Salman, Rauf Fire Pakistan to Tri-Series Opener Win

News Desk

Sharjah: A composed unbeaten half-century from skipper Agha Salman and a devastating spell from Haris Rauf powered Pakistan to a commanding 39-run win over Afghanistan in the opening clash of the T20I tri-series on Friday night.

Pakistan, batting first on a lively Sharjah pitch, posted 182 for 7 thanks to Salman’s 53* off 36 balls and crucial late-order hitting from Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf, who together added 50 runs in just 29 deliveries. 

Despite Rashid Khan’s sharp spell that dragged Pakistan back after a fiery start from Sahibzada Farhan (21 off 10), the depth in Pakistan’s batting order ensured a competitive total.

Afghanistan, in reply, began steadily with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (38) providing intent at the top and Sediqullah Atal holding one end. 

At 93 for 2 in the 11th over, the chase looked balanced before Haris Rauf ripped through their plans with a searing double-wicket maiden. His fiery pace not only dismissed Atal and Karim Janat but also triggered an almighty collapse.

From 93 for 2, Afghanistan crashed to 98 for 7, losing five wickets for just four runs in 16 balls. Sufiyan Muqeem and Nawaz joined the act, while Shaheen Afridi kept the pressure unrelenting. Rashid Khan’s dazzling cameo — 39 off 16 balls — entertained briefly but came too late to prevent Afghanistan from being bundled out for 143.

For Pakistan, the win highlighted the growing maturity of their newer leadership group. Salman, not widely regarded as a T20 specialist, stood tall in the face of Rashid’s challenge, while Rauf showed once again why he is Pakistan’s deadliest weapon in the middle overs.

The victory not only gave Pakistan early momentum in the tri-series but also underlined the team’s evolving strategy: relying less on traditional stars and more on collective depth and discipline to get results.

Input from cricinfo website.