Rashid Khan, Nawaz Headline Record Spin Fest As PAK Crush AFG In Tri-Series Final

Mohammad Nawaz and Rashid Khan [Source: AFP Photos]

Afghanistan and Pakistan produced one of the most spin-heavy contests in T20I history, with Rashid Khan leading the way in a record match where slow bowlers delivered 29.5 of the 30 overs in Sharjah. Pakistan clinched the UAE Tri-Series 2025 final by 75 runs after skittling Afghanistan for just 66.

This match entered the record books as the second-most overs bowled by spinners in men’s T20Is between Full-Member nations, only behind India vs New Zealand in Lucknow (30 overs in 2023).

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Rashid Khan Leads Afghanistan’s spin charge

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan shouldered the responsibility with a full quota of 4 overs, conceding 38 runs while taking 3 wickets. Despite going slightly expensive, his wickets included key batters Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, and Hasan Nawaz, keeping Pakistan’s innings in check.

Rashid was backed by young left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, who bowled economically with 4-0-17-2, dismissing Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris. Off-spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar added 4-0-27-1, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi delivered 4-0-28-0. Afghanistan’s spin quartet accounted for 16 overs out of 20, claiming 6 of Pakistan’s 8 wickets.

Pakistan’s spin reply seals the title

Chasing 142, Afghanistan’s batting crumbled against Pakistan’s own spin attack. Left-arm all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was the standout with his fifer, running through the middle order by removing Ibrahim Zadran, Rasooli, Omarzai, Janat, and Rashid Khan himself.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed impressed with 4-0-17-2, while young left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem wrapped up the tail with 2.5-0-9-2. Even part-time spinner Saim Ayub contributed 3-0-10-0, keeping the pressure intact. In total, Pakistan bowled 14.5 overs of spin out of 15.5, dismissing Afghanistan for 66.

A record-breaking spin fest

Across both innings, spinners bowled 29.5 overs out of 35.5 overs delivered in the match, making it the second-highest for Full-Member clashes in T20Is. 

Rashid Khan’s leadership and presence defined the spin-heavy contest, but it was Pakistan’s spin trio, led by Mohammad Nawaz, that sealed the trophy.

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