Pakistan kicked off the UAE T20I tri-series in style, defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs thanks to a captain’s knock from Salman Agha and a fiery spell from Haris Rauf.
Pakistan posted 182 for 7, with Salman anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, before Rauf’s brilliant 4 for 31, including a game-changing double-wicket maiden, sealed the deal. Afghanistan folded for 143 despite late fireworks from Rashid Khan.
Salman leads from the front
Pakistan’s batting had its ups and downs, but Salman Agha’s cool-headed half-century made all the difference. Early on, Sahibzada Farhan provided quick runs, smashing 21 off just 10 balls before falling in the powerplay.
Afghanistan’s spinners slowed things down in the middle overs, but Salman broke free in style – even taking on Rashid Khan with a pair of bold sixes. Supported by Mohammad Nawaz, Haris, and Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan added 99 runs in the last nine overs, finishing with a strong total.
Afghanistan’s chase unravels
Afghanistan began the chase with intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38) gave them momentum, while Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal played cautiously to keep the asking rate in sight. At 93 for 2 in the 11th over, they looked well placed.
Then came Haris Rauf’s thunderbolt over. Bowling near 150kph, he ripped through Afghanistan with a double-wicket maiden – dismissing Atal and Karim Janat. The collapse was brutal: five wickets fell for just four runs in 16 balls. 
From there, the chase was gone. Rashid Khan briefly lit up Sharjah with a blazing 39 off 16 balls, but by then Pakistan were firmly in control.
The verdict
Pakistan’s mix of fearless batting and disciplined bowling proved too much for Afghanistan. Salman Agha’s captain’s knock gave them the platform, and Haris Rauf’s fiery spell broke the game wide open.
It was the perfect start to the tri-series for Pakistan – a performance that sets the tone for the games ahead.
