Pakistan outclassed Afghanistan in Sharjah with a dominant spin display, winning the final T20I by 74 runs to seal the series, Cricbuzz reported. Batting first on a slow, turning pitch, Pakistan posted 140 for 8, with Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz steadying the innings after early wickets. The total looked modest, but it proved more than enough as Afghanistan, who had recently called themselves Asia’s second-best T20 side, crumbled under the pressure.
Afghanistan’s chase fell apart almost immediately. They lost five wickets inside the powerplay and never recovered. Mohammad Nawaz was the star of the show, taking 5 for 19, the fifth-best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20Is. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 66 in 15.4 overs, their second-lowest total in T20I history, behind only the 56 they made against South Africa in 2024. The match featured 29.5 overs of spin, the second-most ever in a Men’s T20I between two full-member nations, just short of the 30 overs bowled in India’s clash with New Zealand in Lucknow in 2023.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha praised his team’s adaptability, saying the decision to play two specialist spinners was based on reading the conditions perfectly. He also hailed Nawaz’s all-round form since his comeback. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan admitted his side failed to play their brand of cricket and were surprised by the amount of turn, but said the experience would help them prepare for the Asia Cup.
With the Asia Cup just around the corner, Pakistan’s performance was the perfect confidence boost. They ticked almost every tactical box and showed why their spin attack is among the most dangerous in world cricket. For Afghanistan, the heavy defeat was a reminder that big claims mean little without the ability to adapt when conditions turn against you.