UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025: The highly anticipated United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series kicks off on August 29, 2025, at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with Afghanistan vs Pakistan Today Match in the opening encounter. Both teams come into the tournament with contrasting strengths, promising an exciting contest under the lights in Sharjah.
Afghanistan – Building Momentum with a Balanced Squad
Currently ranked 9th in the ICC T20I standings with 223 rating points, Afghanistan has quietly built a reputation for being giant killers in the shortest format. Their most recent series victory came against Zimbabwe in December last year, where they edged past the hosts 2-1 in an away contest.
The Afghan squad looks well-rounded, with a healthy mix of proven match-winners and emerging stars. With Rashid Khan leading from the front, the team has both the tactical edge and the raw firepower needed to challenge Pakistan.
Key Afghan Players to Watch
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Known for his fearless approach at the top of the order, Gurbaz has a knack for performing against Pakistan. His ability to accelerate quickly and maintain a high strike rate could give Afghanistan a strong start in Sharjah. - Allah Ghazanfar
Returning to the squad after an injury break, Ghazanfar adds depth to Afghanistan’s spin attack. A bowler with multiple variations, he has the potential to trouble Pakistan’s middle order on Sharjah’s slow pitches.
Strengths and Challenges
- Strengths: World-class spin department with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Ghazanfar. Explosive batting firepower in Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
- Challenges: Inconsistent middle-order batting and over-dependence on Rashid Khan for both leadership and match-turning performances.
Read More: Sri Lanka Announce Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan – Confident After Recent Series Win
Pakistan, ranked 8th in the ICC T20I rankings with 231 points, enter the tournament on the back of a 2-1 series victory against the West Indies away from home. This recent success has boosted their confidence, and under the leadership of Salman Agha, the team is eyeing a smooth ride to the Tri-Series final.
The squad boasts an exciting mix of experience and youth. With pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi in the bowling unit and the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub in the batting order, Pakistan looks dangerous on paper.
Key Pakistan Players to Watch
- Hasan Nawaz
A rising star in Pakistan cricket, Hasan Nawaz can single-handedly turn games with his aggressive stroke play. If he gets going early, Pakistan could pile up big totals quickly. - Sufiyan Muqeem
The young spinner has been Pakistan’s surprise package over the past year. His consistency against strong batting sides makes him a vital weapon in this contest.
Strengths and Challenges
- Strengths: Strong fast-bowling unit with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, complemented by spinners like Muqeem. Depth in batting, with experienced hitters and young talent.
- Challenges: Middle-order reliability remains a concern. Over-reliance on their top-order batsmen has cost them matches in the past.
Predicted Match Dynamics
This game has all the ingredients of a closely fought T20 contest. Sharjah’s surface is traditionally batting-friendly, but it often slows down, bringing spinners into play. That makes Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack a potential game-changer.
Pakistan, however, will rely on their power hitters to counter Afghanistan’s spinners. A quickfire innings from Fakhar Zaman or Hasan Nawaz could tilt the momentum their way.
Cricket Predictions – Pre-Match Insights
- Toss Winner: Afghanistan
- Match Winner: Afghanistan (edge due to spin depth and recent form at Sharjah)
- Top Batters:
- Afghanistan – Ibrahim Zadran
- Pakistan – Hasan Nawaz
- Top Bowlers:
- Afghanistan – Allah Ghazanfar
- Pakistan – Sufiyan Muqeem
- Most Sixes: Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan), Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan)
- Player of the Match: Allah Ghazanfar
- Expected Scores:
- Afghanistan batting first – 160+
- Pakistan batting first – 155+
Squads for the UAE T20I Tri-Series Opener
Afghanistan Squad
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Pakistan Squad
Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Final Word
The Afghanistan vs Pakistan clash in Sharjah is more than just the first game of the Tri-Series—it’s a battle between spin dominance and fast-bowling firepower. With Afghanistan banking on their spinners and Pakistan relying on explosive batting, fans can expect fireworks from ball one.
While Pakistan have historically dominated Afghanistan in international cricket, the Afghans are no longer pushovers. If Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran fire at the top and the spinners get early breakthroughs, Afghanistan could well start the series with a statement win.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win a nail-biter in Sharjah.
