Nawaz bags hat-trick in five-for as Pakistan clinch tri-series

Pakistan Clinch Tri-Series Title

Pakistan 141/8 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 27, Mohammad Nawaz 25; Rashid Khan 3-38, Noor Ahmad 2-17) beat Afghanistan 66 in 15.5 overs (Rashid Khan 17; Mohammad Nawaz 5-19, Sufiyan Muqeem 2-9, Abrar Ahmed 2-17) by 75 runs

Mohammad Nawaz starred with a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, as Pakistan routed Afghanistan to clinch the tri-series title.

Nawaz's spell of 5-19 was the highlight of the match, as Afghanistan were bundled out for 66 chasing Pakistan's 141/8.

Shaheen Afridi got the ball rolling with the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over, before Abrar Ahmed dismissed Sediqullah Atal. Nawaz then struck twice in the sixth over, trapping Darwish Rasooli leg before wicket and having Azmatullah Omarzai caught behind. He completed his hat-trick on the first ball of his next over, stumping Ibrahim Zadran.

Nawaz continued his dominance, dismissing Karim Janat and Rashid Khan in quick succession. Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed then wrapped up the remaining Afghan wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan's batting was also restricted by the spin-friendly surface. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and AM Ghazanfar shared six wickets between them.

Nawaz chipped in with a valuable 25 runs off 21 balls, while Faheem Ashraf contributed 15 runs in a brief cameo.