Sharjah, Sept. 7 -- A brilliant five-wicket haul and a hat-trick from spinner Mohammed Nawaz helped Pakistan secure a momentum-boosting tri-nation series win, as they defeated Afghanistan in the final by a massive 75 runs at Sharjah on Sunday.

Pakistan ended this tri-nation series with a total of four wins and a loss, while Afghanistan secured three wins and two losses, including this loss in the final. UAE, the hosts, lost all their matches. This series win serves as a good sign for Pakistan, who will start their Asia Cup campaign here on September 12 against Oman in Dubai.

Pakistan opted to bat first, and despite a 49-run stand for the second wicket between Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27 in 26 balls, with two fours and a six), th...