United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 1: Pakistan vs Afghanistan toss update

The 2025 UAE T20I Tri-Series kicked off with a bang as Pakistan clashed with Afghanistan in the opening match at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Friday. In the toss update, Pakistan captain Salman Agha called correctly and chose to bat first, allowing his youthful side to test their batting powers against Afghanistan's established spin unit. 

For Pakistan, the tri-series has extra importance since it is their last rehearsal before the Asia Cup in 2025. The team has been in a state of transition since the last T20 World Cup and was trying out some new players, new combinations, and new strategies. Choosing to bat first indicates they want to put runs on the board and make Afghanistan chase under lights on a pitch that usually favours spin.

Rashid Khan backs spin attack as Afghanistan eye strong start in UAE Tri-Series ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was pleased to bowl first, trusting in the team's ability with their spin-heavy arsenal to enforce pressure during the middle overs. Knowing they have beaten Pakistan in three of their last four T20I matches, Afghanistan will be confident with their record.

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The tri-series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with the hosts U.A.E. will take place from August 29 - September 5, following a double round-robin format where the top two teams will advance to the finals on September 7; this will be a great opportunity for both teams to hone their skills ahead of the Asia Cup starting just two days after the final of this series.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad.