UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025, Final Review: Nawaz’s five-wicket haul fires Pakistan to tri-series glory

Pakistan produced a commanding performance to outclass Afghanistan in the final of the UAE T20 Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, lifting the trophy with a comprehensive 75-run victory.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan had a shaky start when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a duck in just the third ball of the innings. However, Saim Ayub and the experienced Fakhar Zaman steadied the ship, adding valuable runs to push the score close to 50 before Ayub departed with the scoreboard standing 49. Afghanistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, preventing Pakistan’s batters from finding any real momentum.

Despite the struggles, Pakistan managed to post 141 for 8 in their 20 overs, with Fakhar’s 27 being the highest contribution. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 38, while Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi chipped in with two wickets each.

Chasing a modest target, Afghanistan crumbled under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers. None of their batters managed to settle at the crease, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz turned the contest decisively in Pakistan’s favour with a sensational spell of 5 for 19, which included a maiden over and a remarkable hat-trick. His brilliance dismantled Afghanistan’s batting line-up, with Rashid’s 17 being the highest individual contribution. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs.

Pakistan sealed the final by 75 runs to clinch the tri-series title. Nawaz, who finished with 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 11.70, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

With the tri-series concluded, attention now turns to the Asia Cup 2025. Afghanistan will face Hong Kong in the opening match on September 9, hosts UAE will take on India on September 10, and Pakistan begin their campaign against Oman on September 12.