AFG vs PAK: Spinners Outclass Pakistan In Sharjah Thriller

In a high-charge match of AFG vs PAK, Afghanistan shocked Pakistan by 18 runs in Sharjah, supported by an overbearing spin bowling attack and an important 113-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Afghanistan, after an initial struggle with the bat, turned the game around and were too clinical for a Pakistan team that had no answer to spin.

This victory has greater significance, achieved after a sad incident at home. But something evident on the field was the spirit of Afghanistan, which fought back to defend a small total of 169 with great control and strategic finesse.

AFG vs PAK: Zadran and Atal Anchor Afghan Innings

Having lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz early on, Afghanistan were in trouble at 18/1 in the 4th over. But Zadran (65) and Atal (64) displayed class and maturity to resurrect the innings. Their 113-run stand, the second-best second-wicket stand in Afghanistan’s T20I history, changed the momentum convincingly.

The breakthrough came in the 15th over, but by then, the damage had been done. They had taken control of the innings, particularly punishing Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, with 20 runs coming off one over in a dramatic acceleration phase.

Pakistan’s Bowling Highlights: Faheem Ashraf Shines

While Pakistan had a forgettable performance in total, Faheem Ashraf was the sole bright spark with a brilliant bowling spell. On a slow turning pitch, he took 4 wickets, including the coveted victims of Zadran and Nabi, while giving away just 18 runs from his final three overs.

Ashraf’s clever utilization of slower deliveries and close lengths was the lone silver lining for Pakistan as the rest of the attack could not keep the Afghan batters at bay.

Afghan Spinners Overpower Pakistan’s Chase

Afghanistan’s spinners flipped the game on its side during the AFG vs PAK T20 match despite dew during the second innings. Fazalhaq Farooqi initiated the decline with two wickets at the top – Saim Ayub (golden duck) and Sahibzada Farhan.

After Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi came into the picture, Pakistan’s middle order collapsed. Spinners picked up 6 wickets together, cutting Pakistan down from 62/2 to 82/6, a downfall which they never managed to bounce back from.

Noor Ahmad’s Instant Impact

Benched in both the last two games, Noor Ahmad proved a point with a wicket off his first ball, dismissing Hasan Nawaz. He was almost unbeatable, Pakistan’s batters at sea trying to decipher his variations. Noor’s eight overs piled on massive pressure, which led to Pakistan’s middle-order collapse.

Rashid and Nabi Turn the Screw

Mohammad Nabi was the one to dispatch the risky Fakhar Zaman, who had previously claimed 15 from an over of Omarzai. Nabi’s rapid delivery forced a mis-hit, taken at short third man. Rashid Khan’s sharp fielding later caught Salman Agha short of his crease, securing the stranglehold further.

Haris Rauf’s Late Cameo in Vain

Though the match was already going out of Pakistan’s reach, Haris Rauf provided a glimmer of hope with his hard-hitting unbeaten 34 off 16 balls. He put on some late runs to lead Pakistan beyond 150 from 111/9, but by that time the Afghan bowlers had already sealed the match.

Final Scorecard: AFG vs PAK T20 Summary

Afghanistan: 169/9 (Zadran 65, Atal 64, Ashraf 4-26)

Pakistan: 151/9 (Rauf 34*, Rashid/Nabi/Noor 6 wickets combined)

Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs

Why This AFG vs PAK Match Matters

Afghanistan’s second victory over Pakistan in T20I history. The spin dominance even in damp, chasing conditions, reshaped Afghanistan’s depth, determination, and increasing confidence on the global platform.

Zadran-Atal partnership highlighted Afghanistan’s increasing batting maturity. Raises doubts about Pakistan’s spin management and middle-order stability