Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Zadran & Atal’s Fifties Fire Afghanistan to 169/5 in Sharjah
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Event: 4th match, UAE T20I Tri-Series
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Source: NDTV Live Updates, Indian Express, Outlook, Cricbuzz NDTV SportsThe Indian ExpressOutlook IndiaCricbuzz
Toss & Lineups
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Toss: Afghanistan won and elected to bat first. Outlook India
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Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Outlook India
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Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. Outlook India
Innings Summary
Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 169/5 in 20 overs, led by strong performances from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, who stitched together a vital partnership and both reached half-centuries. Cricbuzz
Partnership Highlights:
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Atal and Zadran combined for a 113-run second-wicket stand, the second-highest for Afghanistan in T20Is. Both contributed gritty 50+ innings, with Atal making 64 off 45 balls before getting out. NDTV SportsThe Indian Express
Pakistan’s Response in the Middle Overs
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A significant shift came when Faheem Ashraf struck in quick succession—first dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai, then removing the well-set Zadran, both in the same over. Outlook IndiaBusiness Standard
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Rashid Khan offered some late fireworks for Afghanistan with a powerful slog for six in the final over. NDTV Sports
Match Context
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Pakistan had already won their opening two matches of the tri-series—first defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs and then beating UAE—leaving them on the brink of securing their spot in the final with another win here. NDTV Sports+1Outlook India
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Afghanistan, meanwhile, needed a strong showing to keep their hopes alive in the competition. Outlook IndiaThe Indian Express
Quick Stats Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan Innings | 169/5 (20 overs) |
| Top Performers (Afg) | Zadran (50+), Atal (64 off 45) |
| Key Wickets (Pak) | Omarzai, Zadran (both by Ashraf) |
| Partnership Highlight | 113 runs — 2nd wicket |
| Current Status (Pak) | Two wins; victory here secures final spot |
| Match Pitch Conditions | High-scoring Sharjah surface with dew likely to influence second inning |
Bottom Line
A spirited batting display from Zadran and Atal powered Afghanistan to a respectable total. Faheem Ashraf’s crucial breakthroughs gave Pakistan hope. With just 169 on the board, all eyes now turn to whether Pakistan can chase it down under the Sharjah lights and lock in their place in the tri-series final.
Would you like me to draft a follow-up blog once the match concludes, or include tactical analysis and player ratings for the chase?