Champions Trophy Warm-Up: Shadab Khan’s 3-29 Stuns Afghanistan | In a commanding display of skill and determination, Pakistan Shaheens secured a resounding 144-run victory over Afghanistan in the first warm-up match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, showcased the depth and talent of Pakistan’s emerging cricketers as they outclassed their Afghan counterparts in both batting and bowling.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens posted an imposing total of 314-8 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by standout performances from Hussain Talat, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Mohsin Riaz, all of whom scored fluent half-centuries. Talat, the top scorer, played a composed knock of 70 runs off 75 deliveries, including seven elegant boundaries. Riaz and Irfan contributed 61 and 57 runs, respectively, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
The late flourish came from all-rounder Jahandad Khan, whose explosive batting in the final overs propelled the team past the 300-run mark. His quickfire innings provided the finishing touches to an already formidable total.
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Shaheens’ batting onslaught. Fareed Ahmed emerged as the most successful bowler for the visitors, claiming three wickets for 56 runs in his eight overs. Spinner Noor Ahmad also made an impact, picking up two wickets in his ten-over spell.
Chasing a daunting target of 315, Afghanistan’s experienced batting lineup crumbled under pressure. The visitors were bowled out for 170 in just 38.4 overs, falling well short of the required total. Rahmat Shah was the lone bright spot for Afghanistan, scoring a gritty 43 runs. However, none of his teammates could rise to the occasion, as the Afghan batters failed to build partnerships or counter the disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan Shaheens’ captain, Shadab Khan, led by example with an exceptional bowling performance. He claimed three crucial wickets for just 29 runs in his eight overs, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order. The rest of the bowling unit complemented Shadab’s efforts, maintaining tight lines and taking wickets at regular intervals.
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Afghanistan will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their second warm-up match against New Zealand on February 16. They will then kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa next week.
Pakistan Shaheens will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 17. On the same day, another Shaheens squad will face Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. These matches are part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) strategy to provide valuable game time to their emerging players.
Warm-Up Matches Schedule
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches are set to provide fans with thrilling cricketing action as teams fine-tune their strategies. Here’s a look at the schedule for Pakistan Shaheens and other participating teams:
- 16 February: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, National Stadium Karachi (1400-2130)
- 17 February: Pakistan Shaheens vs South Africa, National Stadium Karachi (1400-2130)
- 17 February: Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai (1400-2130)
The main event, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, will take place from February 19 to March 9, featuring the world’s top cricketing nations competing for glory.
