Cricket fans were treated to an exciting finish in Sharjah on September 7, 2025, as Pakistan faced Afghanistan in the final of the UAE T20I Tri-Series. While both teams had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament, the final turned out to be a clear win for Pakistan.
Pakistan Sets a Competitive Score
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first. The pitch at Sharjah had help for spinners, making it tough for batters to score quickly. Despite early struggles, Pakistan managed to post 141/8 in 20 overs.
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Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a steady start.
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Middle-order batters added important runs under pressure.
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Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad kept the chase within reach by taking regular wickets.
It wasn’t a huge total, but Pakistan’s bowlers had something to defend.
Afghanistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 142, Afghanistan faced trouble from the very first over. Pakistan’s fast bowlers and spinners combined to dismantle their lineup. Afghanistan could only score 66 runs in 15.5 overs, falling short by 75 runs.
Bowling Highlights
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Shaheen Afridi picked up an early wicket to set the tone.
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Abrar Ahmed applied pressure with spin.
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Mohammad Nawaz stole the spotlight with an outstanding 5 wickets for 19 runs, including a hat-trick.
This spell from Nawaz was the turning point and left Afghanistan with no way back.
Match Summary in Numbers
| Team | Score | Overs Played |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 141/8 | 20 overs |
| Afghanistan | 66 all out | 15.5 overs |
| Result | Pakistan won by 75 runs | — |
Player of the Match
Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling. His control, variation, and confidence helped Pakistan defend a modest total with ease.
Lessons from the Final
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Pakistan’s Strength: A disciplined bowling attack can defend even a below-par score.
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Afghanistan’s Challenge: Their batters struggled against spin and pressure situations.
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Fans’ Takeaway: Finals are often decided by who handles the big moments better, and this time Pakistan came out on top.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan final in Sharjah ended with Pakistan lifting the trophy after a 75-run victory. While Pakistan celebrated their balanced team effort, Afghanistan will look to bounce back stronger in future tournaments.
This game was a reminder that in T20 cricket, momentum can shift quickly, but teamwork and discipline often decide the winner. Fans in Sharjah and around the world will remember this final for Pakistan’s strong bowling display and Mohammad Nawaz’s match-winning spell.