Pakistan lift tri-series title after thumping win over Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Pakistan clinched the tri-nation series title after defeating Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss on Sunday, Pakistan posted 141, setting Afghanistan a target of 142.

Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 27 off 26 deliveries, hitting a six and two fours, while Mohammad Nawaz contributed 25 runs from 21 balls.

For Afghanistan, skipper Rashid Khan grabbed three wickets, while Noor Ahmad picked up two and Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed one each.

In reply, Afghanistan’s batting line-up crumbled, losing wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for just 66 in the 16th over.

Nawaz starred with the ball, taking five wickets — including a hat-trick — while Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim bagged two each.

Reflecting on the defeat, Rashid Khan said at the post-match presentation: “I feel like that was a chaseable total, but we didn’t play the brand of cricket we wanted. Losing five wickets inside the powerplay made it really hard to bounce back. Sharjah wickets always give you a different impression before the match, but once it starts, it’s different. I was surprised by how much it spun. It’s important for us to learn from these conditions ahead of the Asia Cup. Over the last 8–9 months, we haven’t played much T20 cricket together, so a series like this gives us positive energy. I think it’s going to be a great and exciting Asia Cup for us.”

Afghanistan will now shift their focus to the Asia Cup, beginning on 9 September in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Rashid Khan-led squad will begin their campaign in the mega event against Hong Kong tomorrow (Tuesday).

kk/ma