Nawaz Secures Hat-Trick in Five-Wicket Haul as Pakistan Wins Tri-Series
Afghanistan was bundled out for just 66 runs while chasing 141, with Pakistan’s spinner Mohammad Nawaz claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick. Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed also contributed with two wickets each as Pakistan dominated to clinch the tri-series title in Sharjah.
Spin Dominates the Title Clash
The match featured an impressive 29.5 overs of spin bowling—the second-highest in a men's T20I between full-member nations. Afghanistan struggled against the spin attack, losing four wickets inside the PowerPlay overs.
- Shaheen Afridi opened the bowling by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over.
- Legspinner Abrar Ahmed took the wicket of left-hander Sediqullah Atal in the fifth over.
- Mohammad Nawaz struck twice in the sixth over, trapping Darwish Rasooli leg before having Azmatullah Omarzai caught behind.
Nawaz’s Hat-Trick and Match-Changing Spell
"On the first ball of his next over, he drew Ibrahim Zadran forward and had him stumped to complete his hat-trick."
Afghanistan collapsed to 32/5, facing a heavy defeat. Nawaz continued his devastating spell by claiming Karim Janat three balls later, completing a double-wicket maiden over.
Afghanistan’s Response and Pakistan’s Control
Despite Rashid Khan coming to the crease to steady the innings, Abrar Ahmed struck again in the 11th over, dismissing Mohammad Nabi. Nawaz wrapped up his five-wicket haul by taking Rashid’s wicket in the 13th over, sealing a comprehensive victory for Pakistan.
"Rashid Khan arrived with his team in absolute tatters and attempted to push back but Abrar returned in the 11th over to account for Mohammad Nabi."
Pakistan’s powerful spin attack proved decisive in their tri-series title triumph, exploiting Afghanistan’s weak resistance against spin.
Author’s summary: Mohammad Nawaz’s exceptional five-wicket haul, including a crucial hat-trick, was pivotal in Pakistan's comprehensive tri-series win over Afghanistan, who were overwhelmed by spin bowling.