Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket : Afghanistan’s Stunning Cricket Comeback: Ibrahim and Atal Lead Bowling Masterclass Against Pakistan,

In one of the most compelling cricket matches of 2025 between Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket, Afghanistan delivered a masterful performance that stunned Pakistan with an 18-run victory in the UAE T20 Tri-Series. The Afghan team’s remarkable comeback showcased the explosive batting partnership of Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, followed by a dominant bowling display that left Pakistan’s formidable lineup crumbling. This victory marked Afghanistan’s fourth win against Pakistan in nine T20I encounters, proving their rapid ascension as a force in world cricket.

The Foundation: Ibrahim Zadran and Atal’s Masterclass between Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal orchestrated one of Afghanistan’s finest T20I partnerships, constructing a formidable 113-run stand that became the backbone of their triumph. Both batsmen reached their half-centuries in devastating fashion, with Zadran scoring 65 off 45 balls (8 fours, 1 six) and Atal contributing 64 off 45 deliveries (3 fours, 3 sixes).

The partnership flourished despite early pressure from Pakistan’s bowling attack. After Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early to Saim Ayub’s spin, the duo transformed Afghanistan’s innings from a precarious 18/1 to a commanding position. Their aggressive strokeplay reached its peak during the 14th over bowled by Sufiyan Muqeem, where they plundered 20 runs, including three fours and a six.

Zadran, playing his consecutive stellar performance after scoring 63 against UAE the previous day, demonstrated remarkable consistency at the international level. The 23-year-old right-hander has emerged as Afghanistan’s most reliable top-order batsman, with this knock earning him the Player of the Match award.

Atal, the 21-year-old left-handed opener from Logar province, continued his exceptional form that saw him become the leading run-scorer in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 with 368 runs. His elegant strokeplay and composed temperament under pressure have established him as Afghanistan’s future batting cornerstone.

Pakistan’s Bowling Resistance: Faheem Ashraf’s Heroics

Despite Afghanistan’s batting dominance, Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf produced a career-best bowling performance that nearly derailed the Afghan innings. The all-rounder claimed remarkable figures of 4/27 in his four overs, systematically dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order.

Ashraf’s devastating spell began by removing both set batsmen – first dismissing Atal with a slower delivery that the batsman mistimed to long-on, then claiming Zadran with another pace-off delivery that was caught at deep mid-wicket. His clinical death bowling continued as he removed Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure.

Saim Ayub provided excellent support with economical figures of 1/18 in four overs, maintaining tight control during the powerplay overs. The part-time spinner’s disciplined bowling kept Afghanistan’s scoring rate in check during the crucial middle overs.

The Spin Web: Afghanistan’s Bowling Masterpiece

Afghanistan’s victory was sealed by their devastating spin attack that systematically dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. The trio of captain Rashid Khan (2/30), Mohammad Nabi (2/20), and Noor Ahmad (2/20) shared six wickets between them, creating a stranglehold that Pakistan never escaped.

Fazalhaq Farooqi set the tone with crucial early strikes, removing both Pakistan openers within the powerplay. His first ball dismissal of Saim Ayub, who edged a mistimed pull shot to the wicketkeeper for a duck, immediately put Pakistan under pressure. Sahibzada Farhan’s promising start of 18 runs (including two sixes) was cut short when Farooqi’s delivery nipped back and shattered his stumps.

The spinners then took complete control of the middle overs. Nabi removed the dangerous Fakhar Zaman (25 off 18 balls) with a delivery that the batsman sliced straight to short third man. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s dismissal via a brilliant run-out by Rashid Khan further exposed Pakistan’s brittle middle order.

Noor Ahmad, making his tournament debut, immediately made an impact by dismissing Hasan Nawaz with his very first delivery – a low full toss that the batsman failed to clear. The left-arm spinner’s control and variations proved too much for Pakistan’s struggling batsmen.

Rashid Khan delivered the knockout blow with consecutive deliveries in the 16th over, first removing Mohammad Nawaz with another mistimed shot, then bowling Shaheen Afridi through the gate. This double-wicket over effectively ended Pakistan’s chances of mounting a successful chase.

