SHARJAH: Pakistan’s new-look side slumped to their fifth-lowest T20 total of 92-9 as Afghanistan dominated the first match in Sharjah on Friday.
Pakistan were 41-5 in the eighth over after winning the toss on a low and slow Sharjah Stadium pitch that gave assistance to Afghanistan’s three-pronged spin attack.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2-9 and Mohammad Nabi finished with 2-12 while pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 2-13.
Imad Wasim top-scored with 18 while Saim Ayub (17), Tayyab Tahir (16) and skipper Shadab Khan (12) were the main run-getters.
This is the first bilateral series between the two countries with the remaining matches also in Sharjah on Sunday and Monday.
Pakistan: Shadab Khan (captain), Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah, Zaman Khan
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Umpires: Ahmed Shah Pakteen (AFG) and Bismillah Jan Shinwari (AFG)
Tv umpire: Akbar Ali
Match referee: Hamim Talwar (AFG)
Wicketkeeper-batter will become Australia’s 14th T20I and 30th ODI captain
Two-time world champion overcomes early setback after losing first two frames to Cyprus' Michael Georgiou
"ACC and African contingents want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived," says ACA head
Pakistan to compete in nine-team Baseball United Arab Classic from November 7 to 10
Spinner earns first nomination thanks to 20 wickets during England Tests
Kangaroos successfully chase down Green Shirts' 204-run target in 34th over