Post by : Raman

Photo : AP

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan recently faced a heartbreaking personal loss. His elder brother, Haji Abdul Halim Shinwari, passed away last week, leaving Rashid and his family in deep grief. The news was shared by Afghanistan players on social media, with teammates and former players offering condolences. Ibrahim Zadran, a current Afghanistan player, expressed his sorrow, saying, “An elder brother is like a father to the family. My heartfelt condolences to Rashid Khan and his family.” Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan also prayed for the family, asking for patience and strength in this difficult time.

In a touching gesture, the Pakistan cricket team paid tribute to Rashid Khan after the first T20 International (T20I) match of the ongoing tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This heartfelt moment highlighted the camaraderie and respect that transcends rivalry in international cricket.

Pakistan Dominates Afghanistan in the T20I Opener

The tri-nation series match saw Pakistan take a commanding position, eventually defeating Afghanistan by 39 runs. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat on a pitch at Sharjah that played differently from its usual behavior. Despite some early setbacks, Pakistan managed to post a challenging total. Fakhar Zaman scored 20 runs, while Sahibzada Farhan added 21. Saim Ayub, however, struggled and was dismissed by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan.

With Pakistan at 63/3 in 7.3 overs, a strong batting performance was needed. Salman Ali Agha rose to the occasion, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs off 36 balls. His innings included three boundaries and three towering sixes, giving Pakistan a solid foundation for their total. Rashid Khan bowled effectively but could not prevent Pakistan from setting a target that proved difficult for Afghanistan to chase.

Afghanistan's Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 183 runs, Afghanistan began well, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacking aggressively in the powerplay. Gurbaz managed 38 runs off 27 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz. Ibrahim Zadran, who had started cautiously, scored only 9 runs before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who showcased his lethal in-swinging yorker.

The match turned dramatically in Pakistan’s favor when Haris Rauf bowled a double-wicket maiden over in the 12th, removing Sediqullah Atal and Karim Janat in quick succession. Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem also contributed significantly, dismissing Darwish Rasooli. Afghanistan’s middle and lower order struggled under pressure, and the team collapsed from 93/2 to 97/7, making the chase nearly impossible.

Rashid Khan tried to fight back with a quick cameo of 39 runs off 16 balls, demonstrating his signature flair and aggressive style. However, his effort was not enough as Afghanistan fell short, finishing at 144/8, resulting in a 39-run loss.

A Moment of Respect Amid Competition

Despite the intensity of the match, the cricket field also witnessed a moment of human empathy. Pakistan players stood united to show their support and sympathy for Rashid Khan, acknowledging the personal loss he endured. Such gestures remind fans that cricket is not just about competition but also about mutual respect and understanding among players.

Looking Ahead

The tri-nation T20 series continues, with teams aiming to fine-tune their squads ahead of the Asia Cup. Afghanistan will look to regroup after this loss and work on stabilizing their batting lineup, while Pakistan will aim to maintain their momentum and build confidence in their players. Rashid Khan, although grieving, remains a key figure for Afghanistan and will likely continue to inspire his team with his skill and leadership.

Rashid Khan’s recent loss has deeply affected the cricketing world, highlighting the human side of professional athletes. The Pakistan cricket team’s tribute demonstrates solidarity and respect that goes beyond national rivalry. On the field, Pakistan’s strong performance and strategic bowling, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, ensured their victory. Afghanistan, despite individual heroics from Rashid and Gurbaz, will need to regroup and strengthen their approach in upcoming matches.

This match was not just a contest of skill but also a reminder of the bonds and empathy shared by players across the cricketing world. As the series continues, fans will be watching closely to see how teams adapt, recover, and honor the spirit of the game both on and off the field

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan Cricket, Pakistan Cricket, T20I, Asia Cup 2025, Sharjah Cricket