Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2025 tri-series clash in Sharjah saw Ibrahim Zadran (65), Sediqullah Atal (64), and Afghan bowlers overpower Pakistan by 18 runs. Read full match highlights and analysis.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2025: Ibrahim, Atal, Bowlers Clip Pakistan’s Wings
The Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2025 tri-series encounter in Sharjah turned into a memorable night for Afghan fans as Ibrahim Zadran (65) and Sediqullah Atal (64) powered their side to victory, before a disciplined bowling effort restricted Pakistan to 151/9. Afghanistan sealed the match by 18 runs, going level on points with Pakistan in the tri-series.
This thrilling result showcased not only Afghanistan’s growing batting strength but also their ability to defend under pressure with a well-rounded bowling attack.
Ibrahim Zadran and Atal’s match-defining stand
After choosing to bat first, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz cheaply to Saim Ayub. But Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal rebuilt confidently. Atal’s elegant lofted straight drives and Ibrahim’s aggressive pull shots against Haris Rauf ensured Afghanistan stayed steady in the powerplay.
The highlight was their 113-run partnership, which laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s total. Atal brought up his second T20I half-century with flair, while Ibrahim mixed composure with aggression. Despite Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket haul, Afghanistan managed to post 169/5 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers fight back
While Ibrahim and Atal dominated, Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf (4-27) delivered one of the finest spells of the match. He dismissed Atal, Ibrahim, and Karim Janat in quick succession, threatening to derail Afghanistan’s innings. However, late strikes from Mohammad Nabi ensured the Afghans crossed 160, a total that proved decisive.
Afghanistan’s bowlers take charge
Defending 169, Afghanistan’s bowlers came out with clear intent. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck in the first over to remove Saim Ayub, while Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan dismantled Pakistan’s middle-order.
Despite cameos from Fakhar Zaman (25) and Haris Rauf (34* with four sixes), Pakistan never fully recovered. The turning point came when Salman Ali Agha and Zaman were dismissed in successive overs, leaving Pakistan’s chase in tatters. Noor Ahmad (2-20) and Nabi (2-20) ensured Pakistan fell short by 18 runs.
Key moments of Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2025 clash
- 113-run stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Atal – the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings.
- Faheem Ashraf’s fiery spell (4-27) – almost pulled Pakistan back into the contest.
- Rashid Khan’s double strike – killed Pakistan’s late hopes.
- Haris Rauf’s entertaining cameo (34)* – too little, too late.
What this win means for Afghanistan
This win in the Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2025 tri-series is a statement of intent. Afghanistan’s batting, once considered fragile, is now being consistently anchored by young stars like Ibrahim Zadran and Atal. Combined with a world-class bowling attack led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan continue to prove they can outplay top-tier opponents under pressure.
Brief Scores
- Afghanistan 169/5 (20 overs): Ibrahim Zadran 65, Sediqullah Atal 64; Faheem Ashraf 4-27
- Pakistan 151/9 (20 overs): Haris Rauf 34*, Fakhar Zaman 25; Noor Ahmad 2-20, Mohammad Nabi 2-20
Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs
