Overview:
The fielding debate recently sparked controversy off the pitch, with fast bowler Haris Rauf reacting strongly to a reporter’s question about the team's fielding concerns.
Pakistan stumbled to an 18-run defeat against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Tuesday, marking their first loss of the ongoing tri-series. The match highlighted long-standing concerns about Pakistan’s fielding, which continues to undermine their performances.
Since the start of 2024, Pakistan have shown alarming fielding stats, having dropped 48 catches, failed to convert 98 run-out chances, and committed 89 misfields, according to Cricbuzz. These numbers place them at the top for dropped chances and missed run-outs among 41 international teams. Only the West Indies have recorded more misfields. Despite playing the most matches this year, Pakistan’s catching efficiency is just 81.4%, ranking them joint-eighth among the twelve full-member nations, level with Ireland.
The fielding debate recently sparked controversy off the pitch, with fast bowler Haris Rauf reacting strongly to a reporter’s question about the team’s fielding concerns.
“It seems like you may not have watched the match closely. We didn’t make the kind of fielding errors you’re suggesting. If you watch it again, you might realise that our performance was actually quite solid,” Rauf said earlier this week.
In their previous encounter, Pakistan had comfortably beaten Afghanistan by 31 runs. However, Afghanistan turned the tables this time, led by solid contributions from Ibrahim Zadran, who struck 65 from 45 balls, and Sediqullah Atal, who added a brisk 64. Their efforts took Afghanistan to a competitive total of 169 for 5.
Faheem Ashraf was the standout performer with the ball for Pakistan, grabbing a career-best 4 for 27. His previous best was 3 for 5 against Scotland in 2018.
Chasing 170, Pakistan had a decent start, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 25 off 18 balls in his 100th T20 International. But veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi dismissed both Fakhar and Mohammad Haris in quick succession, shifting the momentum firmly in Afghanistan’s favour.
Haris Rauf tried to spark a late comeback, hammering 34 not out from just 16 balls, including four sixes. However, the middle-order collapse had already set Pakistan back too far, and they finished on 151 for 9.
Afghanistan’s bowlers worked well in tandem. Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Noor Ahmad each picked up two wickets, ensuring Pakistan never regained control of the chase.
Pakistan now face the United Arab Emirates in their final group-stage match on Thursday, with plenty to address—especially in the field—before their campaign can move forward.