HIGHLIGHTS Afghanistan vs Pakistan, T20I Tri-Series in UAE 2025, 1 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of Pakistan, who are led by Salman Agha. It will be the dynamic duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Shaheen Afridi will start proceedings with the ball. Let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Afghanistan will be upset with their effort! They looked good till the halfway stage but failed to get the better of the Pakistani skipper. Fareed Ahmad chipped in with two wickets, but was very expensive. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked one wicket and were economical. Azmatullah Omarzai picked one wicket too, but was expensive for his likes. They now have a mountain to chase. Can they chase 183? We shall find out soon. Chase coming up shortly...

And then, the skipper stepped up! Salman Agha took the bull by the horns, anchoring the innings with authority and composure. Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf all played excellent cameos, providing valuable support to the skipper. Salman Agha stayed unbeaten on 53! The way he batted, it was like he was saying, 'I've got this!' And he did! Pakistan finally ended on a high, posting a competitive total of 182 runs on the board.

Pakistan end up on a high with 182 on the scoreboard! They got off to a good start, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub looking good. Farhan's quickfire 21 runs had the crowd pumped up, but unfortunately, he fell in the third over. Saim Ayub's dismissal soon after left Pakistan reeling, and Fakhar Zaman's brief cameo was over almost as soon as it began. At the halfway stage, Pakistan were 76/3, and it was clear they needed someone to anchor the innings.

Fareed Ahmad to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! FAHEEM ASHRAF IS RUN OUT! Fareed Ahmad bowls this one a bit shorter and into the batter, Faheem Ashraf hangs back and pulls it high towards deep square leg but the ball lands just inside the ropes. The fielder from deep mid-wicket runs around and palms it back in and the on-rushing fielder from long leg mops things up and throws it at the keeper's end. The batters complete two runs and try to sneak in the third run. Rahmanullah Gurbaz does well to collect the high ball and throws it back to the bowler who whips off the bails with Ashraf nowhere to be seen. Pakistan finish with 182/7 on the board!

Fareed Ahmad to Faheem Ashraf, DROPPED AND SIX! Just over the fence! A low full toss, on off, Faheem Ashraf lofts it towards long on. Rashid Khan settles near the fence and looks to take the catch, but parries it over the fence.

Fareed Ahmad to Faheem Ashraf, A yorker, on leg, Faheem Ashraf digs it through square leg for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Fareed Ahmad to Faheem Ashraf, No ball! An attempted slower delivery that ends up being a moon ball outside off. Faheem Ashraf hops and looks to play an uppercut but misses. FREE HIT coming up!!!

Fareed Ahmad to Faheem Ashraf, FOUR! Excellent from Faheem Ashraf! A fuller ball, on leg, Faheem Ashraf stays back and drills it powerfully through mid on for a boundary.

Faheem Ashraf walks in.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Haris, OUT! TAKEN! Fareed Ahmad strikes! Slower ball does the trick here! A slower bouncer, outside off, Mohammad Haris hangs back and looks to pull it but cannot adjust with the lack of pace. The ball goes in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Sediqullah Atal takes a good catch near his head.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Slower one, outside off, Salman Agha pushes it towards point for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Salman Agha, Too full, outside off, Salman Agha steers it to point for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Three runs! Short and wide, slower too. Mohammad Haris waits for the ball and slaps it over extra covers. Rashid Khan has a long chase from deep point as the batters collect three runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Salman Agha, On a length, on off, Salman Agha looks to loft it but the ball hits his glove and rolls on the deck. They scamper across and a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Back of a length slower ball, on leg, Mohammad Haris shuffles across and steers it to backward point for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, FOUR! That's a poor delivery! A high full toss, outside off, Mohammad Haris hangs back and slashes it over backward point for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Mohammad Haris, Jumps up to beat the bat. Back of length outside off, Mohammad Haris has a fiddle and cannot adjust with the bounce.

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Haris, In the air... and safe! Flatter, on off, Mohammad Haris scoops it. The ball lands just short of the fielder at short fine leg. They collect a single.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Fifty up for the skipper! Short, on off, Salman Agha pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. His fourth T20I fifty!

