SHARJAH – Mohammad Nawaz produced a sensational hat-trick and a five-wicket haul to inspire Pakistan to a commanding 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the final of the T20I tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 142, Afghanistan crumbled to just 66 all out, with Nawaz wreaking havoc. His brilliant spell of 5/19 in four overs, including a stunning hat-trick, left Afghanistan reeling and secured Pakistan’s emphatic title win. Afghanistan’s chase began poorly when Shaheen Afridi dismissed opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for five in the first over.
After a brief resistance from Sediqullah Atal (13) and Ibrahim Zadran (9), Nawaz tore through the middle order. He removed Rasooli and Omarzai off consecutive balls before trapping Zadran with the first ball of his next over to complete his hat-trick. He then dismissed Karim Janat for a duck and later added captain Rashid Khan (17) to his tally, ensuring Afghanistan never recovered. Abrar Ahmed (2/11) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2/8) provided excellent support, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with one wicket. Earlier, Pakistan posted 141/8 after being asked to bat. The innings wobbled early as Sahibzada Farhan fell for a duck, followed by quick dismissals of Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27). Skipper Salman Ali Agha (24 off 27) and Nawaz (25 off 21) rebuilt with a 40-run partnership before late strikes from Rashid Khan (3/38) and Noor Ahmad (2/21) restricted Pakistan. Despite the modest total, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Nawaz, ensured it was more than enough, as Afghanistan collapsed inside 13 overs.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the team’s performance, praising Nawaz’s brilliance. “Nawaz’s hat-trick turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour. The team showed unity and resilience in defending a low score, and this victory has lifted the nation’s spirits ahead of the Asia Cup 2025,” Naqvi added.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN 141/8 (Fakhar 27, Nawaz 25; Rashid 3/38, Noor 2/21) beat AFGHANISTAN 66 all out in 12.5 overs (Sharafu 13, Rashid 17; Nawaz 5/19, Abrar 2/11, Muqeem 2/8) by 75 runs.
