The left-arm spinner, named Player of the Match, produced a career-best performance with the ball, taking 5 for 19, including a memorable hat-trick — only the third ever by a Pakistani in T20Is. Afghanistan’s batting line-up crumbled under his spell, managing just 66 runs in reply to Pakistan’s total of 141 for 8. Nawaz had earlier chipped in with a quick 25 off 21 balls, including two sixes, to lift Pakistan’s innings at a crucial stage.

Afghanistan Spinners Shine but Pakistan Post 141

Skipper Salman Ali Agha elected to bat first, but Pakistan endured a shaky start when opener Sahibzada Farhan was bowled by Fazalhaq Farooqi. The Afghan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq kept Pakistan under pressure, with Rashid claiming three wickets and Noor and Fazalhaq bagging two each.

Despite cameos from Fakhar Zaman (who struck the first six of the match), Salman Ali Agha (24 off 27), and Nawaz, Pakistan struggled for momentum, reaching 61-3 at the halfway stage before finishing at 141-8.

Nawaz Leads Bowling Masterclass

In reply, Afghanistan faltered from the outset. Nawaz dismantled their middle order with a decisive hat-trick spread across the 6th and 8th overs, leaving the Afghan chase in tatters. Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim added two wickets apiece as Pakistan’s spin attack thoroughly outclassed their Afghan counterparts.

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Tournament Recap

The tri-series, played as a warm-up for the upcoming Asia Cup starting September 9, saw Pakistan secure their place in the final after back-to-back wins over the UAE. Afghanistan booked their spot by edging past the hosts in a nail-biter.

The two finalists had split their earlier encounters — Pakistan won the opener by 39 runs, while Afghanistan bounced back with an 18-run victory in the return clash. However, in the decisive final, Pakistan proved far superior, lifting the trophy in front of a packed crowd at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.