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Haris, Short, on off, Mohammad Haris drills it on the bounce towards long on for one.

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Haris, Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Haris looks to slog it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They collect two runs.

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Haris, Short, on off, Mohammad Haris pushes it to mid off.

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Haris, FOUR BYES! Lucky! Flatter, just outside off, Mohammad Haris moves to his right and looks to pull it. Misses it completely. The ball misses the top of off and goes past the keeper, who has already moved to his right but cannot change his angle as he is blinded by the batter. The ball finds the fence.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, SIX! Right out of the screws! Half-tracker outside off that sits up to be hit. Salman Agha gets low and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. He moves to 49!

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Wide! Width, way outside off, Salman Agha tries to sweep it but misses. Wided.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, This is excellent bowling from Faheem Ashraf! Slower one, outside off, Salman Agha tries to loft it but gets beaten.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Haris, Hard length, outside off, shaping away. Mohammad Haris looks to heave it but edges it to third for one more.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Much fuller, outside off, Salman Agha looks to loft it but edges it to third man for a single.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Length again, outside off, Salman Agha tries to scoop it but gets beaten.

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Haris, On a length, on middle and leg, Mohammad Haris flicks it to the right of the bowler and scampers across for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, Loopy, outside off, with a hint of turn. Salman Agha looks to block it but gets beaten.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Much fuller, outside off, Mohammad Haris pushes it to covers for one.

Mohammad Haris is the new batter.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! TAKEN! Mujeeb Ur Rahman has the last laugh! Flatter, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nawaz gets low for another big stroke. Mistimes this one as the ball carries towards deep mid-wicket. Darwish Rasooli settles under it and takes a sitter. Mohammad Nawaz' cameo comes to an end!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Mohammad Nawaz is playing some strokes here! Fuller, on middle, Mohammad Nawaz gets low and powers it over the bowler's head for a one-bounce boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, Flatter, on middle and leg, Salman Agha slogs it over mid on for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, Quicker one, on leg, Salman Agha shuffles across and punches it to the backward point fielder.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Nawaz, Short ball, on leg, Mohammad Nawaz tries to play an uppercut but misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Nawaz, SIX! In the zone, and it has been dismissed! Short and around off, Mohammad Nawaz stays in his crease and plunders it all the way over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Nawaz, Shorter, slower, and on leg. Mohammad Nawaz moves to his right and taps it to the point fielder. Dot.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Salman Agha, Much fuller, on middle and leg, Salman Agha turns it through square leg for one.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Nawaz, A slower bouncer, on off, Mohammad Nawaz fends it to the left of the bowler for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Mohammad Nawaz, SIX! Mohammad Nawaz goes down the ground and all the way! Slower one, in the slot, Mohammad Nawaz stands his ground and plunders it downtown for a biggie.

Mohammad Nabi to Mohammad Nawaz, Much fuller this time, outside off, Mohammad Nawaz dabs it to cover point for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Salman Agha, Short, on off, Salman Agha punches it to cover for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Salman Agha, Past the edge! Looped up outside off, and then it dips and turns with extra bounce. Salman Agha looks to block it but misses.

Mohammad Nabi to Mohammad Nawaz, Short, outside off, Mohammad Nawaz punches it to wide mid off for one.

Mohammad Nabi to Mohammad Nawaz, Wide! Down the leg side, Mohammad Nawaz looks to block it but misses.

Mohammad Nabi to Salman Agha, Quicker one, outside off, Salman Agha looks to flick it but miscues it to short third. They run for a single. The fielder throws it towards the keeper who whips the bails off. The umpire checks and it shows that Mohammad Nawaz has just made in.

