A major upset was witnessed in the Pakistan vs Afghanistan (PAK vs AFG 4th T20I) match. Pakistan suffered a significant setback, being defeated by Afghanistan by 18 runs, just before the Asia Cup 2025.
Sports News: Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance in the fourth T20I match of the tri-series played on September 2nd, defeating Pakistan by 18 runs. The architects of this victory were captain Ibrahim Zadran (65 runs) and Sediqullah Atal (64 runs), who together forged a brilliant 113-run partnership, propelling their team to a formidable score.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 169/5 in 20 overs. Pakistan, in pursuit of the target, struggled against the Afghan bowlers and could only manage 151 runs in their allotted overs.
Afghanistan's Strong Batting Performance
In this thrilling encounter held in Sharjah, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Afghanistan's opener Hazratullah Zazai was dismissed early, but thereafter, captain Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal took responsibility. Both batsmen displayed an excellent blend of patience and aggression. Zadran scored 65 runs off 43 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Meanwhile, Atal smashed 64 runs off 42 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes in his innings.
Their 113-run partnership put Afghanistan in a b position. However, the middle order faltered completely, with no other batsman able to cross the double-digit mark. The team set a challenging target of 169/5 in the stipulated 20 overs.
Pakistan's Poor Start
Chasing a target of 170, Pakistan had a disappointing start. In the very first over, Farooqi struck, dismissing Saim Ayub for a duck. Following this, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman played some good shots but couldn't convert them into long innings. Fakhar Zaman was caught out for 25 runs off the bowling of Mohammad Nabi. Captain Salman Ali Agha also failed to play a big inning, being run out after scoring 20 runs.
Pakistan's batting lineup was thoroughly contained by Afghanistan's spinners. Rashid Khan broke the middle order by taking 2 wickets. Mohammad Nabi claimed 2 crucial wickets. Noor Ahmad also took 2 wickets, completely dashing Pakistan's hopes. Together, these three bowlers put Pakistan under immense pressure, restricting their batting order to 151/9.
At the lower order, fast bowler Haris Rauf put up a fight, remaining unbeaten on 34 runs off 16 balls, which included 3 sixes. However, by then, Pakistan's defeat was sealed. Pakistan's score was 111/9 by the 17th over, and Rauf's efforts in the final overs could not take the team to victory.
Match Summary (PAK vs AFG 4th T20I)
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Afghanistan: 169/5 (20 overs) – Ibrahim Zadran 65, Sediqullah Atal 64
- Pakistan: 151/9 (20 overs) – Haris Rauf 34*, Fakhar Zaman 25
- Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs
- Man of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran
