Pakistan registered their first victory of Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding six-wicket win over Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. In a match dominated by fast bowlers, Pakistan dismantled Afghanistan for just 85 runs before calmly chasing down the target with 14 balls to spare. While Pakistan celebrated the win, Afghanistan found a silver lining in the brilliant all-round performance of Azmatullah Omarzai, who was deservedly named Player of the Match despite ending up on the losing side.

Afghanistan's innings got off to a disastrous start after being asked to bat first. Salman Mirza struck in his opening over, trapping Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw before removing Najibullah Zadran for a first-ball duck. The early breakthroughs reduced Afghanistan to 6/2 and immediately put them on the back foot.

The collapse continued as Faheem Ashraf dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, while Naseem Shah removed both Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli in quick succession. Afghanistan slipped to a shocking 13/4 and looked set for one of the lowest totals in Asia Cup history.

With wickets falling all around him, Azmatullah Omarzai launched a remarkable counterattack. The all-rounder smashed 28 runs from just 10 balls, including four sixes and a boundary, keeping Afghanistan's innings alive. He received support from Mohammad Nabi, who contributed 10 from four balls, and Rashid Khan, who unleashed a blistering 24 from just six deliveries at a strike rate of 400.

Their late aggression briefly revived Afghanistan's hopes, but Pakistan's bowlers maintained control. Mohammad Wasim delivered the finishing blow with a three-wicket burst, while Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 85 in only 6.5 overs.

Pakistan's bowling effort was a complete team performance. Salman Mirza's opening spell set the tone, Faheem Ashraf delivered a miserly over, and Mohammad Wasim's three wickets ensured Afghanistan never recovered from their dreadful start.

Chasing a modest target of 86, Pakistan surprisingly faced a few early setbacks. Naveen-ul-Haq produced a disciplined spell and removed Sahibzada Farhan for a nine-ball duck, while Azmatullah Omarzai struck twice to dismiss Saim Ayub and Usman Khan. Fakhar Zaman also fell after a run-out, leaving Pakistan at 48/4 and giving Afghanistan a brief glimmer of hope.

However, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha remained calm under pressure. The experienced batter anchored the chase beautifully, scoring an unbeaten 33 from 16 deliveries. His innings included three boundaries and three sixes and ensured Pakistan never lost control of the required rate.

Shadab Khan provided the finishing touches with a rapid unbeaten 12 from just four balls, striking a boundary and a six as Pakistan reached 86/4 in 7.4 overs to complete a comfortable victory.

Although Pakistan secured the win, the standout individual performance belonged to Azmatullah Omarzai. The Afghan all-rounder not only top-scored with 28 runs but also picked up two important wickets during Pakistan's chase, nearly creating a comeback for his side.

Match Highlights

• Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 6 wickets.
• Afghanistan were bowled out for 85 in 6.5 overs.
• Azmatullah Omarzai top-scored with 28 off 10 balls.
• Rashid Khan smashed 24 from only 6 deliveries.
• Mohammad Wasim claimed 3 wickets.
• Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah took 2 wickets each.
• Pakistan slipped to 48/4 during the chase.
• Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with 33* off 16 balls.
• Shadab Khan finished unbeaten on 12 from 4 deliveries.
• Pakistan chased down the target in 7.4 overs.

Player of the Match

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

In a losing cause, Azmatullah Omarzai delivered an outstanding all-round performance. He rescued Afghanistan's innings with a counterattacking 28 from just 10 balls and then picked up two wickets during Pakistan's chase. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award and stood out as the brightest performance of the contest.

Pakistan's victory gets their Asia Cup campaign up and running, while Afghanistan suffer their second defeat in as many matches. Despite the loss, Omarzai's heroics and Rashid Khan's late fireworks showed that Afghanistan remain capable of producing moments of brilliance as the tournament progresses.