Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz produced a career-best performance to help his side crush Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final of the T20 International tri-series in Sharjah on Sunday.
Nawaz claimed a stunning hat-trick and finished with figures of 5-19, dismantling the Afghan batting order. The Afghan side collapsed to just 66 all out while chasing 142, leaving Nawaz as the undisputed hero of the night.
His all-round show also included a handy 25 runs off 21 balls, decorated with two sixes, making him a decisive factor in Pakistan’s victory.
Pakistan’s Tough Start with the Bat
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and captain Salman Ali Agha elected to bat first. The team made one change, with spinner Abrar Ahmed replacing pacer Haris Rauf.
The innings began with trouble as Sahibzada Farhan lost his wicket early to a fine delivery from Fazalhaq Farooqi. Pakistan’s batters struggled against Afghanistan’s spinners, particularly Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi, who tightened the scoring rate.
By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan reached 41-1 but continued to lose wickets regularly. Rashid trapped Fakhar Zaman leg before and later dismissed Hasan Nawaz, while Noor picked up the wicket of opener Saim Ayub.
Salman Ali Agha tried to build momentum with two sixes but was dismissed for 24. Small contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz pushed Pakistan to 141-8 in their allotted overs.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Shine Early
Despite ending up on the losing side, Afghanistan’s bowlers gave Pakistan a hard time. Rashid Khan led from the front with three wickets, while Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two each.
Their disciplined bowling restricted Pakistan’s stroke-makers and set the stage for what could have been a competitive chase.
Nawaz Turns the Game with the Ball
The Afghan reply never settled. Pakistan’s pace attack created early pressure, but it was Mohammad Nawaz who sealed the game.
He removed three key batters in quick succession to complete a rare T20 international hat-trick. Nawaz’s variations, accuracy, and ability to exploit Sharjah’s turning surface left Afghan batsmen with no answers.
From the sixth over onward, Afghanistan’s innings unraveled completely. Nawaz’s five wickets broke the back of their chase, and the team folded for just 66 runs in 12.3 overs.
Pakistan’s Spin Trio Outshines Rivals
Nawaz was not alone in Pakistan’s spin dominance. Youngsters Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim also played their roles, claiming two wickets each. Together, the trio outbowled Afghanistan’s renowned spin department, which had earlier controlled Pakistan’s innings.
The combined effort showed Pakistan’s growing strength in spin options, especially ahead of the Asia Cup starting on September 9.
Tournament Build-Up and Rivalry
The tri-series served as a warm-up tournament for both teams before the Asia Cup. Pakistan had earlier beaten the United Arab Emirates by 31 runs to reach the final, while Afghanistan defeated the UAE in a tense four-run contest.
Both sides had already faced each other twice in the series, winning one game apiece. Pakistan triumphed in the opener by 39 runs, while Afghanistan bounced back with an 18-run victory in the second clash.
The final, however, belonged entirely to Mohammad Nawaz, who ensured Pakistan finished the series as champions.
Player of the Match and Records
With his five-wicket haul and match-defining hat-trick, Nawaz earned the Player of the Match award. He became only the third Pakistani to take a hat-trick in T20 internationals, joining the elite company of bowlers who have achieved the milestone.
His performance not only secured a commanding win but also boosted Pakistan’s confidence ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
Pakistan’s comprehensive win highlights the team’s balanced attack, with spinners proving decisive in Sharjah. For Afghanistan, the batting collapse exposed weaknesses against quality spin, an area they will need to address before their Asia Cup campaign.
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