Pakistan cricket team and Mohammad Nawaz sent a strong message to India ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 by beating Afghanistan by 75 runs in the UAE T20I Tri-Series final on Sunday.
Pakistan, which is ranked eighth in the world, used this tournament to gain practice and confidence before the big Asia Cup and their exciting match against world No. 1 India.
Afghanistan entered as favourites
Despite Pakistan’s preparations, Afghanistan were widely regarded as the favourites for the Tri-Series. At a pre-tournament press conference, a journalist called Afghanistan Asia’s second-best team after India, which visibly irked Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. His reaction went viral, adding extra drama to the build-up.
Pakistan’s reply on the field was emphatic. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs while chasing 142, with Mohammad Nawaz stealing the show. The left-arm spinner achieved an amazing hat-trick, getting Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ibrahim Zadran out in three balls in a row. Nawaz finished with figures of 5 for 19, while Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem took two wickets each and pacer Shaheen Afridi claimed one.
Unlike the Champions Trophy, where Pakistan mainly depended on fast bowlers, this time they are focusing more on spin bowlers because the Sharjah pitch is slow. Since Dubai is expected to have similar conditions, spinners are likely to be very important in the upcoming Asia Cup T20 matches.
Tri-series experience boosts Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup
The Tri-Series provided Pakistan with crucial match practice in UAE conditions, which will also host the Asia Cup. “We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup and we’ve done that,” Salman Agha told reporters. “We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh series at home. Now, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared,” he added.”
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Oman, and UAE. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for Sunday, 14 September, in Dubai, setting the stage for one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.