Afghanistan vs Pakistan
1st Match — UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
Date: August 29, 2025
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: ~8:30 PM IST
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Series Context
This match marks the opening act of the tightly scheduled UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and hosts UAE. The round-robin matches run from August 29 to September 7, culminating in the final. For all teams, it’s an essential preparatory phase for the Asia Cup kicking off September 9.
Pitch & Conditions
Sharjah generally offers balanced conditions, though its pitch often aids spin, particularly in the middle overs CricTrackerCricket WorldThe Stats Zone. Expect a lively surface early on with improving bat grip as the game progresses.
Form Guide & Team Composition
Afghanistan
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Ranked 9th in T20Is with 223 points. Recent performances include a series win over Zimbabwe.
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Spin-heavy lineup featuring Rashid Khan (skipper), Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad—ideal for Sharjah.
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Key batting threats: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (consistent opener) and Ibrahim Zadran
Pakistan
Currently 8th in T20I rankings with 231 points and coming off a series win vs West Indies.
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Playing without big names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan; led by Salman Ali Agha.
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Strength in batter depth—Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Hasan Nawaz are in form.
Prediction & Summary
This opener promises to be a thrilling encounter with contrasting styles. Pakistan brings firepower and recent success, while Afghanistan fields a spin-rich, Sharjah-savvy squad.
Lean Prediction: Afghanistan to edge it
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Sharjah’s spin-friendly pitch tilts advantage toward Rashid Khan’s men.
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Their spin trio could stifle Pakistan’s batting firepower on that surface.
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That said, if Pakistan’s batters handle spin well, they’re more than capable of tipping the scales.
Match Watch-Outs
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Top Batter Picks: Saim Ayub (Pak) & Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afg)
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Top Bowler Prediction: Rashid Khan—game-changer with both spin and leadership
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Toss Influence: Bowling first could be strategic—Sharjah often favors chasing and dew can make spin less threatening later
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Projected Total: 160–180 could be a competitive score batting first
Final Thoughts
This is more than just a tri-series opener—it sets the tone for Asia Cup ambitions. Afghanistan’s spin magic versus Pakistan’s batting dynamism makes it a heavyweight clash. Expect high drama under the Sharjah lights!
Head-to-Head Snapshot
They’ve met in seven T20Is: Pakistan leads narrowly with 4 wins to Afghanistan’s 3
Expert Predictions Comparison
| Source | Prediction | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CricketAddictor / CricTracker | Pakistan to win, citing recent form and jet-set experience | |||
| CricketWorld / The Stats Zone | Afghanistan to win, pointing to spin advantage and Sharjah conditions | |||
| Odds-based Sources (OCBscores, TheTopBookies) | Mixed outlook — Pakistan ~55–57%, Afghanistan ~43–45% win probability | |||
| TelecomAsia betting preview | Afghanistan slight edge, quoted 60% win probability |