SHARJAH: Afghanistan set a target of 170 runs after posting 169/5 against Pakistan in the fourth match of the ongoing T20I tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s batting line-up delivered a competitive total despite disciplined bowling spells from the Green Shirts. Skipper Rashid Khan’s men will now look to defend the total against a Pakistan side riding high on momentum.
Pakistan’s Strong Start in Series
The Green Shirts, led by stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha, entered the contest at the top of the points table with two convincing wins, including their opening triumph over Afghanistan. In that match, Pakistan had piled up 182/7 before dismissing Afghanistan for 143, sealing a 39-run victory. Agha starred with the bat, scoring a 36-ball 53.
Pakistan’s recent form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five completed T20Is, while Afghanistan has managed three victories over the same stretch.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20 internationals, Pakistan holds the edge over Afghanistan, winning five of their eight encounters. Afghanistan, however, has shown its growing competitiveness, notably clinching a bilateral series 2-1 in 2023.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
With Pakistan looking to maintain their unbeaten streak and Afghanistan eager to level the head-to-head tally in this series, the Sharjah crowd is set for a thrilling contest.
