Sharjah: A remarkable five-wicket haul and a hat-trick by spinner Mohammed Nawaz propelled Pakistan to a significant tri-nation series victory, as they triumphed over Afghanistan in the final by a substantial margin of 75 runs at Sharjah on Sunday.
Pakistan concluded this tri-nation series with four victories and one defeat, while Afghanistan finished with three wins and two losses, including this final match. The UAE, as hosts, unfortunately lost all their games. This series victory is a positive indicator for Pakistan, who will kick off their Asia Cup campaign here on September 12 against Oman in Dubai.
Pakistan chose to bat first, and despite a 49-run partnership for the second wicket between Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27 off 26 balls, including two fours and a six), they found themselves in a precarious position at 72/5 in 11.3 overs. Captain Salman Agha (24 off 27 balls, with two sixes) and Mohammed Haris (25 off 21 balls, with two sixes) played vital innings to help Pakistan reach 141/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Rashid Khan (3/38) was the top wicket-taker for Afghanistan, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmed each claimed two wickets. Allah Ghazanfar took one wicket.
Afghanistan posed little threat during this modest run chase, with Nawaz striking twice in the last two balls of the sixth over to leave them at 29/4. On the first ball of the seventh over, Nawaz completed his hat-trick by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran (9). Only Sediqullah Atal (13) and captain Rashid (17) managed to score in double digits as Pakistan bowled them out for 66 in 15.5 overs.
Nawaz (5/19) emerged as Pakistan's leading bowler, becoming the fifth player from the country to achieve a T20I five-wicket haul, joining the ranks of Sufiyan Muqeem, Umar Gul, Imad Wasim, and Hasan Ali. Following Faheem Ashraf and Mohammed Hasnain, he also became the third Pakistani bowler to secure a hat-trick in T20Is, marking the first time a spinner from Pakistan has accomplished this feat.
Both Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan contributed with two wickets each on a pitch that favored spin.
Nawaz was awarded the 'Player of the Series' title, having taken 10 wickets across five matches and scored 120 runs at an average of 30, with a strike rate of 133.33 and a top score of 37*, showcasing a commendable all-round performance.
