Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
Afghanistan’s decision to hand Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar his T20I debut ahead of their vital tri-series match against Pakistan signals a calculated move to bolster their spin arsenal. With Afghanistan yet to play an international T20 since early 2025, and limited exposure in the last 12 months, this selection highlights the team management’s tactical intent to diversify spin options against a familiar and strong Pakistan lineup.
Tactical Rationale Behind Ghazanfar’s Inclusion
Ghazanfar, a left-arm orthodox spinner only 19 years old, has impressed in domestic and franchise T20 leagues since his debut in April 2023, with 42 T20 games albeit without a prior T20I cap. His record suggests a bowler capable of controlling the middle overs and providing variations that complement Rashid Khan’s legspin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mystery spin, and Noor Ahmad’s left-arm spin.
Afghanistan’s spin attack has always been their cornerstone in white-ball cricket, especially with Rashid Khan leading from the front. Introducing Ghazanfar adds a fresh element that could challenge Pakistani batsmen, who are well versed with the experience of facing Afghanistan’s main spinners but might find a newcomer’s angles and turn trickier.
Pakistan’s Response: Experience vs. Youth
Pakistan have opted for a familiar combination, bringing back Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Wasim Rauf, the same XI from their opening fixture against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. This balance of pace and spin, backed by experienced campaigners, puts pressure on Afghanistan’s relatively infrequent international line-up to step up amid a high-stakes game atmosphere.
With seasoned players returning, Pakistan looks to exploit early wicket-taking opportunities and build momentum. Afridi’s ability to swing the ball and Rauf’s variations pose early challenges, while Pakistan’s deep batting line-up, including masters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, are expected to handle Afghanistan’s spin barrage.
Key Players to Watch
Ghazanfar: His debut brings unpredictability. His left-arm spin could exploit rough patches on the UAE pitches, where this series is held. Effective economy and crucial breakthroughs will establish his place in Afghanistan’s long-term plans.
Noor Ahmad: Included alongside Ghazanfar, Noor remains pivotal. His left-arm wrist spin is deceptive and has previously troubled Pakistan’s batsmen. Both spinners create a dual left-arm spin threat.
Rashid Khan: As captain and frontline spinner, Rashid’s form and tactical nous will be critical. His ability to take wickets in pressure moments and stem the flow of runs anchors Afghanistan’s bowling strategy.
Pakistan’s Pace Attack: Afridi and Rauf’s ability to strike early is central to containing Afghanistan’s batting, particularly targeting the aggressive top order led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
Head-to-Head and Form Context
Afghanistan and Pakistan share a competitive rivalry characterized by Pakistan’s experience and Afghanistan’s rising spin strength. Afghanistan’s lack of match practice since the Champions Trophy in February 2025 contrasts sharply with Pakistan’s recent activity in the Asia Cup and other fixtures. This lull could either handicap Afghanistan or bring unpredictability, as fresh talents like Ghazanfar might exploit the lack of data Pakistani batsmen have on him.
Historically, Pakistan has dominated, but Afghanistan’s growing depth in spin bowling and their fearless approach have narrowed the gap in T20Is. The tri-series’s UAE setting recalls neutral venue battles, demanding adaptability from both teams.
Impact of Pitch and Conditions
The UAE pitches typically offer some assistance to spinners due to dryness and grip, benefiting a spin-heavy side like Afghanistan. The combination of experienced leg and left-arm spin options against Pakistan’s more pace-reliant attack sets up a fascinating tactical chess match. Conditions could encourage slower overs, forcing batsmen to innovate and spinners to exploit any variations in turn and bounce.