Welcome to the Pakistan vs Afghanistan Match Preview 1st T20I Match Preview. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025. Pakistan will play host for this brave new venture when they take on Afghanistan tonight in an opening clash which should see both sides fielding several young stars in spades.
The UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 is a short but delightful tournament pitting three competitive cricketing nations against one another. As the first game Pakistan and Afghanistan will start with an equal chance of winning the match. There will be many a tense moment on the pitch when play starts in Sharjah tomorrow. Both countries have good batting and even better spin departments, streaming us from one high-quality thrilling performance to another.
Afghanistan have grown into one of the most exciting T20 sides in the world. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, their explosive wicketkeeper-opener, is in fine form and will look to give them a strong start. Along with Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, their batting looks stronger than ever.
But the real strength of Afghanistan is their spin attack. Led by Rashid Khan, supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, they can choke any batting line-up, especially on Sharjah’s spin-friendly surface. Add the experience of Gulbadin Naib and the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Afghanistan have all the ingredients to challenge Pakistan.
On the other hand, Pakistan enter this series with a mix of youth and experience. Their batting unit has been in decent form, while their pace attack continues to be their biggest weapon.Pakistan’s top order will rely heavily on Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who bring flair and aggression. The middle order features Salman Agha (captain) and the experienced Khushdil Shah, capable of finishing games.The bowling looks strong with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack. Mohammad Nawaz adds balance as an all-rounder, while Sufiyan Muqeem provides a spin option.
The team enters the contest after series wins and comes without regular stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were dropped from this T20I squad, signaling a bold new direction for Pakistan’s white-ball future
Match Details || Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I – UAE Tri-Series 2025
- Match: Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I
- Date: 29th August 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Time: 8:30 PM IST | 7:00 PM Local
Head-to-Head Record: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in T20Is
With 7 T20I meetings, Pakistan lead the tally 4-3, but Afghanistan’s victories have always been hard-fought and come through innovative use of their spin contingent. Their last contest was in October 2023, which reinforced the intensity and rivalry these sides share
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
Afghanistan XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atat, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Pitch Report
The Sharjah pitch is a haven for big-hitters, offering true bounce and value for shots in the evening heat. However, double-paced surfaces have often brought spinners into play in the middle overs, and adjusting to shifting conditions may separate the top teams from the rest. Expect scores above 160 if openers settle quickly, but crafty finger-spin and wrist-spin can turn games in a flash.
Match Prediction
On paper, Afghanistan look slightly more settled. Their spinners thrive in Sharjah, their batting has matured, and confidence runs high. Pakistan, however, are unpredictable. Shaheen with the new ball, Haris Rauf at the death, and a batting order that plays without fear—this mix can dismantle any opponent. Expect a tight contest. If Afghanistan’s spin web clicks, they could edge ahead. But if Pakistan’s young guns fire, particularly at the top, the desert night may well turn green.
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