The cricketing spotlight will soon shine brightly on Sharjah Cricket Stadium as it prepares to host the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025. From 29 August to 7 September, three teams hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will compete in a high-energy tournament that serves as the perfect warm-up ahead of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
With its rich history, passionate fans, and floodlit atmosphere, Sharjah is ready to welcome an event that blends competitive cricket with strategic preparation.
Tournament Format – Double Round-Robin Battle
The series will follow a double round-robin format. Each team will face the other two sides twice, ensuring that consistency will be rewarded. The top two teams on the points table will advance to the final on 7 September.
All matches are set to start in the evening, promising an electric under-lights experience that Sharjah is famous for. The format not only gives teams multiple chances to test combinations but also keeps fans engaged with repeat high-profile clashes.
Fixture List – Dates to Remember
- 29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan (Opening Match)
- 30 August – UAE vs Pakistan
- 1 September – UAE vs Afghanistan
- 2 September – Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- 4 September – Pakistan vs UAE
- 5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE
- 7 September – Final
With all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, fans and teams won’t have to travel — creating a festival-like cricketing atmosphere in one iconic venue.
Team Previews
Pakistan – Fine-Tuning for Asia Cup
Pakistan will use this series to sharpen their skills before the Asia Cup 2025. Known for a mix of world-class batting talent and a lethal bowling attack, they’ll focus on ironing out inconsistencies and giving younger players a chance to impress.
Afghanistan – Confident and Dangerous
Afghanistan, with their world-class spin department and fearless batting, will arrive with plenty of confidence. Their aggressive style makes them unpredictable and capable of upsetting any team, especially in conditions that favor spin.
UAE – The Ambitious Hosts
For UAE, this series is about proving their growth on the international stage. Facing two strong full-member teams provides a golden opportunity to test their skills, gain experience, and excite their home supporters.
Also Read: India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Why This Series Matters
For Pakistan and Afghanistan, the tri-series is ideal preparation for the Asia Cup, allowing them to experiment with team combinations and strategies. For UAE, it’s a rare and valuable chance to compete regularly against top-ranked opponents.
The timing is perfect — just before a major continental tournament — ensuring teams play with competitive intensity rather than treating it like a practice run.
Sharjah – A Venue Built for Drama
Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted countless classic matches. Known for its shorter boundaries and lively crowds, the venue often produces high-scoring thrillers but can also assist spinners as the tournament progresses. Teams will have to adapt quickly to changing pitch conditions during the week-long event.
Players to Watch
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – Elegant and consistent, he’ll be central to Pakistan’s batting plans.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – A game-changer with the ball and a handy lower-order hitter.
- Haider Ali (UAE) – A promising young spinner who could trouble even the most experienced batsmen.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 is more than a stepping stone to the Asia Cup. it’s a competitive cricketing showcase. For Pakistan and Afghanistan, it’s a chance to build momentum and assess their squads. For the UAE, it’s about making a statement on home soil.
When the final is played on 7 September, only one team will lift the trophy, but all three will leave with valuable match experience, renewed confidence, and vital preparation ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.