Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 18 runs Tuesday in their third match of the ongoing tri-nation T20 cricket series, bouncing back from an earlier defeat against their rivals.
The match was played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where Afghanistan batted first and set a target of 170 runs after scoring 169 for five wickets in 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 65 runs, while Sediqullah Atal added 64.
In reply, Pakistan was restricted to 151 for nine in their 20 overs. Rashid Khan claimed two wickets for 30 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/21), Mohammad Nabi (2/20) and Noor Ahmad (2/20) also starred with the ball.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board hailed Nabi’s performance as “sensational,” noting he conceded just 20 runs and took two wickets in his four overs. Skipper Rashid Khan also struck twice in successive deliveries, removing Mohammad Nawaz (12) and Shaheen Afridi (0).
It was Afghanistan’s first win against Pakistan in the tournament. Pakistan had won the opening match between the two sides by 39 runs, while Afghanistan defeated the United Arab Emirates in their second game.
Afghanistan and the UAE are scheduled to face each other again on Friday.
