After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early (8), Afghanistan’s top order flourished through a superb partnership between Sediqullah Atal (64 off 45) and Ibrahim Zadran (65 off 45).
The duo stitched together 113 runs for the second wicket, setting a strong foundation. Despite a late wobble caused by Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket haul (4/27), Afghanistan closed on 169/5 in their 20 overs. Rashid Khan’s unbeaten cameo of 8 from 4 balls added momentum at the death.
Chasing 170, Pakistan faltered at regular intervals. Early strikes from Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/21) removed Sahibzada Farhan (18) and Saim Ayub for a duck, before Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 25 kept the innings afloat.
But the middle order failed to capitalize, Salman Agha (20), Hasan Nawaz (9), and Mohammad Nawaz (12) all fell cheaply.
Rashid Khan (2/30) and Noor Ahmad (2/20) tightened the screws in the middle overs, while Mohammad Nabi (2/20) used his experience to dismiss key batters.
Pakistan slumped to 111/9 in the 17th over, before Haris Rauf’s blistering 34 off 16 balls* offered late fireworks. However, his counterattack was too late as Pakistan finished on 151/9.
