Sharjah – The spotlight shifts to the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium tonight as Afghanistan lock horns with Pakistan in the opening clash of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025. With the Asia Cup just around the corner, both sides will be eager to fine-tune their plans and start on a winning note. The match begins at 7:00 pm local time (8:30 pm IST) under the floodlights.
Afghanistan: Ready to Punch Above Their Weight
Afghanistan arrive with confidence. Ranked No. 9 in the ICC T20I charts, they recently clinched a series win over Zimbabwe and know how to cause upsets. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive batting, Rashid Khan’s guile, and the pace of Naveen-ul-Haq, they have the firepower to rattle bigger opponents. Skipper Rashid Khan’s leadership will be key as he looks to inspire his young unit.
Pakistan: A Balanced Squad with Depth
Pakistan, sitting at No. 8, are brimming with self-belief after edging West Indies 2-1 in their last series. Under Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy, the team blends youth and experience. Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz add flair up top, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf provide bite with the ball. Add the calm presence of Fakhar Zaman and the finishing touch of Khushdil Shah, and Pakistan look well-stocked for Sharjah’s flat deck.
Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry is evenly poised. In 7 T20Is, Pakistan lead 4-3 – but Afghanistan have shown they can push their neighbors all the way. Expect another close contest.
Pitch and Conditions
Sharjah’s surface is famous for big-hitting, with its short boundaries and batting-friendly track. Captains winning the toss might lean towards batting first – teams defending totals have had better success historically. Spinners could play a part as the game progresses, but the opening overs are likely to be dominated by aggressive batting.
Players to Watch Out For
- Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (attacking opener), Rashid Khan (game-changer with ball), Naveen-ul-Haq (death-over specialist).
- Pakistan: Hasan Nawaz (rising star with the bat), Sahibzada Farhan (reliable top-order presence), Hasan Ali (experienced campaigner with the ball).
Match Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched, but Pakistan’s depth and recent form give them the edge. If their young batters fire alongside the pace attack, they should start the series on a high.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the 1st T20I
