Afghanistan outplay new-look Pakistan despite Ihsanullah’s show of resistance in Sharjah

A Pakistan batting line-up which had never played together looked more like they had never played at all as they succumbed to a six-wicket defeat to Afghanistan in the first T20 international in Sharjah.

Pakistan had left behind mainstays like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Rizwan for this three-game series against their neighbours in the UAE.

Instead, they brought with them an experimental squad packed full of some of the stars who had shone brightest in the 2023 Pakistan Super League season.

It had been less than a week since that competition concluded in stunning fashion, with Lahore Qalandars’ one-wicket win in the final against Multan Sultans. That was apparently enough time for the batters to grow rust.

After the two sets of players joined together on the outfield for maghrib prayers, Pakistan set about the time-consuming business of handing out caps. They had four new ones to get through.

Briefly, the new dawn looked to be a bright one. Saim Ayub had sparkled as a rookie for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, and he was thrilled to be invited to play for Pakistan for the first time.

“Whatever I had done in my life was to achieve this jersey and now I want to do justice with this opportunity,” the 21-year-old opener said after finding out he would make his debut.

Pakistan's Mohammad Haris makes a diving stop. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“There’s excitement and an element of nervousness as well, as I never expected to play for Pakistan this early.”

His first trip to the crease was only worth 17, but at least he will have something to remember the day by. The left-hander sent the seventh delivery he faced over the roof of the stand and square leg and a replacement ball was required.

That was about as good as it