Full Highlights | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 | Match 7 FINAL

The grand finale of the T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 brought cricket fans a thrilling contest between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both teams had shown remarkable performances throughout the tournament, and the final clash was nothing short of spectacular. The match, played under floodlights with a packed stadium, kept the audience on the edge of their seats till the last ball. Here is a detailed look at the full highlights of this memorable encounter.

Toss and Team Strategy

The toss played a crucial role in the final. Pakistan’s captain won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to put runs on the board and create scoreboard pressure in such a high-stakes game. The pitch looked good for batting, but there was also some grip for spinners, which promised an interesting battle between bat and ball.

Pakistan made no changes in their lineup, sticking to the combination that had served them well. Afghanistan, on the other hand, included an extra spinner, hoping to use conditions to their advantage.

Pakistan’s Innings – A Strong Start

Pakistan’s openers gave their side a confident start. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showed great composure in the powerplay overs. Rizwan played his natural aggressive game, striking boundaries on both sides of the wicket, while Babar anchored the innings with elegant strokes.

The first six overs saw Pakistan scoring 52 runs without losing a wicket, giving them a solid platform. Afghanistan’s pacers struggled to find early breakthroughs, and their spinners were introduced quickly.

Middle Overs – Afghan Fightback

After the powerplay, Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, slowed down the scoring rate. Rashid in particular bowled brilliantly, dismissing Rizwan with a sharp googly. Soon after, Mujeeb trapped Fakhar Zaman leg before wicket, putting Pakistan under pressure.

Babar Azam, however, continued to play sensibly. He built a crucial partnership with Shan Masood, rotating the strike and finding boundaries occasionally. The middle overs became a tug-of-war as Pakistan tried to rebuild while Afghanistan looked for wickets.

Babar Azam’s Anchor Role and Late Flourish

As the innings entered the final phase, Babar shifted gears. His fifty came off 42 balls, showcasing his ability to adapt to the match situation. In the last five overs, Pakistan accelerated rapidly, thanks to Iftikhar Ahmed’s explosive hitting. He smashed three sixes and two fours in quick succession, pushing the total beyond Afghanistan’s comfort zone.

Pakistan eventually finished their innings at 175/6 in 20 overs, a competitive score in a final. Babar top-scored with a classy 67, while Iftikhar added a fiery 34 off just 15 balls. Rashid Khan was Afghanistan’s best bowler with 2/26.

Afghanistan’s Run Chase – A Rocky Beginning

Chasing 176 was always going to be challenging under pressure. Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai, walked in with an aggressive mindset. However, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing Zazai with a brilliant in-swinging delivery.

Afghanistan lost another quick wicket when Naseem Shah removed Gurbaz with a sharp bouncer. By the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan were struggling at 38/2, needing a big partnership to stay alive in the chase.

Afghanistan’s Middle Order Resistance

The responsibility fell on the experienced pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran. They began to counterattack, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Ibrahim played some delightful strokes through covers, while Najibullah cleared the ropes with ease. Their partnership of 64 runs brought Afghanistan back into the game.

At one stage, Afghanistan needed just 80 runs off 48 balls, and the momentum seemed to shift towards them. The Afghan fans in the crowd roared in excitement, sensing a historic victory.

Turning Point – Pakistan’s Bowlers Strike Back

Just when Afghanistan seemed in control, Pakistan’s bowlers turned the tables. Shadab Khan, the vice-captain and leg-spinner, provided the breakthrough by removing Ibrahim Zadran for 42. This wicket broke Afghanistan’s rhythm.

Shaheen returned for his second spell and got Najibullah out with a slower ball, deceiving him completely. Suddenly, the required run rate climbed above 10 an over, creating immense pressure on the Afghan lower middle order.

Rashid Khan’s Late Heroics

Afghanistan, however, refused to give up. Rashid Khan, known for his all-round abilities, played a cameo that reignited hope. He smashed 28 runs off just 12 balls, including two sixes in one over against Haris Rauf. With 20 runs needed off the last over, the game was still alive.

Final Over Drama

The final over was bowled by Naseem Shah, who had the responsibility of defending 20 runs. Rashid hit the first ball for a six, stunning the crowd. The next delivery was a dot, followed by a single. With 13 needed off 3 balls, the tension was sky-high.

Naseem then bowled a perfect yorker, dismissing Rashid Khan. Afghanistan’s hopes faded, and they eventually managed 168/9 in 20 overs, falling short by just 7 runs.

Pakistan Crowned Champions

With this thrilling victory, Pakistan won the Tri Nation Series 2025. The players celebrated with joy, lifting the trophy in front of passionate supporters. Babar Azam was awarded Player of the Match for his steady innings, while Shaheen Shah Afridi received the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent bowling throughout the series.

Key Moments of the Final

1. Pakistan’s strong opening stand between Babar and Rizwan.

2. Rashid Khan’s brilliant spell in the middle overs.

3. Iftikhar Ahmed’s late hitting that boosted Pakistan’s total.

4. Ibrahim and Najibullah’s partnership that revived Afghanistan’s chase.

5. Shadab and Shaheen’s crucial breakthroughs.

6. Rashid Khan’s fearless cameo that kept the game alive until the last over.

Conclusion

The Pakistan vs Afghanistan Final in the T20I Tri Nation Series 2025 was a true spectacle of modern cricket. Both teams displayed skill, determination, and fighting spirit. While Pakistan lifted the trophy, Afghanistan earned respect for their fearless brand of cricket and their ability to challenge top teams.

This final will be remembered as one of the most exciting T20I matches of the year, showcasing the rising rivalry and sportsmanship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Cricket fans around the world were treated to a thrilling contest that highlighted why the shortest format of the game continues to be so entertaining.

Final Result: Pakistan won by 7 runs and became the Tri Nation Series 2025 Champions.