Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha praised his team’s performance after the national side secured a commanding 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the final of the tri-nation series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Agha reflected on Pakistan’s innings and the total they set for Afghanistan, describing it as a challenging target.
"We knew that a score around 140 would be tough, and once we reached that total, we felt it would be a challenging chase for them," he said.
The all-rounder also lauded the exceptional performance of Mohammad Nawaz, highlighting his contributions with bat, ball, and in the field.
"Since his comeback, Nawaz has been outstanding — delivering consistently in all facets of the game. Whenever we are in difficult situations, he is the kind of player we can rely on," Agha added.
Discussing Pakistan’s strategy of playing two spinners, the skipper explained the rationale behind the decision.
"There was a lot of discussion, even from former cricketers and on social media, about playing two spinners. But for us, the decision always depends on the pitch conditions. We assess the pitch on the day, and today, playing two spinners worked well," he stated.
Looking ahead to the Asia Cup 2025, the 31-year-old emphasised the significance of the Sharjah series as preparation for the bigger tournament.
"This series was tough, but our focus was on preparing for the Asia Cup. Of course, we wanted to win, but the bigger goal was preparation," Agha said.
"As a team, we’ve been building well since the Bangladesh series. We’re in good shape and fully ready for the Asia Cup," he added.
Five star Nawaz
Pakistan laid down a marker ahead of the Asia Cup as Mohammad Nawaz took a hat-trick in a 75-run win over Afghanistan in their tri-series final in Sharjah on Sunday.
Nawaz picked up 5-19 in total -- his best figures in T20 internationals -- as Pakistan skittled Afghanistan out for 66 in 15.5 overs while defending a modest 142-run target on a tricky pitch.
Afghan captain Rashid Khan took three wickets to help restrict Pakistan to 141-8, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 27.
Nawaz dismissed Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai off successive deliveries for ducks and then removed Ibrahim Zadran for nine off the first ball of his next over to complete a hat-trick.
Nawaz became the third Pakistani bowler after Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hasnain to achieve the feat in T20Is.
Rashid (17) and Sediqullah Atal (13) were the only batters to reach double figures as Afghanistan recorded their second lowest total in T20Is, behind their 56 all out against South Africa in last year's World Cup semi-finals.
"We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup and we've done that," said Pakistan skipper Salman Agha.
"We've been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we're in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup."
Earlier, Pakistan, who won the toss and batted, also struggled against spin.
Nawaz made a 21-ball 25 with two sixes while Agha laboured to a 27-ball 24.
Zaman added 49 for the second wicket with Saim Ayub (17) after opener Sahibzada Farhan fell off the third ball of the match for a duck.
Rashid dismissed Zaman in his first over and then accounted for Hasan Nawaz (15) and Agha, but only after his opposite number struck him for two sixes.
Afghanistan next open their Asia Cup campaign on Tuesday against Hong Kong in a Group B clash in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the other two teams in their group.
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in Group A. With input from AFP
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