Afghanistan stuns Pakistan in Sharjah T20I tri-series ahead of Asia Cup

Afghanistan Upsets Pakistan by 18 Runs in Sharjah T20I Tri-Series Ahead of Asia Cup.

Afghanistan stunned Pakistan with an 18-run win in Sharjah on August 2, sending a strong warning ahead of the Asia Cup. After opting to bat, Afghanistan struggled early with the loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and other top-order wickets. A vital 113-run partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 65 off 45 balls, rescued the innings, helping post a defendable 169.

Chasing 170, Pakistan started well but fell under pressure as Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early and Afghanistan’s spin trio—Rashid Khan (2/30), Mohammed Nabi (2/20), and Noor Ahmed (2/20)—crippled the middle order. Despite resistance from Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan could manage only 151/9.

The win boosts Afghanistan’s confidence ahead of the Asia Cup, while Pakistan will look to address their middle-order struggles before facing Oman on September 12.