Sharjah, August 29, 2025 – Pakistan started their UAE Tri-Nation T20I Series campaign on a winning note with a commanding 39-run victory over Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. A solid batting display led by Salman Ali Agha and a fiery bowling spell from Haris Rauf ensured Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the series.


Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I


Pakistan’s Innings: Salman Ali Agha Anchors with Match-Winning Fifty

Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 182/7 in 20 overs.


Salman Ali Agha stood out with a brilliant 53 not out off 36 balls, anchoring the innings and providing crucial stability in the middle overs.

Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan a flying start with a quickfire 21 off 10 balls.

Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 20 off 17 balls, ensuring momentum stayed with Pakistan despite regular wickets.


Afghanistan’s bowlers tried to keep the pressure on, but Salman’s calm and calculated batting allowed Pakistan to finish strongly.


Afghanistan’s Reply: Gurbaz and Rashid Fight Back but Fall Short

Chasing 183, Afghanistan lost early wickets and could never build the partnerships needed to stay in the contest.


Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 38 off 27 balls, showing intent at the top.


Rashid Khan provided late fireworks with a rapid 39 off 16 balls, keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive for a brief period.


However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, and Afghanistan were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, falling short by 39 runs.


Pakistan’s Bowling: Haris Rauf’s Fiery Spell

Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Haris Rauf being the star.


Haris Rauf ripped through Afghanistan’s batting order, finishing with 4/31 in 3.5 overs.

Shaheen Afridi provided the early breakthroughs, claiming 2/21 in 4 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz maintained control in the middle overs, bagging 2/23 in 4 overs.


The disciplined bowling effort ensured Afghanistan never got close to the target.


Player of the Match

Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his composed 53 off 36 balls*, which proved to be the difference in setting up Pakistan’s total.


Match Summary

Team

Score

 Overs

Result

  Pakistan

 182/7

  20

Won by 39 runs

 Afghanistan 143/10  19.5  Lost


Key Takeaways

Pakistan began the tri-series with a comprehensive win, showcasing strong performances with both bat and ball.

Salman Ali Agha emerged as a dependable middle-order batter for Pakistan.

Haris Rauf’s pace and aggression proved too much for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan will need more support from their batting unit beyond Gurbaz and Rashid if they are to bounce back in the series.


FAQ's

Q1: Who won the 1st T20I between Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2025?
Pakistan won by 39 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on August 29, 2025.

Q2: Who was the top scorer for Pakistan?
Salman Ali Agha scored 53 not out off 36 balls, leading Pakistan’s batting.

Q3: Who took the most wickets for Pakistan?
Haris Rauf took 4 wickets for 31 runs, playing a crucial role in the victory.

Q4: Who top-scored for Afghanistan?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38) and Rashid Khan (39) were Afghanistan’s main contributors.

Q5: Who was the Player of the Match?
Salman Ali Agha was awarded Player of the Match for his unbeaten fifty.