Afghanistan once again faltered in a high-pressure knockout game, this time in the 2025 UAE T20I Tri-Series final in Sharjah. Chasing a modest 142 against Pakistan on Sunday, September 7, Afghanistan were bundled out for just 66 runs, handing Pakistan a 75-run victory and the series title.
The collapse was engineered by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who produced a career-best performance. Nawaz claimed five wickets for 19 runs, including a rare T20I hat-trick, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order and leaving Rashid Khan’s men with no way back into the contest.
This total of 66 is Afghanistan’s second-lowest in T20 internationals and also the lowest score by any team in a T20I tournament final, surpassing Norway’s 69 against Jersey in the 2023 Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier.
Afghanistan’s lowest T20I totals: A look back at their struggles
1) 56 all out vs South Africa (Tarouba, 2024)
In the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled against South Africa’s fiery pace attack. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje ripped through the order, while Tabraiz Shamsi added the finishing touches. Afghanistan were dismissed for just 56 in 11.5 overs, with only Azmatullah Omarzai (10) reaching double digits. South Africa chased down the target in just 8.5 overs, registering the lowest-ever total in a World Cup knockout game.
2) 66 all out vs Pakistan (Sharjah, 2025)
In the 2025 UAE Tri-Series final, Afghanistan looked on course for a chase but lost seven wickets for 20 runs after the powerplay. Nawaz’s five-wicket haul, which included dismissals of Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and captain Ibrahim Zadran in his hat-trick, sealed their fate. Pakistan lifted the trophy as Afghanistan folded for 66 in 15.2 overs.
3) 72 all out vs Bangladesh (Mirpur, 2014)
Afghanistan’s first game of the 2014 ICC World T20 saw them bundled out for 72 in 17.1 overs. Gulbadin Naib’s 21 was the only notable contribution. Spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak dominated, while Bangladesh secured a comfortable nine-wicket win.
4) 80 all out vs South Africa (Bridgetown, 2010)
On their T20 World Cup cup debut in 2010, Afghanistan were tested by South Africa’s world-class pace attack. Reduced to 14/6 at one stage, they eventually managed 80 runs in 16 overs, thanks to lower-order resistance. Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn were unplayable, and South Africa won by 59 runs.
5) 80 all out vs England (Colombo, 2012)
During the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, Afghanistan were tasked with chasing 197 against England. The scoreboard pressure proved too much as they were bowled out for 80 in 17.2 overs. England’s superior pace and spin attack highlighted the gulf in quality at that stage of Afghanistan’s development.
Also READ: 5 Pakistan bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is ft. Mohammad Nawaz
Afghanistan’s recurring surrender in big matches
While Afghanistan have produced world-class talents like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, their struggles in knockout or high-stakes games persist. Four of their five lowest totals have come in ICC tournaments or finals, underlining the mental and tactical challenges they face against established cricketing nations.
The recent defeat against Pakistan is another reminder that Afghanistan’s next leap as a cricketing powerhouse depends not just on individual brilliance but also on developing the temperament to handle crunch moments. With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, Afghanistan will aim to bounce back and prove they can overcome these recurring batting collapses on the global stage.
Also READ: Top 5 lowest team totals for South Africa in ODIs