Mohammad Nabi to Salman Agha, Flatter, shorter, and on off. Salman Agha pushes it to the fielder at mid on.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Some turn again, outside off, Salman Agha lunges and looks to drive it but gets a blow on his pads as the ball goes towards short mid-wicket. They collect a leg bye.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, A googly, outside off, Salman Agha looks to push it but gets an inside edge as the ball goes towards fine leg. They collect two runs.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, SIX MORE! Back to back from Salman Agha! Rashid Khan again errs his line down leg, Salman Agha gets down on one knee and clatters it over fine leg for another biggie.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, SIX! Up and over! Flatter, down the leg side, Salman Agha gets low and helps it all the way over fine leg for a biggie.

Rashid Khan to Mohammad Nawaz, Short and wide, Mohammad Nawaz cuts it towards point for one.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Googly, and a huge appeal, but the finger stays down! Rashid Khan bowls a googly, perhaps sliding down leg, Salman Agha looks to flick it but wears it on his pads as the ball rolls towards mid on. An appeal but turned down. The batters collect a leg bye.

Will we see spin again? Indeed. Skipper Rashid Khan is back on. 2-0-6-1 so far.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. A wicket to start the over but it ends up with 12 runs. 2-0-21-1 so far for Fareed Ahmad.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, FOUR! Up and over! A short ball, around off, Agha helps it over short fine leg for a boundary!

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Around off, nudged through square leg for a couple.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, FOUR! Sweet timing! Short and wide outside off, Salman Agha waits in his crease and steers it behind point for a boundary!

Fareed Ahmad to Mohammad Nawaz, Down the leg side, Mohammad Nawaz tucks it through square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Nawaz walks in next, at number 6, replacing Hasan Nawaz.

Fareed Ahmad to Hasan Nawaz, OUT! CAUGHT! A wicket for Fareed now. A slower ball, on a length, around off, Hasan Nawaz goes for the big booming drive down the ground, but like his predecessors, hits it way too early. Skews it off the inner half of the bat and the ball goes towards long on instead, where Sediqullah Atal initially misjudges it but recovers well to take it behind his head. Hasan Nawaz departs for 9 (13) and Pakistan are 83/4 after 11.1 overs!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, DROPPED! MISSED STUMPING TOO! Mujeeb is really unlucky. Flighted, outside off, Salman Agha comes down the track and slashes hard but gets a thick outside edge. The keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is ready for the catch but cannot quite take it within his mitts. Additionally, Salman is way down the track and there is a stumping opportunity too, but Gurbaz just cannot gather the ball cleanly.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, Innovation now. Landed outside off, Agha gets down and sweeps it over short fine leg for a couple.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Salman Agha, FOUR! Nicely done. Landed outside off, Salman Agha backs away to the leg side and slices it over backward point for a boundary!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Hasan Nawaz, Tucked through mid-wicket for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Hasan Nawaz, Outside off, pushed towards cover point.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Hasan Nawaz, Around off, Hasan Nawaz looks to push but misses.

DRINKS BREAK. Action-packed game so far. After 10 overs, the score reads 76 runs and 3 wickets. Totally against the template of a T20 game. But the pitch looks definitely sluggish and 150 could be defendable here. Pakistan have just kept swinging at the ball but have not quite managed to get used to the deck so far. They have gifted three wickets - three catches - all straight to the fielders. Spin is already making its presence felt but Afghanistan will be aware of the batting depth of Pakistan. They bat as deep as Shaheen Afridi at number 9, so they need to keep striking. Meanwhile, in Harare, Sri Lanka have pulled a rabbit out of the hat, defeating Zimbabwe by 7 runs, defending 298. While the seeds for the win were sown by Pathum Nissanka's 76, Janith Liyanage's unbeaten 70 and another unbeaten 57 from Kamindu Mendis, it was actually a last over HAT-TRICK from Dilshan Madushanka which won them the game. Defending 9 runs, he struck thrice in the first 3 balls and laid the path for a nervy Lankan win. He finished with 4 wickets while earlier, Asitha Fernando had scalped 3. Tough luck for Zimbabwe. Ben Curran (70), Sean Williams (57) and Sikandar Raza (92) fought hard, but it was not to be. Meanwhile, Mujeeb Ur Rahman returns. 2-0-9-0 so far.

