Pakistan sealed a commanding 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the T20I tri-series final at Sharjah, with Mohammad Nawaz producing a career-best bowling spell to guide his team to glory. Batting first, Pakistan posted 141-8 as skipper Salman Ali Agha (24) and Nawaz (25) led a middle-order recovery after early strikes from Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan managed to put up a competitive total under testing conditions.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase crumbled spectacularly. Shaheen Afridi set the tone by removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over before Abrar Ahmed dismissed Sediqullah Atal. Then came Nawaz’s brilliance — a stunning hat-trick across the sixth and seventh overs, removing Rasooli, Omarzai, and Zadran in succession. He went on to claim Karim Janat and captain Rashid Khan, finishing with sensational figures of 5/19. Afghanistan were bundled out for just 66, with Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem also chipping in with two wickets each.
The emphatic win not only crowned Pakistan as tri-series champions but also highlighted the depth of their bowling attack, with Nawaz’s spell marking one of the finest individual performances at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
