The UAE will play host to a high-stakes T20I Tri-Series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Emirates from August 29 to September 7 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Serving as the perfect dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup 2025, the tournament brings together two ambitious Asian heavyweights and one hungry underdog, all eager to fine-tune their squads just days before the continental showpiece.
The teams meet in a double round-robin format, with the top two sides advancing to the final on September 7 — only two days before the Asia Cup begins.
Pakistan Banking on Fresh Leadership
Pakistan enter the tournament under new captain Salman Ali Agha, who emphasised Sharjah’s historic significance for his side.
Sharjah is an iconic place, and for Pakistan, it has been outstanding. It’s a great preparation for the Asia Cup, and playing against two great teams will be challenging. We are very excited.
Notably, senior stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are absent, handing the spotlight to opener Fakhar Zaman (1,949 T20I runs, SR 131.77), despite recent injury concerns. Pakistan’s pace arsenal remains potent, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who seek redemption after winning just three of their last seven T20I series.
Afghanistan Arrive as Team in Form
Afghanistan, fresh from their historic run to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals, enter Sharjah brimming with confidence. Captain Rashid Khan, who flew in after taking Oval Invincibles to The Hundred final, highlighted the team’s momentum.
The last four years have been great for Afghanistan cricket. We’ve improved through ICC events and global leagues. This is a great opportunity to prepare for the Asia Cup.
The spin trio of Rashid, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains Afghanistan’s greatest weapon, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran lead the batting charge. Afghanistan’s squad is unchanged from their Asia Cup selection, with only Naveen-ul-Haq missing the tri-series.
Hosts UAE keen to Punch Above Weight
Under Muhammad Waseem’s leadership, UAE come in with growing self-belief, particularly after a stunning T20I series win over Bangladesh in May 2025. Their squad features four new faces, including uncapped all-rounder Harshit Kaushik and veteran pacer Junaid Siddique, who brings 96 T20I wickets. The Emirates also impressed at the Pearl of Africa Cup, finishing runners-up — proof of their rising competitiveness against higher-ranked sides.
Rivalries and Records
The head-to-head record between Pakistan and Afghanistan stands at 4-3 in Pakistan’s favour, setting up a tantalising contest between two sides separated by just one win. Meanwhile, UAE will look to exploit home conditions to upset their heavyweight rivals.
More than Just Preparation
While officially a warm-up for the Asia Cup, the tri-series carries strategic weight. Teams will use it to test combinations, refine tactics, and adapt to UAE conditions. Afghanistan’s scheduling is the tightest, with a potential appearance in the tri-series final leaving them just one day of rest before facing Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener. Pakistan, on the other hand, must urgently address their batting inconsistencies, particularly against spin, if they are to challenge for continental honours.
Countdown to Asia Cup 2025
As the Tri-Series begins, each side has its own goals — Pakistan seeking rhythm under new leadership, Afghanistan chasing consistency after a dream World Cup run, and UAE aiming to prove they belong among Asia’s elite. With Sharjah’s history, fierce rivalries, and Asia Cup stakes in the backdrop, the coming days promise cricket of the highest intensity.