Fareed Ahmad to Hasan Nawaz, A short ball now, around off, Hasan tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, A short ball now, around off, Salman backs away and pulls it towards long on for a run.

Fareed Ahmad to Hasan Nawaz, Around off, Nawaz works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Fareed Ahmad to Hasan Nawaz, EDGED, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Hasan Nawaz throws his bat at it, aiming to go over cover but the ball comes very slow off the surface and hence, takes the toe end of the bat. Escapes through the vacant slip cordon to the deep third fence!

Fareed Ahmad to Salman Agha, Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha arches back and steers it behind point for a single.

Fareed Ahmad to Hasan Nawaz, On a length, outside off, Hasan Nawaz pushes it towards cover.

Gone! Not here, but in Harare. Sikandar Raza has been dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka for a valiant 92 (87) and on the next ball, Brad Evans is dismissed too! Zimbabwe now need 10 runs from 4 balls, but with only 3 wickets left in the first ODI! Fareed Ahmad to bowl now. Bowler number 6.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Oh dear. Some gentleman is having a leisurely night walk around the sightscreen and that is irritating Salman!

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Full, outside off, Salman Agha gets down and gently paddles it through fine leg for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Hasan Nawaz, Fractionally short now, outside off, Nawaz pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Rashid Khan to Hasan Nawaz, Full, outside off, the googly, Hasan Nawaz plays for the leg spinner and hence misses it. Gets hit on the pads. Going down leg.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, A short ball, around off, Salman Agha goes for the pull but misses and is hit on the body.

What an over that was. Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 10 from 7 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI!

Mohammad Nabi to Hasan Nawaz, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. 7 runs from the first 2 balls, but four consecutive dots post that, with a wicket! 2-0-13-1 for Mohammad Nabi so far.

Mohammad Nabi to Hasan Nawaz, Tossed up, around off, Nawaz lunges to play straight but the ball pitches and spins away past the outside edge!

Mohammad Nabi to Hasan Nawaz, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Hasan Nawaz walks in next, at number 5, replacing Fakhar Zaman.

Mohammad Nabi to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! CAUGHT! Catching practice again! Either the fielding placements from Afghanistan are terrific or Pakistan batters are giving good adverts to apply for a job as a fielding coach. Like the previous ball, once again, Zaman charges out. But this time, Nabi fires it on the pads, meaning that there is no room to swing. Fakhar goes through with the shot, but because of the lack of room, his intended shot towards mid-wicket goes towards wide long on. Straight to Ibrahim Zadran. Zaman departs for 20 (17) and Pakistan are 63/3 after 7.3 overs!

Mohammad Nabi to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! SLAM! Tossed up, around off, Fakhar Zaman comes down the track and slaps it over long off for half a dozen!

Mohammad Nabi to Salman Agha, A touch short, around middle, Salman Agha goes back and nudges it through square leg for a single.

Great start from the skipper of Afghanistan. Picking up the wicket of Ayub and going for just 2 runs. Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 17 from 12 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI. Going down to the wire!

Rashid Khan to Salman Agha, Full, down the leg sid,e Salman Agha tickles it behind square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Skipper Salman Agha walks in next, at number 4, replacing Saim Ayub.

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, OUT! CAUGHT! And King Khan strikes! But not with the best of deliveries. It is short outside off and begging to be hit. Saim Ayub does exactly that and goes back, punching it hard through his off side. But to his dismay, there is a fielder in the deep exactly for that shot and Fareed Ahmad takes a dolly at deep point! Another lucky wicket for the Afghans. Ayub departs for 14 (16) and Pakistan are 55/2 after 6.5 ovrers!

Rashid Khan to Saim Ayub, Around off, punched back to the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Fakhar Zaman, On middle and off, worked through square leg for a single.

Rashid Khan to Fakhar Zaman, Landed outside off, spinning in, Zaman goes for a massive hoick across the line but misses and is hit on the body. Rashid appeals for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Probably spinning down the leg side.

