Pakistan clinched the tri-series title with Mohammad Nawaz’s hat-trick and Salman Ali Agha’s batting heroics, but selection disputes and Aqib Javed’s rift with coaches raise bigger questions about Pakistan cricket’s readiness for Tier-1 challenges.
By Imran Malik
Pakistan capped off their UAE tri-series campaign with a thunderous 75-run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah, anchored by Mohammad Nawaz’s sensational hat-trick and match-winning 5 for 19 — earning him Player of the Series honors. Earlier, captain Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 53 and Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul had set the tone with a 39-run opening win.
Why the PCB pits Pakistan against weaker teams: The tri-series offered a confidence-boosting warm-up ahead of the Asia Cup, allowing new line-ups and strategic combinations to be tested in low-pressure settings.
Standout performers:
- Best batsman: Salman Ali Agha led the charge with maturity and firepower in the opener.
- Best bowler: Mohammad Nawaz stole the show in the final, steering Pakistan to the title.
Behind the scenes: political tensions with Aaqib Javed
Reports suggest that interim coach Aaqib Javed is at odds with other officials — particularly over the batting order. He reportedly opposes slotting Babar Azam in the middle order and using Sahibzada Salman as an opener and keeper. No credible source confirms this, but it reflects deeper selection debates.
Can Pakistan challenge Tier-1 teams?
Yes — this performance shows both flair and depth. But longstanding concerns persist about administrative instability and inconsistent coaching. As one fan aptly put it:
“PCB leadership is the problem… How can you coach a team with ever-changing leadership? There’s no continuity.”
Bottom line: This tri-series win is a morale-boosting start. But if Pakistan is to convert this into success against elite opponents, it will require steadier management and a coherent selection strategy — not just on the field, but off it too.
