Pakistan vs Afghanistan, T20I Tri-Series Final Highlights: Mohammad Nawaz Stars In Pakistan's 75-Run Win

So that ends a very one-sided final, totally against the odds, which had predicted an exciting tussle between two really good teams. But come the big day, Pakistan were too good for their opponents. Afghanistan might put it down to inexperience but they need to develop their mental fortitude sooner or later. This was the final series before the Asia Cup, which kicks off on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh come in on the verge of wins while Afghanistan and UAE have had a series to remember and will hope that they put in a better display come the bigger tournament. That's all we have for you from this match and series. Afghanistan don't have time for too much thinking as they are forced to have a quick turnaround. They inaugurate the 2025 Asia Cup against Hong Kong, China in Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025. It will be interesting to see what kind of pitches are dished out in that tournament. The first ball will be bowled at 2.30 pm GMT but our buildup will begin well in advance. So do tune in early. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

The victorious skipper of Pakistan, SALMAN AGHA, says that it was kind of a wicket where 130-140 would have been challenging and once they got in, they knew it would be difficult for the Afghan batters. Mentions that Mohammad Nawaz has been outstanding whenever called upon whether it is with the bat or ball or even in the field as well. Says that on social media everyone was saying to play two spinners, but he reckons that they will play two spinners only when they need to, according to the conditions and it worked out here. Tells that initially, Afghanistan was supposed to play in Pakistan but the hosts changed the series to come here and he is very happy with the performance. Adds that it is good preparation before Asia Cup. Says that Pakistan have been playing good cricket as a team since the Bangladesh series and is looking forward to continue in the same fashion.

The captain of Afghanistan, RASHID KHAN, reflects that it didn't feel like a 150-plus wicket. Admits that his side just did not play the brand of cricket that it wanted to play. Highlights that Afghanistan lost five wickets in the restrictions and he also points out that he didn't expect the track to spin and grip much. Says in T20 cricket you hardly get a time to make a comeback. Adds that they got a chance to understand the conditions. Says they haven't played much T20I cricket in the last 8-9 months but this has been a good preparation and learning experience for them before the Asia Cup.

Pakistan's MOHAMMAD NAWAZ HAS BEEN ADJUDGED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AND THE SERIES. He took 10 wickets in the series, at an average of 11.7 and an economy of 6.88, while he also scored 120 runs in the series, at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 133.33. Come to this match, Nawaz played a cameo of 25 (21) while with the ball, picked up his maiden T20I 5-fer, with figures of 5/19 in 4 overs, which also included a hattrick and a double-wicket maiden. Mohammad says that the plan was very simple, to hit the right areas. Adds that when he batted he assessed the conditions and knew what he has to do with the ball. Mentions that after bowling the first two balls, he saw it was turning and tried to keep at the middle and leg stump line. Says that he is feeling good and is trying to do whatever the captain and coach are telling him to do. Ends by saying that when he came out to bat, they needed a partnership and he is happy to contribute with the bat to get his side to a respectable total.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Don't want to use the 'C' word but Afghanistan are quickly becoming that team which is suffering in big matches. Be it that 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa or this final here, they just tend to cave in. Their bowlers had actually done a decent job, keeping Pakistan to 141/8, with skipper Rashid Khan leading the way with 3 wickets, in his 100th T20I. Unfortunately for the skipper, match number 100 turns out to be a forgetful one. Please stay tuned for the presentation.

The Pakistan team is doing a lap of honour to thank the loyal fans. This bowling display nearly reminds us of the Pakistan team from the 90s. That was primarily during the ODIs, where Pakistan literally made Sharjah their home. And this tournament, it was no different. They bowled well in nearly all matches and just reserved their best for the final. Shaheen Afridi set the tone in his opening over and once spin started to take wickets, the seamer was not needed at all! In a total of 15.5 overs, pace bowled just 2 overs, as the Team In Green just made excellent use of the spinning conditions. Mohammad Nawaz showed his improvement from the 2025 PSL, giving more loop and flight to the ball, allowing it to turn, occasionally darting in arm balls as well. He picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul in T20Is, which also included a hat-trick, which was the first by a spinner from Pakistan and just the third overall from his nation. It was a total team effort as the others supported him well but Nawaz' fire in the middle just killed the chase in a jiffy.

A forgetful night for Afghanistan. At least, with the bat. 142 was not a massive total to chase, but the wickets just kept tumbling. Just two batters reached double digits in an innings which had 3 ducks. The highest partnership of the innings was just 21, which came for the second wicket, between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran. Once Atal was dismissed, the innings just folded up.

Sharjah is shell shocked. There are fans supporting both, Pakistan and Afghanistan but this is something which no one would have expected. A drubbing for the Afghans, losing by 75 runs, and the only positive for them is that it is not their lowest T20I score. It is their second lowest score, after getting bowled out for 56 against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal. So is this a team which stutters in big matches? Overall, this is the second lowest T20I total successfully defended in Sharjah but in a night match, this is definitely the lowest.

OUT! GONE! CAUGHT! Pakistan have absolutely decimated Afghanistan in the final. Muqueem bowls it flat and just outside off, a googly it seems, off the hand. The ball skids through the surface and arrives quicker than Allah Mohammad would have anticipated. Swings his bat wildly at it, to hit it over the off side, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball travels flat towards Abrar Ahmed who is stationed at short third. Abrar just crouches low and takes the catch around the chest. Sufiyan Muqeem finishes off with 2 wickets to his name. And with that, PAKISTAN WIN THE TRI-SERIES IN THE UAE BY 75 RUNS!

Floated, full and on middle, Allah Mohammad drills it hard back towards the bowler. Sufiyan Muqeem gets down well in his followthrough to stop it.

Flighted, full and on off, turns away, Fazalhaq Farooqi goes for the drive but misses. Mohammad Haris, the keeper, also lets it through for a bye.

Wrong'un, short and around off, Fazalhaq Farooqi offers no shot at it.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Fazalhaq Farooqi bunts it back towards the bowler.

Drags his length back and around off, Fazalhaq Farooqi drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Looped up, full and on middle, Fazalhaq Farooqi knocks it down the pitch.

Slows it up, full and on off, Fazalhaq Farooqi strides out to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Goes a bit short and on off, Fazalhaq Farooqi just keeps it out towards point. No real intent to score runs here.

Floated, full and around off, Fazalhaq Farooqi leaves it alone.

A googly, full and on off, turns in, Fazalhaq Farooqi prods forward and just about blocks it out.