Pakistan are set to face Afghanistan today in the opening clash of the T20 Tri-Series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with hosts UAE completing the three-team contest. The short tournament will see the top two sides meet in Sunday’s final, making every game crucial in the lead-up to the Asia Cup next month.
Sharjah Series: A Key Tune-Up for Asia Cup
Arriving in the UAE on August 20, Pakistan’s 17-man squad has been deep in preparations, holding intensive training sessions and practice matches in Dubai ahead of their opener. The tri-series is more than just a warm-up—it offers all three teams a chance to iron out strategies and experiment with combinations before the ACC Asia Cup kicks off in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on September 9.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha, who has already captained Pakistan in 18 matches, is expected to balance experienced campaigners with fresh talent as the side looks to fine-tune its plans. “We’re in a good rhythm as a team, and this series is a great opportunity to sharpen our game,” Salman said on the eve of the tournament. “Afghanistan and UAE will pose strong challenges, and I’m confident we’re ready.”
Head-to-Head: Pakistan Hold the Advantage
Pakistan enter the series with a superior record over Afghanistan, having won four of their seven T20I meetings. Their only previous T20I against UAE came in the 2016 Asia Cup, where they cruised to a comfortable victory.
However, Afghanistan’s aggressive spin attack and UAE’s home familiarity make this tri-series a genuine test, especially for a Pakistan side juggling seasoned stars and emerging prospects.
Squad Breakdown: Mix of Firepower and New Faces
The squad sees pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf leading a fast-bowling unit designed for Sharjah’s conditions. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah provide flexibility, while Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub headline the batting firepower. Promising youngsters Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza add depth and competition for spots.
Pakistan’s squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
Why This Series Matters
With the Asia Cup starting in just over a week, this tri-series doubles as a proving ground for Pakistan’s bench strength and tactical setups. Sharjah’s slow pitches will challenge the team’s adaptability, making these matches invaluable ahead of a high-pressure tournament featuring eight sides.
