• Source:JND
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Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I: Afghanistan sent a powerful message to Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup, registering a compelling 18-run triumph in a low-scoring match in the tri-series at Sharjah.

Ibrahim Zadran's 65 and Sediqullah Atal's 64 set the stage with a dominant batting display, with Afghanistan's spinners delivering a masterclass that claimed a remarkable victory.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first against Pakistan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz's early wicket for just 8, courtesy Saim Ayub's spin, put Afghanistan on the back foot, but the tide turned dramatically as it invited Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran to form a crucial partnership.

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Atal and Zadran's crucial 113-run partnership saved Afghanistan from early wobbles; however, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, adding only single-digit scores. Afghanistan eventually posted a defendable 169 in 20 overs.

AFG vs PAK: Pakistan's failed chase

Chasing 170, Pakistan were presently hit by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s spirited bowling, removing Saim Ayub for a golden duck in the second over and removing Sahibzada Farhan in the fourth.

Afghanistan's spin trio -Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad - tightened the screw on Pakistan's batting lineup.

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Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman's brief fightback was snuffed out when the captain fell to Mohammad Nabi's sharp spin. Zaman's fast single proved useless as he was soon run out for a modest score.

Mohammad Haris could not retrieve Pakistan's innings with wickets falling at regular intervals. Pakistan eventually mustered 151/9, 18 runs shy of the target.