2nd Innings Highlights | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 | Match 7 FINAL

The final of the T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 turned into a nail-biting spectacle as Afghanistan came out to chase a challenging target set by Pakistan. The 2nd innings was filled with drama, passion, breathtaking stroke play, and some brilliant bowling. Fans were glued to their seats until the last ball. Let’s dive into the full highlights of Afghanistan’s chase in this unforgettable final.

Target on the Board

Pakistan had finished their innings at 175/6 in 20 overs thanks to a composed knock from Babar Azam and late fireworks by Iftikhar Ahmed. This meant Afghanistan needed 176 runs to win the championship – a competitive total but not impossible on a batting-friendly pitch. With power-hitters in their lineup, Afghanistan’s camp was confident, but everyone knew that chasing under pressure in a final was a different challenge altogether.

Opening Overs – Early Pressure

Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai, walked in with aggression. Their plan was to attack Pakistan’s pacers in the powerplay. However, Pakistan’s strike bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had other ideas.

• In just the second over, Shaheen produced a trademark inswinger that crashed into Zazai’s stumps.

• Gurbaz tried to counter-attack with a couple of boundaries, but Naseem Shah’s fiery bouncer forced him into a false shot, and he was caught at third man.

Within the first five overs, Afghanistan were reduced to 32/2, and Pakistan had taken control. The required run rate quickly climbed above 9 per over, putting huge pressure on the middle order.

Middle Order Fightback – Ibrahim and Najibullah Step Up

When the top order failed, the responsibility shifted to Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran, two of Afghanistan’s most reliable batsmen. They realized that panic wouldn’t help, so they focused on building a partnership.

• Ibrahim played with maturity, placing the ball into gaps and rotating the strike.

• Najibullah chose calculated aggression, hitting boundaries whenever the bowler over-pitched.

Their partnership frustrated Pakistan as the momentum started shifting. By the 12th over, Afghanistan had reached 95/2, needing 81 from 48 balls – very much within reach. The Afghan crowd in the stands came alive, chanting loudly and waving flags.

Shadab Khan Breaks the Partnership

Just when Afghanistan looked comfortable, Shadab Khan delivered the breakthrough Pakistan desperately needed.

• He tossed one up to Ibrahim, who mistimed his lofted shot and was caught in the deep. Ibrahim’s valuable 42 runs had kept Afghanistan in the hunt, but his dismissal brought Pakistan roaring back.

Soon after, Shaheen returned and dismissed Najibullah with a clever slower delivery. Afghanistan slipped from 95/2 to 110/4, and the required rate went past 11 runs per over.

Afghanistan’s Lower Order Under Pressure

With wickets falling, Afghanistan’s chase became shaky. The middle-lower order struggled to handle Pakistan’s pace battery. Haris Rauf bowled with fiery pace, conceding very few boundaries, while Naseem kept hammering in yorkers.

At this stage, Afghanistan needed around 60 runs off the last 5 overs. The equation was tough but not impossible. That’s when Rashid Khan decided to put on a show.

Rashid Khan’s Counterattack – A Final Twist

Rashid Khan, known for his fearless batting in crunch moments, walked in and played a blistering cameo. He stunned Pakistan with clean strikes over midwicket and long-on.

• In the 17th over, Rashid smashed Haris Rauf for two massive sixes.

• He followed it up with a scoop and a boundary, turning the game back into balance.

The Afghan fans erupted with joy, sensing a miracle. With 30 runs needed from the last 2 overs, the game was still wide open.

The 19th Over – Drama at its Peak

Shaheen bowled the penultimate over. Rashid attacked him bravely, hitting a six over extra cover. However, Shaheen’s experience showed as he delivered two yorkers in a row, limiting the damage. Afghanistan scored 10 runs in the over, leaving them with 20 needed off the final 6 balls.

Final Over – Naseem Shah vs Rashid Khan

The climax of the match arrived. Pakistan trusted Naseem Shah with the last over, while Afghanistan’s hopes rested on Rashid Khan.

• Ball 1: Rashid launched Naseem over long-on for six. The equation became 14 off 5 balls.

• Ball 2: Naseem bowled a dot ball with a deadly yorker. Pressure mounted.

• Ball 3: A single to Rashid. Now 13 off 3 needed.

• Ball 4: Naseem produced another brilliant yorker, and Rashid was bowled! Pakistan roared in celebration.

• Ball 5 & 6: Afghanistan could only manage singles.

Afghanistan ended on 168/9 in 20 overs, just 7 runs short of Pakistan’s total.

Pakistan’s Bowling Heroes

The final overs belonged to Pakistan’s bowlers, who held their nerve under pressure.

• Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/28) set the tone with early breakthroughs.

• Shadab Khan (1/27) provided the crucial middle-over breakthrough.

• Naseem Shah (2/30) sealed the deal with an ice-cold final over.

Their combined effort ensured that Pakistan defended the total successfully.

Afghanistan’s Brave Effort

Although Afghanistan lost, their fighting spirit was widely appreciated. Ibrahim Zadran’s 42 and Rashid Khan’s 28 off 12 balls nearly pulled off a stunning chase. They proved once again that Afghanistan is no longer an underdog but a serious competitor in world cricket.

Key Highlights of Afghanistan’s Chase

1. Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes to dismiss Zazai and Gurbaz.

2. Ibrahim and Najibullah’s 64-run partnership that revived the chase.

3. Shadab Khan’s crucial wicket of Ibrahim.

4. Shaheen’s slower ball tricking Najibullah.

5. Rashid Khan’s explosive cameo that kept the final alive till the last over.

6. Naseem Shah’s brilliant yorkers under immense pressure.

Final Result

Pakistan defended 175 and won the final by 7 runs, becoming the T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 Champions. Babar Azam was named Player of the Final for his batting, while Shaheen Shah Afridi earned Player of the Tournament honors.

Conclusion

The 2nd innings of this final was a rollercoaster ride. Afghanistan fought bravely, Rashid Khan nearly turned the tables, but Pakistan’s bowlers showed nerves of steel. It was a classic example of why T20 cricket is loved worldwide – unpredictable, thrilling, and packed with emotion.

For Pakistan, it was a moment of pride as they lifted the trophy, while Afghanistan walked away with their heads held high, winning hearts with their fearless performance.

Final Score:

• Pakistan – 175/6 (20 overs)

• Afghanistan – 168/9 (20 overs)
  Result: Pakistan won by 7 runs and lifted the Tri Nation Series 2025 trophy.