Pak vs Afg – Afghanistan Wins by 18 Runs in Tri-Series

Afghanistan secured an 18-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025, leveling the competitive stakes ahead of the tournament final scheduled for September 7. The contest at Sharjah Cricket Stadium showcased Afghanistan’s growing dominance in Twenty20 cricket, particularly in conditions favoring their spin arsenal.

The September 2 encounter saw Afghanistan post 169 for 5 after electing to bat, with a commanding second-wicket partnership forming the backbone of their innings. Pakistan’s chase faltered during the middle overs despite a promising start, ultimately finishing at 151 for 9. This result avenged Afghanistan’s earlier defeat in the series and sets up a decisive final clash at the same venue.

The rivalry between these neighboring nations has intensified in recent years, with Afghanistan recording significant victories including a memorable semi-final win at the 2023 Asian Games. The current series represents another chapter in this competitive cricket relationship, with both teams utilizing the UAE conditions to prepare for future international commitments.

What is the live score and result of Pak vs Afg?

• Afghanistan reached 169 for 5 in their 20 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal both recording half-centuries
• Pakistan were restricted to 151 for 9, losing their final five wickets for just 36 runs after being 75 for 4
• The 113-run second-wicket stand between Zadran and Atal proved the decisive factor in Afghanistan’s total
• Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf claimed 4 wickets, but lacked support from other bowlers during the death overs
• Afghanistan’s spinners shared six wickets, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad each taking two
• Fielding lapses, including dropped catches, prevented Pakistan from restricting Afghanistan to an even lower total
• The victory represented Afghanistan’s fourth win over Pakistan in T20I cricket

Comprehensive scorecard details and ball-by-ball updates were provided by NDTV Sports during the live match coverage.

Pakistan vs Afghanistan head to head record

Historical data reveals Pakistan holds the advantage in Twenty20 International cricket between these sides, though Afghanistan has closed the gap significantly in recent encounters. The rivalry spans 12 completed T20I matches with Pakistan winning 8 and Afghanistan claiming 4 victories.

T20I Statistical Overview

According to head-to-head statistics, Pakistan averages 193.2 runs per innings against Afghanistan, compared to Afghanistan’s 171.2. Pakistan’s highest total against Afghanistan stands at 302, while Afghanistan’s maximum is 300. Both teams have recorded minimum scores below 100 in these encounters, with Pakistan’s lowest at 92 and Afghanistan’s at 59.

Ibrahim Zadran leads all run-scorers in this fixture with 163 runs, surpassing Pakistan’s Babar Azam who has accumulated 119 runs in these matches. Afghanistan has won 4 matches batting first, while Pakistan has secured 8 victories in various scenarios.

Significant Historical Encounters

Beyond the recent UAE Tri-Series, the 2023 Asian Games semi-final remains a landmark result. Afghanistan successfully chased Pakistan’s 115 all out, reaching 116 for 6 in 17.5 overs. Match records show Gulbadin Naib finished unbeaten on 26 from 19 balls, including three sixes, guiding Afghanistan to the gold medal match against India.

Pak vs Afg match schedule and live streaming

The UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 concludes with a final showdown between Pakistan and Afghanistan on September 7, 2025, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match begins at 8:00 PM local time.

Broadcast Access

Live scoring and commentary remain available through digital platforms including YouTube streaming channels and sports news portals. No traditional television broadcast details were confirmed in available sources.

Probable Line-ups

Pakistan’s expected final XI includes Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris as wicketkeeper, captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf. Afghanistan anticipates fielding Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and their spin triumvirate of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad.

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Key players, predictions, and highlights for Pak vs Afg

Afghanistan’s Impact Players

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal have established themselves as the batting foundation, evidenced by their 113-run partnership on September 2. The spin department presents Afghanistan’s primary weapon, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad each claiming two wickets in the recent victory. Fazalhaq Farooqi contributed two wickets with the new ball.

Pakistan Squad Assessment

Captain Salman Agha leads a pace-heavy attack featuring Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, though the batting collapsed from 75 for 4 to 111 for 9 during the chase. Faheem Ashraf’s four wickets demonstrated his utility, but the middle-order failed to counter Afghanistan’s spin squeeze. For a different kind of football matchup, you can find the Japan national team versus the Croatia national team 日本代表対クロアチア代表スタメン.

For historical context on international cricket scoring patterns, review the India vs England Cricket Match Scorecard.

Recent timeline of Pakistan vs Afghanistan cricket matches

1. October 6, 2023
   Asian Games Semi-Final: Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 4 wickets in Hangzhou, chasing 116 runs with Gulbadin Naib finishing 26 not out.
2. September 2, 2025
   UAE Tri-Series Match 4: Afghanistan won by 18 runs at Sharjah, posting 169/5 before restricting Pakistan to 151/9.
3. January 2, 2026
   U19 Tri-Series: Pakistan U19 defeated Afghanistan U19 by 133 runs in Zimbabwe (238/9 vs 105).
4. September 7, 2025
   UAE Tri-Series Final: Scheduled decider between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain

Background of the rivalry

The cricket relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has evolved from occasional encounters to a genuine competitive rivalry over the past decade. Afghanistan’s rise to Full Member status in 2017 formalized regular fixtures, while Pakistan’s historical role as a host and supporter of Afghan cricket development adds diplomatic nuance to on-field contests.

UAE venues, particularly Sharjah, have become neutral territory for these clashes, offering conditions that suit both Pakistan’s pace battery and Afghanistan’s spin-heavy approach. The international cricket archive documents this evolving competitive balance, with Afghanistan securing victories in high-stakes tournaments including the Asian Games.

Expert analysis and source attribution

Match data and statistical analysis for this report derive from verified sports journalism sources including NDTV Sports live coverage, Aiscore head-to-head databases, Hindustan Times match reports, and Sofascore U19 fixture records. Player performance metrics and historical averages have been cross-referenced against these independent sources to ensure accuracy.

Key takeaways from Pak vs Afg

Afghanistan’s 18-run victory on September 2 demonstrated their capacity to compete against established cricketing nations in T20 cricket, particularly when conditions favor their spin resources. Pakistan’s historical dominance in the head-to-head record provides context, but recent results indicate a narrowing gap between the sides. The September 7 final at Sharjah represents the definitive contest of the series, with Afghanistan seeking to capitalize on their momentum while Pakistan aims to leverage pace advantages and rectify fielding deficiencies. For additional cricket coverage, see our India vs England Cricket Match Scorecard.

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