UAE, Pakistan, and Afghanistan set for T20I Tri-Series showdown in Sharjah
Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE are set to clash in a T20I tri-series starting August 29 in Sharjah. The series acts as preparation for the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Check full fixtures and team previews.
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All in all, cricket lovers are sitting on treats for tons of T20 action as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE will vie in a tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah from 29 August to 7 September 2025. The series is a crucial precursor to the Asia Cup T20 2025 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Why This Series Matters
This tri-series would be perfect for teams to test their combinations, adapt to conditions in the UAE, and build some momentum with the Asia Cup barely days away and ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board first scheduled a bilateral series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but plans evolved into a tri-series with the UAE joining as hosts so that all three teams get meaningful exposure before the two big tournaments.
Full Schedule – T20I Tri-Series 2025
- All matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 29 August | Afghanistan vs Pakistan |
| 30 August | UAE vs Pakistan |
| 1 September | UAE vs Afghanistan |
| 2 September | Pakistan vs Afghanistan |
| 4 September | Pakistan vs UAE |
| 5 September | Afghanistan vs UAE |
| 7 September | Final (Top 2 teams) |
Context & Build-Up
- Pakistan is currently involved in a T20I series against the West Indies and will be eager to bounce back after a recent 2-1 series defeat to Bangladesh.
- Afghanistan return to T20I cricket for the first time since December 2024, when they edged past Zimbabwe in a tight 2-1 series.
- UAE, meanwhile, comes into the tournament high on confidence after upsetting Bangladesh in a historic home series win in May.
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T20I Head-to-Head – Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Sharjah
| Total Matches | Pakistan Wins | Afghanistan Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
The opening game between Pakistan and Afghanistan promises fireworks, as the two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years.
Eyes on the Asia Cup
The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will begin on 9 September, just two days after the tri-series final, making this series crucial for selection decisions and tactical preparation.
Asia Cup 2025 – Group Stage Draw
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | Afghanistan |
| Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| UAE | Sri Lanka |
| Oman | Hong Kong |
Key matches:
- 9 Sept: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Opening game)
- 12 Sept: Pakistan vs Oman
- 14 Sept: Pakistan vs India – Blockbuster clash
With three hungry teams, a balanced format, and familiar conditions, the tri-series in Sharjah is more than just a warm-up, it’s a dress rehearsal for continental and global glory. Expect high-octane cricket, emerging stars, and critical answers for selectors as the road to the T20 World Cup heats up.
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