Pakistan Vs Afghanistan, UAE T20I Tri-Series Final: Mohammad Nawaz Stars With Five-for As PAK Thrash AFG By 75 Runs

Mohammad Nawaz delivered a spell for the ages, claiming a hat-trick and finishing with figures of 5/19, as Pakistan crushed Afghanistan by 75 runs to lift the Tri-Series title in Sharjah.

His brilliance with the ball ensured Pakistan defended 141/8, the second-lowest total ever successfully defended at this venue in the format.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured early blows as Sahibzada Farhan fell for a golden duck. Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27) put together a 49-run stand, but Afghanistan’s spinners hit back hard.

Noor Ahmad removed Ayub, and Rashid Khan — on his landmark 100th T20I — dismissed Zaman, sparking a collapse to 72/5. Skipper Salman Ali Agha made 24 off 27 in a scratchy effort before Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Faheem Ashraf (15) added late runs, pushing Pakistan to 141/8. Rashid starred with the ball, returning 3/38, while Noor claimed 2/17.

In reply, Afghanistan’s chase never took off. Shaheen Afridi struck in the first over to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and although Sediqullah Atal (13) and Ibrahim Zadran (9) managed a 21-run partnership, wickets kept tumbling.

Nawaz entered the attack and turned the game decisively, picking up a hat-trick and running through the middle order. Afghanistan folded for 66 in just 15.5 overs, with only two batters reaching double digits. Alongside Nawaz’s heroics, Abrar Ahmed (2/17) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2/9) provided solid support.