Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, a tri-series between Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE began with Pakistan registering a commanding 39-run victory over Afghanistan. The match turned into a nightmare for Afghanistan’s batting lineup, which lost five wickets for just four runs in a span of 20 balls. Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf was the chief destroyer, claiming four wickets in just 23 balls to seal the game.

Chasing 183 runs, Afghanistan were well-placed at 93 for 2 after 11 overs. However, the 12th over from Rauf completely changed the contest as he dismissed two batters in quick succession. From there, Afghanistan’s batting collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets within 20 balls while adding only four runs to the score. The team eventually folded for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Captain Rashid Khan tried to mount a fightback, smashing 39 runs off 16 balls with five sixes and a four, but it wasn’t enough. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 38 off 27 balls, while Sadiullah Atal contributed 23. Apart from Rauf’s 4 for 31, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shufiyan Muqim bagged two wickets each for Pakistan.

Earlier, batting first, Pakistan posted 182 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Salman Agha led from the front with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, laced with three fours and three sixes. Contributions also came from Sabijana Farhan (21 off 10), Fakhar Zaman (20), and Mohammad Nawaz, who provided a late flourish with 21 off 11 balls. For Afghanistan, Farid Ahmed picked up two wickets, while Mujeeb ur Rahman, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan chipped in with one each.

With this win, Pakistan began their tri-series campaign on a strong note, while Afghanistan were left to rue a sudden batting collapse that undid their early momentum.