On August 29, 2025, Pakistan vs. Afghanistan electrified Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE T20I Tri-Series, a vital warm-up for the Asia Cup 2025. Captain Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan to a thrilling 39-run victory, posting 182/7 before restricting Afghanistan to 143/7 in 20 overs. Despite a blazing 39 off 16 balls* from Rashid Khan, Afghanistan fell short, cementing Pakistan’s dominance in this Asia Cup 2025 prelude.
Salman Ali Agha’s Stellar 53* Sets the Tone
Pakistan’s innings stumbled early, reaching 83/4 after losing Saim Ayub (14), Sahibzada Farhan (21), and Fakhar Zaman (20). Salman Ali Agha turned the game with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes), hammering back-to-back sixes off Rashid Khan in the 13th over. His fourth T20I fifty, alongside partnerships with Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 11) and Mohammad Haris (15 off 13), powered Pakistan to a formidable total on a spin-friendly Sharjah pitch.
Rashid Khan’s Fireworks Fall Short
Chasing 183, Afghanistan struggled against Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who triggered a middle-order collapse. Rashid Khan ignited hopes with an explosive 39 not out off 16 balls (strike rate 243.75), including a stunning shot over backward point. Despite his heroics and earlier bowling (1 wicket, dismissing Ayub), Afghanistan’s 143/7 couldn’t match Pakistan’s intensity in the UAE T20I Tri-Series opener.