Rashid Khan to Fakhar Zaman, Around off, Fakhar Zaman looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

It has not been the best of stages for Pakistan. But still, they have managed to score at 9 runs per over in the fielding restrictions on a sluggish pitch. 4 fours and 2 sixes hit. Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 24 from 18 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI. Here's the skipper, Rashid Khan.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full and straight again, well defended. 54/1 IN THE POWERPLAY!

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Full, straight and fast, Saim defends it towards cover.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Not well timed but it will do for Pakistan! Short in length, but way too slow. Ayub is ready for the pull but has to wait for an age. Eventually, manages to drag it over mid-wicket and finds the gap and the boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to Fakhar Zaman, Outside off, steered towards Mujeeb Ur Rahman at short third who fumbles and concedes a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Fakhar Zaman, Full and straight, Fakhar Zaman gets down for the sweep but misses and is hit on the body. Too high, hence no LBW appeal.

Mohammad Nabi to Saim Ayub, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

Final over of the Powerplay coming up. Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 29 from 21 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI. Here's Mohammad Nabi.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Fakhar Zaman, Hard length, on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman drags it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Just over mid on! But that is good batting! Slower one from Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fakhar Zaman rocks back. He plays it late over a leaping mid on fielder for a boundary.

Fakhar Zaman seems okay but the protocols need to be followed. The physio is out in the middle, checking in on him. All in readiness now.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR LEG BYES! That was streaky! Short, on leg, and pace on. Fakhar Zaman moves down the track to pull it, but gets a blow on his helmet. The ball balloons over short third and races away to the fence.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Fakhar Zaman, Mistimed shot. Along with turn, this surface looks very sluggish. And if this is the case with the new ball, imagine what might happen post the Powerplay. On a length, around off, Zaman looks to heave it over the off side but he neds up playing way too early. Miscues it over cover and luckily for him, with no one in the deep, the ball lands safely. Plugs in the outfield and it will be a couple of runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Fakhar Zaman, Nicely bowled. Similar ball to the previous one, Fakhar Zaman looks to steer it towards deep third but the ball pitches and then moves away, beating the outside edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Saim Ayub, On a good length, around off, Saim Ayub waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it behind point for a single.

Interesting. Spin is making its presence felt early. Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 42 from 30 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI. Change of ends here, for Fazalhaq Farooqi. 1-0-12-0 so far.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, Short again, down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman looks to play a slog sweep but gets pinged on the back leg. Mujeeb Ur Rahman ends with a dot ball.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, Bottom edge again! Short, outside off, Fakhar Zaman tries to slap it but gets a bottom edgea s the ball bounces towards the fielder at slips.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Catch is the call, but it doesn't carry! Flatter, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub chips it over mid on for one.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Wide! Mujeeb Ur Rahman lands it down the leg side, Saim Ayub looks to sweep it but misses.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Almost a drag on! Slower through the air, a bit of flight, around off, short of full, Saim Ayub goes for the cut but gets a bottom edge which nearly rolls back onto the stumps!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, A touch short, around middle and leg, Zaman nudges it through square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, Turn! Full, around middle, Fakhar Zaman comes forward to launch but the ball spins away and he adjusts well, pushing the ball towards short third.

Jeez, that was an eventful over. Started with a six, had a wicket as well and overall, went for 14 runs! Meanwhile, in Harare, Zimbabwe need 45 from 34 balls, with 5 wickets in hand against Sri Lanka, in the first ODI.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saim Ayub, Slower one, outside off, Saim Ayub has a fiddle but misses.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Saim Ayub, Another one on leg, Saim Ayub helps it through short fine for a brae. Good fielding in the deep again.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Fakhar Zaman, Three runs! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman flicks it through square leg. The fielder dives to his right near the fence and saves a run for his side. Three runs take.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Fakhar Zaman, Wide! A little bit of swing, but down the leg side. Fakhar Zaman looks to flick it but misses. An appeal from Rahmanullah Gurbaz from behind the sticks, but the umpire is unmoved.

