Cricholic
Ibrahim Zadran scored a crucial 65 as Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in Sharjah to draw level in the UAE tri-series. He found strong support from Sediqullah Atal, who added 64. Their partnership set the stage for a total of 169/5. Pakistan failed in the chase despite Haris Rauf’s late fireworks.
Ibrahim Zadran & Atal control the innings 🏏
After Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early, Ibrahim Zadran and Atal took charge. They were cautious in the powerplay, rotating strike and punishing loose balls.
Atal impressed with an inside-out six and clean drives through cover. Zadran attacked Haris Rauf with a four and six in quick succession. The stand frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers and lifted Afghanistan to 50/1 by the ninth over.
The 14th over proved decisive. The pair hammered Sufiyaan Muqeem for 20 runs with three fours and a six. Atal completed his second T20I fifty during the blitz. Soon after, Zadran also brought up his half-century. Together, they built a 113-run stand, giving Afghanistan control.
Faheem Ashraf halts Ibrahim Zadran momentum ⚡
Pakistan’s hopes revived through Faheem Ashraf. He dismissed Atal to break the big partnership and then sent back Omarzai. Two balls later, Ibrahim Zadran also fell to him.
Ashraf added a fourth wicket by removing Karim Janat. His fiery spell of 4/27 gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope. Still, Mohammad Nabi’s late cameo, with a four and six, ensured Afghanistan closed on 169/5.
Afghan bowlers dominate the chase 🔒
Pakistan’s reply started with a six from Sahibzada Farhan. But Fazalhaq Farooqi struck quickly to remove Saim Ayub. Farhan then lost his stumps to Farooqi after an aggressive start.
Fakhar Zaman hit two boundaries to settle in, but a mistimed shot ended his innings. Salman Ali Agha was run out soon after, shifting momentum fully in Afghanistan’s favor.
The middle order collapsed as Hasan Nawaz fell to Noor Ahmad, while Nabi dismissed Mohammad Haris. Rashid Khan then delivered two wickets in consecutive balls, leaving Pakistan struggling.
Haris Rauf entertained fans late with 34* off 14 balls, smashing four sixes. Yet Pakistan could only manage 151/9, handing Afghanistan a confident 18-run win.
Ibrahim Zadran sets tone for Afghanistan 💥
This victory highlighted the value of Ibrahim Zadran at the top. His ability to anchor an innings while scoring quickly gave Afghanistan stability. Alongside Atal, he showed maturity and aggression, building a platform that proved decisive.
As the tri-series continues, Zadran’s form will be key to Afghanistan’s push for the final. His partnership with Atal showed that Afghanistan’s batting depth can match any opponent in these conditions.
Brief Scores 📊
Afghanistan: 169/5 (Ibrahim Zadran 65, Sediqullah Atal 64; Faheem Ashraf 4-27)
Pakistan: 151/9 (Haris Rauf 34*, Fakhar Zaman 25; Noor Ahmad 2-20, Nabi 2-20)
Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs.
