The United Arab Emirates is set to host a high-profile T20I tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE, scheduled from August 29 to September 7 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This tournament will serve as a crucial warm-up event ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, offering teams a perfect platform to fine-tune strategies and assess player form under competitive conditions.
The tri-series will be played in a double round-robin format, ensuring that each team faces the other twice. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will clash in the grand final on September 7. The tournament kicks off on August 29 with a heavyweight contest between Afghanistan and Pakistan, followed by Pakistan vs UAE on August 30. Afghanistan then meets UAE on September 1, and the cycle repeats before the decisive final.
For Pakistan, this series comes at a pivotal moment. The team, led by Babar Azam, is looking to build confidence after a mixed run in recent T20Is. The batting unit will rely heavily on experienced campaigners like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, while all eyes will be on Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to deliver with the ball. This series also provides an opportunity to test younger players such as Saim Ayub, who has shown promise in the domestic circuit.
Afghanistan, known for its dynamic T20 style, enters the tournament with high expectations. Rashid Khan will spearhead their attack alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds balance to the side. The batting department, led by explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and emerging star Ibrahim Zadran, will aim to post imposing totals on the Sharjah surface, which is traditionally batting-friendly but offers assistance to spinners.
The UAE, though underdogs, will look to leverage home conditions to surprise their heavyweight opponents. Skipper Muhammad Waseem is their biggest asset at the top of the order, while young spinner Aayan Afzal Khan will play a crucial role in the middle overs. The Emirati side has shown steady improvement in recent years and will view this series as an opportunity to make a statement on the international stage.
This tri-series is more than just preparation—it’s a battle for momentum and psychological advantage ahead of the Asia Cup. With matches scheduled under lights at Sharjah, fans can expect thrilling encounters featuring explosive batting, crafty spin duels, and last-over drama. For Pakistan and Afghanistan, it’s about ironing out flaws and identifying their best playing combinations. For the UAE, it’s a chance to gain invaluable experience and possibly script an upset that could shake things up.
As the countdown begins, cricket enthusiasts across the region are gearing up for a week of fast-paced action. With stakes high and pride on the line, the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series promises to deliver the perfect curtain-raiser to the cricketing spectacle that lies ahead.
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