Fakhar Zaman walks in next, at number 3, replacing Sahibzada Farhan.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! CAUGHT! 'Unlucky', says Aamer Sohail on air. But really? Fine leg is up and Omarzai dishes out a juicy half volley around the leg stump. When is Christmas? Right now, isn't it? Farhan accepts the gift and flicks it away but cannot steer it properly. Flicks it straight to short fine leg where Mujeeb Ur Rahman does not have to move an inch! It can in fact, be called as a lucky scalp for Omarzai. Sahibzada Farhan departs for 21 (10) and Pakistan are 26/1 after 2.3 overs!

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sahibzada Farhan, Around off, much fuller, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! PUMMELED! He likes pace, does Farhan. A gentle medium pace delivery, straight and short of full, Sahibzada Farhan stands his ground and swings it with aplomb over mid-wicket!

Excellent start from Mujeeb. Nothing much fancy, but varied his pace nicely. First change of the evening. Here's Azmatullah Omarzai.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sahibzada Farhan, A decent over from Mujeeb Ur Rahman! Flatter, on middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan moves to his left and knocks it towards long on for a single.

Issues. Farhan is not too happy with the sightscreen. The fourth umpire is near the sightscreen and has it sorted. All in readiness now.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Keeps it full again, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub turns it to square leg for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Well played! Fired in quicker, much fuller in length. Saim Ayub gets low and whips it powerfully through square leg for a boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, Ayub backs away to the leg side way too early and seeing that, Mujeeb bowls it slower through the air, outside off. Ayub is too far from the ball and his wild swing cannot meet the ball.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, No broadcast from the stadium for this ball. All we know that it was a dot.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Saim Ayub, A full toss, outside off, Saim Ayub looks to hammer it away but mistimes it towards cover.

Meanwhile, is something brewing in Harare? Sri Lanka's tour of Zimbabwe has kickstarted with a 2-match ODI series in Harare, wherein, the Lankans posted 298/6 in 50 overs, after being asked to bat first. In reply, despite losing two wickets in the first over, with nothing on the board, the hosts have fought back nicely, to reach 236/5 after 42 overs, meaning, they need 63 from the last 8 overs! Back to Sharjah, here's Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Streaky! That was an eventful over from Fazalhaq Farooqi! On a length and outside off, shaping away. Sahibzada Farhan looks to punch it but gets an outside edge as the ball goes past short third for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, Oh, that's a beauty from Fazalhaq Farooqi! Full enough to lure Sahibzada Farhan for a drive and then decking away past the outside edge. So close to the breakthrough!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! In the zone, and it has been dismissed! Much fuller and around off, Sahibzada Farhan stands his ground and plunders it all the way over long off for a biggie.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, This one jags back now. On a good length, pitched around middle and leg, Sahibzada looks to tuck it towards the leg side, but is late, as he is thinking that the ball will move away. But it comes back in, beats him for pace and goes off something to the keeper. The keeper appeals for the catch but the bowler is not too keen. That one hit the inner thigh.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, Up and over this time. Landed around off, a touch shorter than full, Farhan walks into the shot again and looks to go over mid off, but mistimes it. Hence, does not quite find the boundary and takes a couple of runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Sahibzada Farhan, Lovely ball, nicely played. Full, outside off, swinging away, Sahibzada Farhan walks into the shot and drives it towards mid off.

Hot conditions welcome one and all to the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Afghans get into a huddle. The openers from Pakistan get ready to walk out to the middle as the two umpires make their way out. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are the openers. Fazalhaq Farooqi will take the new ball in his hand. Farhan to face. Here we go!

Pitch Report - Bazid Khan and Ramiz Raza are pitchside. Bazid Khan says that the pitch has some grass, and he believes that 160 could be a good target for the team batting first. Ramiz Raza says that it will be interesting to see how spinners perform on this surface.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz (C AND WK), Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and will BAT first.

Both teams bring star power in abundance, and with Sharjah’s tricky contours, the key battles will unfold from the Powerplay to the death. Which side will seize control and kick off the tri-series with a win? Grab your seats, tune in, and ride the wave of anticipation as two cricketing giants write the opening chapter of this much-awaited showdown. Toss and team news will follow shortly...

