Afghanistan as soon as once more faltered in a high-pressure knockout sport, this time within the 2025 UAE T20I Tri-Collection ultimate in Sharjah. Chasing a modest 142 in opposition to Pakistan on Sunday, September 7, Afghanistan have been bundled out for simply 66 runs, handing Pakistan a 75-run victory and the series title.
The collapse was engineered by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who produced a career-best efficiency. Nawaz claimed 5 wickets for 19 runs, together with a uncommon T20I hat-trick, dismantling Afghanistan’s center order and leaving Rashid Khan’s males with no means again into the competition.
This complete of 66 is Afghanistan’s second-lowest in T20 internationals and likewise the bottom rating by any group in a T20I match ultimate, surpassing Norway’s 69 in opposition to Jersey within the 2023 Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier.
Afghanistan’s lowest T20I totals: A glance again at their struggles
1) 56 all out vs South Africa (Tarouba, 2024)
Within the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled in opposition to South Africa’s fiery tempo assault. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje ripped via the order, whereas Tabraiz Shamsi added the ending touches. Afghanistan have been dismissed for simply 56 in 11.5 overs, with solely Azmatullah Omarzai (10) reaching double digits. South Africa chased down the goal in simply 8.5 overs, registering the lowest-ever complete in a World Cup knockout sport.
2) 66 all out vs Pakistan (Sharjah, 2025)
Within the 2025 UAE Tri-Collection ultimate, Afghanistan regarded on target for a chase however misplaced seven wickets for 20 runs after the powerplay. Nawaz’s five-wicket haul, which included dismissals of Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and captain Ibrahim Zadran in his hat-trick, sealed their destiny. Pakistan lifted the trophy as Afghanistan folded for 66 in 15.2 overs.
3) 72 all out vs Bangladesh (Mirpur, 2014)
Afghanistan’s first sport of the 2014 ICC World T20 noticed them bundled out for 72 in 17.1 overs. Gulbadin Naib’s 21 was the one notable contribution. Spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak dominated, whereas Bangladesh secured a cushty nine-wicket win.
4) 80 all out vs South Africa (Bridgetown, 2010)
On their T20 World Cup cup debut in 2010, Afghanistan have been examined by South Africa’s world-class tempo assault. Diminished to 14/6 at one stage, they finally managed 80 runs in 16 overs, due to lower-order resistance. Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn have been unplayable, and South Africa received by 59 runs.
5) 80 all out vs England (Colombo, 2012)
In the course of the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, Afghanistan have been tasked with chasing 197 in opposition to England. The scoreboard strain proved an excessive amount of as they have been bowled out for 80 in 17.2 overs. England’s superior tempo and spin assault highlighted the gulf in high quality at that stage of Afghanistan’s growth.
Additionally READ: 5 Pakistan bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is ft. Mohammad Nawaz
Afghanistan’s recurring give up in large matches
Whereas Afghanistan have produced world-class abilities like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, their struggles in knockout or high-stakes video games persist. 4 of their 5 lowest totals have are available in ICC tournaments or finals, underlining the psychological and tactical challenges they face in opposition to established cricketing nations.
The current defeat in opposition to Pakistan is one other reminder that Afghanistan’s subsequent leap as a cricketing powerhouse relies upon not simply on particular person brilliance but in addition on creating the temperament to deal with crunch moments. With the Asia Cup 2025 across the nook, Afghanistan will purpose to bounce again and show they’ll overcome these recurring batting collapses on the worldwide stage.
Additionally READ: Top 5 lowest team totals for South Africa in ODIs
