1st Innings Highlights | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | T20I Tri tion Series 2025 | M 4 | ECB | M3Q1K
1st Innings Highlights | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | T20I Tri Nation Series 2025
Introduction
Cricket fans witnessed an exciting contest between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025, played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan batted first and scored 169 runs for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Their innings was full of ups and downs—Pakistan bowled well in patches, but Afghanistan’s middle-order played with maturity and helped the team reach a competitive total.
Here’s a detailed but simple look at how the first innings unfolded.
Early Overs – Pakistan Strikes First
Pakistan started strongly with the ball. Shaheen Afridi, known for his deadly swing, dismissed Afghanistan’s opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. The Afghan fans were worried as the score was just 4 runs for 1 wicket.
At this stage, it looked like Pakistan would put Afghanistan under pressure and stop them below 150. But cricket is always unpredictable, and the Afghan middle-order had other plans.
Atal and Zadran’s Partnership – The Turning Point
After the early wicket, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran took charge. Both batted smartly, showing patience and confidence.
Atal played steady cricket, rotating strike and punishing loose balls.
Zadran played more aggressively, hitting boundaries whenever Pakistan’s bowlers lost line and length.
Together, they built a 100-run partnership that changed the course of the innings. By the time 14 overs were completed, Afghanistan had reached 106/1, and suddenly the pressure was on Pakistan.
This partnership was the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings. Atal scored 64 runs, while Zadran made 65 runs. Their calm batting not only saved Afghanistan but also gave them a strong platform for the final overs.
Pakistan Fights Back – Faheem Ashraf’s Magic
Just when Afghanistan looked set for a score above 180, Pakistan’s all-rounder Faheem Ashraf came into the attack and turned the game around.
In one brilliant over, Faheem dismissed both Atal and Zadran, breaking the crucial partnership. Soon after, he also removed Azmatullah Omarzai, leaving Afghanistan under pressure again.
Faheem’s figures were 4 wickets for 27 runs, easily the best bowling performance of the innings. His accurate bowling and clever variations stopped Afghanistan from completely running away with the match.
Final Overs – Rashid Khan’s Quick Runs
After losing quick wickets, Afghanistan needed a small push at the end. That’s when Rashid Khan, their star all-rounder, stepped up.
He played a short but important cameo, scoring 8 runs from 4 balls, including one boundary. His quick hitting helped Afghanistan finish at 169/5 in 20 overs.
While it wasn’t a huge total, it was still a fighting score, especially considering Afghanistan’s strong spin attack waiting for Pakistan in the second innings.
Key Highlights of Afghanistan’s Innings
Early Wicket: Shaheen Afridi removed Gurbaz in the first over.
100-Run Stand: Atal (64) and Zadran (65) built the foundation.
Faheem’s Comeback: 4 wickets for 27 brought Pakistan back into the match.
Rashid’s Finish: A quick cameo pushed the score close to 170.
Tactical Analysis
Afghanistan showed that they are no longer dependent only on big hitters. Atal and Zadran played with maturity, building an innings rather than just swinging for sixes.
Pakistan’s bowling looked strong in the beginning and end, but in the middle overs, they failed to put pressure. This is something they must improve before bigger tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025.
Faheem Ashraf proved his value as an all-rounder. His ability to break partnerships makes him an asset for Pakistan.
What This Means for the Series
This match was more than just a group game. It gave both teams valuable lessons:
For Pakistan: Their bowling depth is excellent, but batting against spin remains a worry. They will need to find answers quickly.
For Afghanistan: This innings gave them huge confidence. Beating Pakistan is always special, and with players like Zadran, Atal, and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan is proving they can challenge the top teams.
Conclusion
The first innings of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan clash in the T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 was full of drama. Afghanistan’s 169/5 looked like a par score, but it was their fighting spirit and clever partnerships that made the total possible.
Atal and Zadran’s half-centuries gave the team stability.
Faheem Ashraf’s brilliant bowling spell gave Pakistan hope.
Rashid Khan’s late cameo ensured Afghanistan crossed 160+.
In the end, Afghanistan’s disciplined batting display in the first innings set the stage for an exciting contest and, eventually, their 18-run victory over Pakistan