Afghanistan, as ever, will rely on their spin-dominant approach to control the tempo. Led by Rashid Khan, they boast a battalion of frontline spinners who can strangle the opposition in the middle overs. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz firing at the top and Ibrahim Zadran stepping up with his cool, Afghanistan’s batting depth offers several pathways to victory.

Pakistan arrive with a fresh blueprint. The Men in Green are embracing a younger core, moving beyond some established stars, and gambling on rapid-fire cricket with a bold top order. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and either Sahibzada Farhan or Mohammad Haris loom large at the top, while a versatile middle order and a pace battery led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf promise to keep the pressure on Afghanistan from ball one.

Welcome to a blockbuster start to the Asia Cup build-up as two Asian powerhouses, Afghanistan and Pakistan, collide at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Ground. With less than two weeks to go until the big event, the excitement is palpable as these sides lock horns in a high-octane T20 showdown.

... MATCH DAY ...

Dubai has always been a place where South Asian cricketing rivalries sharpen, and now the build-up to the Asia Cup gets its first taste of action with a T20I Tri-series in the UAE. The tournament begins with Pakistan facing Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a contest that carries both preparation value and psychological weight. For Pakistan, this is about testing a new-look squad without two of their most reliable T20I batters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. For Afghanistan, this is about returning to the format after a long break and getting match practice ahead of the Asia Cup. Both sides know the timing matters, where experiments, player combinations, and conditions all add up in these warm-up battles, and the goal is to arrive at the Asia Cup with clarity. Pakistan’s camp has taken a deliberate shift in approach. Head coach Mike Hesson has worked with a revamped unit led by Salman Agha, focusing on an aggressive style at the top. Sahibzada Farhan has been in excellent touch, winning three Player of the Match awards in his last six outings, and will likely lead the charge alongside Saim Ayub. Fakhar Zaman has recovered from a hamstring injury and adds experience to the top order. With Babar and Rizwan absent, the responsibility is spread across the group, something the practice sessions in Lahore and Dubai have tried to instil. In bowling, Shaheen Afridi returns as the leader of the attack with Mohammad Wasim, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem provide variety. Salman Mirza, fresh from being the top wicket-taker against Bangladesh, adds to the depth. The strategy is clear - batters must go hard early, while the bowling unit banks on pace upfront and spin to control the middle overs. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s build-up has been different. Their players have been based in Abu Dhabi for a training camp, where emphasis has been on fielding and preparation for long tournaments. John Mooney, the newly appointed fielding coach, has been brought in to tighten that part of their game. Rashid Khan leads a squad that is spin-heavy, featuring Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and newcomer Allah Mohammad, who could debut in this series. Batting-wise, the return of Ibrahim Zadran boosts stability at the top, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal provide firepower in the first six overs. Their fast-bowling attack with Fazalhaq Farooqi is experienced in UAE conditions. The challenge for Afghanistan is rhythm, as they have not played a T20I since December 2024, so this series doubles as both a testing ground and a much-needed reset before the Asia Cup. The rivalry between these two sides has been competitive in recent years. Afghanistan won their last bilateral T20I series 2-1 in March 2023, and overall in their last five meetings, Afghanistan have won three while Pakistan took two. Sharjah has generally offered low-scoring contests between these teams in T20Is, with totals rarely going beyond 140, making spin the deciding factor. For Pakistan, the question is whether their aggressive top order can hold firm without the experience of Babar and Rizwan. For Afghanistan, it is about whether their spin attack can continue dominating without much recent match practice. The tri-series itself follows a round-robin format, with each team playing the others twice before the final on September 7. Afghanistan’s schedule is tight, as they begin their Asia Cup on September 9 against Hong Kong, barely a day after a potential tri-series final, while Pakistan’s opener comes on September 12. The bigger picture is clear - this match is not just about points in a tri-series, but about shaping confidence, strategy, and balance ahead of a continental tournament. Can Pakistan’s fresh approach under Hesson bring immediate results? Or will Afghanistan’s spin strength once again dictate terms at Sharjah? These questions matter, and the match will tell us who adapts better!