Afghanistan stun Pakistan in 4th tri-nation series game

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth match of the tri-nation series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday.

Afghan captain, Rashid Khan, won the toss and chose to bat first. Half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran guided Afghanistan to a total of 169/5 in their 20 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 170.

Ibrahim Zadran was the top scorer with 65 runs off 45 balls, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 64 runs.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, and Saim Ayub claimed one.

In reply, Pakistan appeared to be on course to chase down the target, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 25 off 18 balls in his 100th T20I match.

However, Mohammad Nabi struck twice, dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Haris in quick succession, which derailed Pakistan’s chase.

Afghanistan’s spinners dominated the latter part of the innings, limiting Pakistan to 151/9 in 20 overs. Rashid Khan took three wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad claimed two wickets each.

After a rest day on Wednesday, Pakistan will face the winless UAE on Thursday. The group stage will conclude with the hosts facing Afghanistan on September 5, while the final match between the top two teams is scheduled for September 7.

kk/sa