Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday praised the national team for their dominant victory over Afghanistan in the final of the tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Naqvi reserved special mention for left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, commending his match-winning all-round performance, which included a hat-trick, fearless batting, and decisive contributions that turned the match in Pakistan’s favour.

“Despite posting a modest total, the team’s excellent teamwork ensured a convincing win against Afghanistan,” Naqvi said.

He also congratulated Head Coach Mike Hesson, Captain Salman Ali Agha, and the entire squad on the achievement, calling it a morale booster for future tournaments.

Taking to social media platform X, the PCB chief highlighted Pakistan’s recent consistency, winning 10 out of 14 T20 matches under Hesson’s guidance.

He urged fans and critics alike to rally behind the team ahead of the Asia Cup.

“Congratulations to Team Pakistan on winning the Tri-Series! This is a young, talented side playing fearless cricket.

Full support to the boys, coaches, and selectors for the Asia Cup—criticism and analysis can wait until after the tournament,” Naqvi wrote.

In the final, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 75 runs. Defending 142, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Afghanistan for just 66.

Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for five, before Abrar Ahmed dismissed Sediqullah Atal for 13.

Mohammad Nawaz then stole the spotlight, striking twice in one over, before completing his hat-trick by removing Ibrahim Zadran.

He went on to claim a fourth wicket, dismissing Karim Janat, reducing Afghanistan to 32-6 and sealing Pakistan’s commanding victory.

Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem also claimed two wickets each.

Pakistan’s innings saw early wickets, with Sahibzada Farhan dismissed for a duck. Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27) offered resistance before falling to spinners.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha and Nawaz added 40 runs to stabilize the innings, with Nawaz contributing 25. Pakistan set a target of 141-8.

Rashid Khan took 3/38, while Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and AM Ghazanfar claimed the remaining wickets.

Carlos Alcaraz ended the reign of Jannik Sinner with a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 win to claim the US Open title on Sunday and tighten his grip on the era-defining rivalry between the torch-bearers of the men’s game.

In a perfect echo of the triumph that first propelled him to the number one spot in 2022, Alcaraz’s second New York title lifted him back to the top of the world rankings as the 22-year-old Spaniard displaced Sinner and took his Grand Slam trophy haul to six.

As grey clouds hovered over the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz continued to deliver the sunshine tennis that has lit up Flushing Meadows over the last fortnight, consolidating an early break by faking a drop to hit a winner that wrong-footed Sinner.

He beamed after pulling off an outrageous half-volley at the net and wrapped up the opening set shortly afterwards, finishing it off with a big serve that Sinner crashed into the net as the Italian’s metronomic precision briefly deserted him.

With US President Donald Trump watching from a luxury box in the stands and adding another layer of spectacle to the third straight Grand Slam final between the duo this year, Sinner hit back to take the next set after saving an early break point.

After missing a few steps to drop his first set of the championship, Alcaraz blasted his way to a 5-0 advantage in the third set before Sinner got on the board, and the Spaniard closed it out with a monster serve.

Sinner conjured up two breathtaking volleys in the opening game of the fourth set to roaring applause and held serve after being pushed to the limit again, but he cracked under pressure and handed the crucial break to Alcaraz in the fifth game.

Resembling a flamingo in full flight in his bright pink vest, Alcaraz soared ahead to secure the victory on his third match point and celebrated by raising his fists before a warm embrace with his rival and wild celebrations with his team.