New Delhi, Sept 8 (HS) All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz produced a match-winning performance with a sensational hat-trick and a five-wicket haul as Pakistan crushed Afghanistan by 75 runs in the Sharjah final to clinch the T20 Tri-Nation Series, which also featured hosts UAE.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest 141/8 in 20 overs, with Fakhar Zaman (27) and Nawaz (25) playing crucial knocks. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan starred with the ball, claiming 3 for 38, while Noor Ahmad chipped in with 2 for 17.

In reply, Afghanistan’s chase unraveled in dramatic fashion. Skipper Shaheen Afridi struck early to remove Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and from there wickets tumbled regularly. Nawaz stole the show in the sixth and seventh overs, dismissing Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ibrahim Zadran in succession to complete a : hat-trick. He finished with match figures of 5 for 19.

The Afghan batting collapsed to 66 all out in 15.5 overs, marking their second-lowest total in T20 internationals. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/9) and Abrar Ahmed (2/17) provided excellent support as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated throughout.

With the 75-run victory, Pakistan sealed the Tri-Series crown in commanding fashion, underlining their bowling depth and resilience in the shortest format.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 141/8 (20 overs) – Fakhar Zaman 27, Mohammad Nawaz 25; Rashid Khan 3/38, Noor Ahmad 2/17

Afghanistan: 66 (15.5 overs) – Rashid Khan 17; Mohammad Nawaz 5/19, Sufiyan Muqeem 2/9, Abrar Ahmed 2/17

Result: Pakistan won by 75 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar