Pakistan Cricket: Latest T20 Wins, Slip‑ups and What Lies Ahead
Fans of Pakistan cricket have been on a roller‑coaster lately. A solid victory over Afghanistan was quickly followed by a nail‑biting loss to West Indies. Let’s break down what happened, who shone, and what the team can expect next.
Recent Highlights
In the UAE T20I tri‑series opener, Pakistan faced Afghanistan in Sharjah. After a shaky start at 83/4, captain Salman Ali Agha steadied the ship with a calm 50‑run knock. Support from Mohammad Nawaz and a late surge by Faheem Ashraf pushed Pakistan to 182/7. Afghanistan looked set for a chase at 92/2 but collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just four runs in 17 balls. Haris Rauf snatched four wickets, sealing a 39‑run win for Pakistan.
Just days later, the Caribbean side turned the tables in Lauderhill, Florida. West Indies needed a two‑wicket miracle in the final over and delivered, winning off the last ball to break an eight‑year losing streak against Pakistan. The match highlighted Pakistan’s middle‑order vulnerability when wickets fell in clusters. While the bowlers kept things tight, the batting line‑up couldn’t finish the chase.
Key Players and Future Outlook
Those two games showed why Haris Rauf is a game‑changer. His four‑wicket haul vs Afghanistan proved he can swing the momentum. Agha’s steady captaincy gave the side a clear direction, but the squad still needs a reliable finisher for tight chases. Players like Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz have the skill set, but consistency is key.
Looking ahead, Pakistan has a busy schedule. The next series pits them against stronger opponents in the Asian sub‑continent, where spin will play a bigger role. Strengthening the spin department and giving younger talent exposure could pay off. Fans should keep an eye on emerging bowlers who can complement Rauf’s pace and add variety.
In short, Pakistan cricket is bouncing back from a setback, but the real test will be how they handle pressure in the coming weeks. If the team builds on the Afghanistan win, tightens up the batting order, and keeps the bowlers firing, they’ll be in a good spot for the rest of the season.
