over, which opened the door for Afghanistan. After his wicket, the visitors continued to strike at regular intervals.

With UAE 113-4 in 14.3 overs, Asif Khan paired up with Harshit Kaushik to give their team a glimmer of hope. The duo added 53 runs for the sixth wicket, eventually UAE requiring 17 off the last over.

However, Fareed Ahmad, who bowled the last over, held his nerve under pressure after going for a four and six off the first two balls. Asif sliced the third ball off over to leave the equation five required from three deliveries.

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Fareed came back with two great yorkers and eventually got rid of Asif Khan on the last ball to seal a thrilling win for his team.

Asif Khan hit two maximums and four boundaries on his way to 40 from 28 balls.

For Afghanistan, it was an all-round bowling effort with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Abdollah Ahmadzai picking up one wicket each. However, Sharafuddin Ashraf stood out, conceding just 20 runs in four overs and picking up a wicket.

Earlier, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s strong opening partnership propelled Afghanistan to a strong total.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan amassed 170-4 in their allocated 20 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran paired up to put on a 98-run stand in 11 overs. Both batters batted cautiously, particularly the former, picking up some form after having a lean run in the opening three matches.

However, UAE made a comeback with wickets on successive balls to send back both the openers. Gurbaz was the first to go after making 40 off 38 balls with the help of three fours and a six.

Ibrahim Zadran was castled by Haider Ali on the first ball of the 12th over, to halt Afghanistan’s progress.

The stand-in captain continued his good form with 48 off 35 balls, an innings which featured three sixes and fours.

Despite, UAE taking wickets at regular intervals in the latter half of the innings, Afghanistan managed to post a strong score.

For UAE, Haider Ali remained the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets in his four overs and only giving away 22 runs.

READ: Shaheen Afridi picks THIS batter over Virat Kohli as the toughest he’s bowled to

Tri-Series: Afghanistan win toss, bat first against UAE

SHARJAH: Afghanistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against UAE in the sixth fixture of the T20I tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai

UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have faced each other 13 times in T20Is. Afghanistan leads with 10 victories, while the UAE have managed to win only three games.

Matches 13, UAE 3, Afghanistan 10

The ongoing tri-series serves as a launching pad for the teams to prepare for and acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the eight-team ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from 9 to 28 September.

READ: Abrar Ahmed enters elite list with career-best T20I spell

Abrar Ahmed enters elite list with career-best T20I spell

SHARJAH: Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed etched his name into the record books with a sensational spell against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the T20I tri-series on Thursday.

Featuring in his first match of the series, the 26-year-old made an instant impact, returning remarkable figures of 4 for 9 in four overs – the fourth-best figures recorded by a Pakistan spinner in T20Is.

Abrar struck in his second over by removing UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem (19), before tightening the screws in his third over with back-to-back scalps of Asif Khan (7) and Rahul Chopra, who fell for a two-ball duck.

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He then rounded off a memorable outing by dismissing Harshit Kaushik (3) with the final ball of his spell.

With this performance, Abrar joins an elite list of Pakistan spinners in T20 internationals.

Sufiyan Muqeem holds the top spot with 5 for 3 against Zimbabwe in 2024, followed by Imad Wasim’s 5 for 14 against West Indies in 2016, and Shadab Khan’s 4 for 8 against Hong Kong in 2022.

Best bowling figures by a Pakistan spinner in T20Is:

Sufiyan Muqeem: 5/3 against Zimbabwe in 2024

Imad Wasim: 5/14 against West Indies in 2016

Shadab Khan: 4/8 against Hong Kong in 2022

Abrar Ahmed: 4/9 against UAE in 2025

Speaking after being named Player of the Match, Abrar revealed he had studied the conditions and opposition closely before stepping onto the field.

“I was watching the earlier matches and looking at the pitch conditions, so I bowled accordingly. This time I also sat with Talha bhai to analyse each batter, especially Waseem bhai,” Abrar said.

“There’s always a bit of extra pressure, but the captain trusts me to be ready at any stage, and that belief gives me confidence,” he added.

Pakistan, having won three out of their four group-stage matches, have booked a place in the tri-series final where they will face Afghanistan on Sunday, September 7, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

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