Pakistan’s Batting Collapse: A Tale of Missed Opportunities, Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket

Pakistan’s chase of 170 never gained momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The team’s struggles were epitomized by their inability to build partnerships, with only three batsmen reaching double figures. Their highest scorer was surprisingly Haris Rauf, batting at number 10, who smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls with four towering sixes.

Rauf’s late fireworks provided brief hope but came too late in the innings. His aggressive hitting, including a massive six that landed on the stadium roof, showcased Pakistan’s batting depth but also highlighted their top-order failures. The fact that a number 10 batsman top-scored represented a historic low for Pakistan in T20I cricket.

The middle order collapse saw Pakistan crumble from 62/3 to 111/9 in just 17 overs, with none of the recognized batsmen able to counter Afghanistan’s spinning web. Fakhar Zaman (25), Salman Ali Agha (20), and Mohammad Nawaz (12) all got starts but failed to convert them into match-winning performances.

Historical Context: Afghanistan’s Rising Cricket Stature

This victory represents Afghanistan’s fourth triumph over Pakistan in nine T20I encounters, showcasing their remarkable improvement in recent years. The head-to-head record now stands at Pakistan 5, Afghanistan 4, demonstrating how competitive this rivalry has become.

Afghanistan’s journey from cricket minnows to giant-killers has been remarkable. Their first victory over Pakistan came in March 2023 in Sharjah, followed by consecutive wins in the same series. The October 2023 victory at the Asian Games in Hangzhou further cemented their credentials as a rising force.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium has become Afghanistan’s fortress, with this being their 19th T20I victory at the venue. The ground has hosted five of the nine encounters between these teams, with Afghanistan showing particular comfort on this surface.

Tournament Implications: Setting Up a Blockbuster Final

The victory leveled the points table with both Afghanistan and Pakistan now having four points each from three matches. Pakistan maintains the top position due to superior net run rate, but both teams appear destined for the tournament final.

This result has transformed the tri-series dynamics, with the UAE remaining winless after two matches. The tournament’s format ensures that the top two teams advance to the final, making the remaining group-stage matches crucial for final positioning.

People Also Ask (PAA) Questions : Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket

Q: Who was the Player of the Match in Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket?
A: Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock of 65 runs off 45 balls, which included 8 fours and 1 six.

Q: What was Faheem Ashraf’s bowling figures against Afghanistan?
A: Faheem Ashraf recorded career-best T20I figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs, dismissing key Afghan batsmen including Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal.

Q: How many times has Afghanistan beaten Pakistan in T20Is?
A: Afghanistan has defeated Pakistan 4 times in 9 T20I encounters, with their first victory coming in March 2023.

Q: What is the Afghanistan Pakistan T20 cricket head-to-head record in T20Is?
A: Pakistan leads the head-to-head record 5-4, but the gap has narrowed significantly in recent years as Afghanistan has won 4 of their last 6 encounters.

Q: Who were Afghanistan’s key bowlers against Pakistan?
A: Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan (2/30), Mohammad Nabi (2/20), and Noor Ahmad (2/20) took six wickets between them, while Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/21) provided crucial early breakthroughs.

The Road Ahead: Asia Cup Preparation

This tri-series serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 9-28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both teams are using these matches to fine-tune their combinations and strategies ahead of the continental tournament.

Afghanistan’s victory demonstrates their readiness to compete against top-tier teams, while Pakistan will need to address their middle-order vulnerabilities and spinning weaknesses. The potential final rematch between these teams promises to be a thrilling encounter that could set the tone for their Asia Cup campaigns.

Conclusion: A New Era in Afghanistan Cricket

Afghanistan’s comprehensive victory over Pakistan represents more than just another win – it symbolizes their transformation from underdogs to genuine contenders in world cricket. The combination of explosive batting from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, coupled with a devastating spin attack, showcased the depth and quality that now defines Afghan cricket.

This triumph will boost Afghanistan’s confidence as they prepare for bigger challenges ahead. For Pakistan, this defeat serves as a wake-up call about the changing dynamics of cricket in the region. The once one-sided rivalry has evolved into a compelling contest between two passionate cricket nations, promising exciting battles in future encounters.

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