In the tri-series preceding the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan secured a decisive victory against Afghanistan, winning by 39 runs. Afghanistan’s batting performance faltered significantly in the match. They lost five wickets for a mere 4 runs in a span of 20 balls. Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf played a crucial role, dismantling the Afghan batting lineup by taking 4 wickets in just 23 balls. Afghanistan, chasing a target of 183 runs, initially showed promise, reaching 93/2 in 11 overs. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 12th over, as Haris Rauf’s impactful spell turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. Despite the captain, Rashid Khan’s efforts to stabilize the innings with a score of 39 runs (including 5 sixes and 1 four), Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Sadullah Atal scored 23 runs off 19 balls, and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 38 runs from 27 balls. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs in 3.5 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem each picked up two wickets. Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, also scored a half-century in the match.
