and Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE Set for T20 Tri-Series in Sharjah
The stage is set for an exciting T20 tri-nation series as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates face each other in Sharjah later this month. The competition will run from August 29 to September 7, 2025, offering all three teams vital preparation ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup next year. The tri-series is expected to provide high-intensity matches, competitive spirit, and crucial experience in familiar UAE conditions.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Already Qualified for World Cup
Pakistan and Afghanistan have already booked their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their participation in this tri-series is aimed at fine-tuning squads, testing bench strength, and finding the right combinations. Afghanistan, who finished seventh in the last World Cup, will be keen to make a strong comeback after a lengthy gap in T20 action. On the other hand, Pakistan is currently engaged in a T20 series against the West Indies in the United States, adding more playing time before heading to Sharjah.
UAE Chasing Qualification Dream
The hosts, United Arab Emirates, are eyeing bigger achievements in world cricket. Unlike Pakistan and Afghanistan, UAE has not secured direct entry to the T20 World Cup. They must go through the Asia-East Asia and Pacific qualifiers, scheduled in Oman this October. However, their confidence is high after defeating Bangladesh in a bilateral series earlier this year. The tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan provides them an excellent chance to compete against stronger teams and sharpen their skills.
Tri-Series Format and Schedule
The tri-nation tournament will follow a round-robin format. Each team plays the other two sides twice, with the top two teams qualifying for the grand final on September 7. All matches will be played under floodlights at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The full schedule is as follows:
- August 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- August 30: UAE vs Pakistan – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- September 1: UAE vs Afghanistan – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- September 2: Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- September 4: Pakistan vs UAE – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- September 5: Afghanistan vs UAE – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
- September 7: Final (Top 2 Teams) – Sharjah – 7:00 PM
The schedule ensures balanced preparation for all sides before the Asia Cup begins in the UAE on September 9.
Head-to-Head Records
Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced each other in five T20 internationals at Sharjah. Pakistan leads the rivalry with three victories, while Afghanistan has won two. Their matches are often filled with drama and intensity, making this contest one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tri-series. Against UAE, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have dominated historically, but the hosts have shown signs of progress with recent series wins.
Pakistan’s Recent Form
Pakistan enters the tri-series with mixed results. They lost their T20 series 2-1 against Bangladesh but won 2-1 competing against the West Indies in the USA. Skipper Salam Agha is leading the young squad. The bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, will look to adapt quickly to Sharjah’s slow pitches. This series gives Pakistan an opportunity to test bench strength before the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan’s Return to T20 Action
Afghanistan last played a T20 series against Zimbabwe in December 2024, where they won 2-1. Since then, the team has not featured in the format, making this series crucial for them. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, and Mohammad Nabi will be central to their batting approach. The spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains Afghanistan’s biggest weapon on Sharjah’s spin-friendly tracks. The team will also look to strengthen its middle order, which has been a concern in recent tournaments.
UAE’s Rising Confidence
The hosts are steadily building their reputation in international cricket. Their T20 series win against Bangladesh in May showed the potential of their young squad. Key players like Muhammad Waseem and Vriitya Aravind will play crucial roles with the bat, while Zahoor Khan will lead the bowling attack. Playing at home gives UAE an advantage in conditions they know well. Although underdogs, they have the chance to surprise both Pakistan and Afghanistan with fearless cricket.
Preparation for the Asia Cup
The tri-series serves as the perfect warm-up for the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9 in the UAE. Afghanistan will open the tournament against Hong Kong, while Pakistan will face traditional rivals India later in the competition. Sharjah conditions will be similar to what teams will face during the Asia Cup, making this tri-series a vital test. Coaches and selectors will closely monitor performances to finalize lineups for the high-stakes tournament.
Importance of the Series
This series is more than just preparation. For Pakistan, it is about building consistency and addressing middle-order concerns. For Afghanistan, it is about regaining rhythm in the shortest format after months of inactivity and for UAE, it is about gaining experience against world-class teams and preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers. Each match will carry weight, not just in results but in shaping strategies for upcoming global events.
Final Thoughts
The tri-nation T20I series between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE in Sharjah promises competitive cricket, exciting contests, and valuable preparation for all three sides. With the Asia Cup around the corner and the T20 World Cup next year, this series could play a decisive role in shaping the teams’ fortunes. Fans can expect high-quality cricket under lights at Sharjah, with each team eager to prove a point before the bigger challenges ahead.
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