Ibrahim Zadran Sizzles In Afghanistan’s Thrilling Win Over Pakistan | United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025

The UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 delivered another high-octane thriller as Afghanistan outclassed Pakistan by 18 runs at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Under the bright floodlights and in front of a buzzing crowd, it was a night of poise, power, and precision, where Ibrahim Zadran’s elegant 65, paired with clinical bowling from the Afghan spinners, proved too much for a misfiring Pakistani lineup.

This was Afghanistan’s second win of the series, and it firmly underlined their transformation into a formidable force in T20I cricket. For Pakistan, it was a wake-up call — a reminder that chasing even par scores requires more than just a few cameos.

Afghanistan’s Innings: Anchored by Zadran, Accelerated by Atal

Toss: Afghanistan won and chose to bat

Afghanistan’s decision to bat first was tactical — knowing Sharjah tends to assist spinners under lights and that batting first in pressure games often tilts the balance.

Their innings, however, didn’t begin with fireworks. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early for just 8, mistiming a pull shot off Shaheen Afridi, but that brought together the duo who would script the night’s foundation: Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal.

Zadran and Atal: Building the Blueprint

Zadran’s innings was a masterclass in tempo control. Never hurried, never flashy — he rotated strike efficiently and punished loose balls with authority. His 65 off 45 balls included 8 fours and 1 towering six — a demonstration of controlled aggression.
Atal, on the other hand, was the perfect foil. With shots all around the ground, including a stunning cover drive off Faheem Ashraf and a switch-hit off Saim Ayub, he compiled a rapid 64 off 45 deliveries, attacking the pacers and unsettling Pakistan’s rhythm.

Their 100+ run stand — the bedrock of Afghanistan’s innings — came in just 11.2 overs, and the score moved from a cautious 20/1 to a strong 126/2 by the 16th over.

Final Flourish: Janat, Nabi, Rashid Add Spark

The final four overs were crucial, and Afghanistan ensured they didn’t waste the momentum. Despite Atal and Zadran falling in quick succession, Karim Janat (14 off 9), Mohammad Nabi (9 off 6), and Rashid Khan (7 off 3) added quick, vital runs.

From 140/3 at 17.4 overs, Afghanistan closed at a competitive 169/5 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s Bowling: Faheem Ashraf Shines Amidst Chaos

While the Pakistani attack lacked bite for most of the innings, one man stood tall — Faheem Ashraf.

4/27 in 4 overs
Claimed the big wickets of Atal, Janat, and Nabi
Varied his pace and lengths beautifully on a surface that didn’t offer much

Young spinner Saim Ayub also impressed with an economical 1/18 from 4 overs, tying down the Afghan middle order for a brief spell. But apart from them, the rest of the attack — particularly the seamers — were expensive and ineffective.

Target Set: 170 Runs Needed for Victory

On a batting-friendly surface with short boundaries, a target of 170 seemed challenging but achievable. But what followed was a collapse under pressure, triggered by poor shot selection and relentless Afghan bowling.

Pakistan’s Chase: Bright Start, Dark Middle, Late Hope

Pakistan’s chase began with early momentum, thanks to Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan, who came out swinging.

Powerplay Highlights:

Zaman hit three boundaries in the first three overs and was looking dangerous before holing out for 25 off 18.
Farhan was fluent as well, making 18 off 13 with clean shots down the ground.

At 40/1 after 5 overs, Pakistan were well on course. But then, the momentum crashed.

Middle-Order Meltdown: Afghan Spinners Squeeze Pakistan

Afghan Spin Web:

Mohammad Nabi: 2/20 (4 overs)
Noor Ahmad: 2/20 (4 overs)
Rashid Khan: 2/30 (4 overs)

Together, they turned the tide.

Notable Dismissals:

Mohammad Haris (6 off 9): Trapped LBW by Nabi trying to sweep.
Hasan Nawaz (12 off 16): Caught at deep midwicket off Noor Ahmad.
Mohammad Nawaz (10 off 17): Run rate pressure led to a mistimed reverse sweep.

By the 14th over, Pakistan were 85/6, with the required rate crossing 11 RPO.

Late Fireworks: Haris Rauf’s Unexpected Assault

Just when it seemed over, Haris Rauf, known more for his bowling, launched a brutal counterattack.

Rauf’s Blitz:

34 off 16 balls
4 Sixes, all straight down the ground
Attacked Rashid Khan and Janat with intent

His sixes off Rashid — including one out of the ground — brought Pakistan momentarily back into contention. The Sharjah crowd erupted in belief, hoping for a miracle.

But with no support from the other end, Rauf’s lone battle ended in the 19th over when he holed out to long-on.

Final Score: Pakistan Fall Short

Pakistan ended at 151/9 in 20 overs, falling 18 runs short.

Pakistan Batting Card Highlights:

Fakhar Zaman – 25 (18)
Haris Rauf – 34 (16)
Sahibzada Farhan – 18 (13)
Mohammad Nawaz – 10 (17)
Mohammad Haris – 6 (9)

Match Summary: Afghanistan vs Pakistan, UAE Tri-Series 2025

🏟️ Venue	Sharjah Cricket Stadium
🏆 Result	Afghanistan won by 18 runs
🧾 Afghanistan	169/5 (20 overs)
🧾 Pakistan	151/9 (20 overs)
🌟 Player of the Match	Ibrahim Zadran – 65 (45)

Post-Match Reactions:

🗣️ Ibrahim Zadran (Player of the Match):

“I just focused on playing each ball on merit. Atal gave me good company, and our bowlers did the rest. Great win for the team.”

🗣️ Rashid Khan, Afghanistan Captain:

“Proud of the boys. Defending in Sharjah is tough, but our spinners were outstanding. Zadran was calm and classy.”

🗣️ Shadab Khan, Pakistan Vice-Captain:

“We lacked partnerships. Credit to Afghanistan, they executed better. Haris Rauf gave us hope, but we need to regroup.”

Stat Highlights & Milestones

Zadran–Atal Partnership: First 100+ stand for Afghanistan in T20Is against Pakistan

Faheem Ashraf: Best figures for a Pakistani pacer in Sharjah since 2012

Rauf’s 34: Highest score by a Pakistani No. 9 in T20Is

Nabi + Noor + Rashid: Combined figures of 6/70 in 12 overs

What This Win Means for Afghanistan

This win further establishes Afghanistan as a T20 giant slayer. Their spin trio remains world-class, and with batters like Zadran and Atal stepping up, the team is no longer just dependent on Rashid Khan or Gurbaz.

They now top the UAE T20I Tri-Series points table and are well-positioned for a place in the final.

Pakistan’s Path Forward: Rethink or Regroup?

Pakistan’s inconsistencies continue to hurt them in multi-team tournaments. With concerns over their middle-order fragility and spin vulnerability, the team must urgently address balance and shot selection.

Shuffling the order, considering more proactive players like Iftikhar Ahmed, and perhaps promoting Shadab Khan up the order, could be crucial for the remainder of the series.

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