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

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

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

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.

New Zealand put up a strong total of 180 runs in the final of the T20I Tri-series in Harare, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra playing key innings. Even though South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi bowled very well and bowled tightly, the Kiwis still found a way to score big.

Conway and Rachin Lead the Way as New Zealand Score 180 Despite Ngidi’s Tight Bowling

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got a great start. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway looked in good touch and added 75 runs for the first wicket. Seifert scored 30 before getting out, but Conway continued to bat nicely and made 47 runs before he was dismissed.

MATT HENRY, THE HERO OF NEW ZEALAND IN TRI-SERIES FINAL..!!!

- He defended 7 runs in the final over. 0,W,2,1,W,0 against South African finishers. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/neMHm3EfFu

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 26, 2025

Rachin Ravindra joined Conway and played a stylish knock. He also scored 47, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. Even though South Africa tried to pull things back with Ngidi’s smart bowling, New Zealand’s lower order added useful runs towards the end.

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Thanks to Conway and Rachin’s solid efforts, along with a few handy hits down the order, New Zealand finished their 20 overs with 180 on the board. Ngidi was the best bowler for South Africa, giving away very few runs and keeping the batters under pressure.

Final arrangements are being made for a tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an official announcement expected as soon as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka concludes. The series will be marketed as a preparatory event for the next edition of the Asia Cup in 2025, so the teams have the chance to prepare for when they return to the Gulf region.

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to tour Pakistan in August for a bilateral T20I series, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed to transition it into a tri-nation T20I series in the UAE. This proposal seemed to be well received by the respective boards, particularly noting the advantages of playing in the UAE in preparation for a major continental event, given the geographical and climatic surroundings.

Sources have suggested that the final arrangements for this series are at the end stages and are being worked on at the ACC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) currently in Bangladesh, and assuming the sessions are completed, they will formally announce the full schedule and locations.

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ACC Meeting With Full Support: UAE Tri-Series Probably in August

The ACC AGM demonstrated strong participation with 24 of 25 member nations confirming they would be present, well above the required 13 member nations in order for the Nomination to be taken as a vote. This will be seen as a diplomatic victory for the ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, particularly after the major boards like the BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, and Oman Cricket indicated they were hesitant about the venue choice. India, although they weren't comfortable, agreed, and virtual representation through BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla shows a willingness for the discussion in a much more conciliatory manner.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Sayed Naseem Sadat earlier confirmed that the team is set to play a T20 and ODI series this year against Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the UAE. He noted that the team had initially planned to play three T20Is against Pakistan in August fixtures that could now become part of the UAE-hosted tri-series. The tournament, if confirmed, is expected to generate solid fan interest and provide valuable match practice ahead of a crucial Asia Cup campaign.

As South Africa, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand are locking horns in a thrilling tri-series, the inaugural clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe set the big stage on fire. Despite a shaky start, South Africa’s brilliant fightback secured a thrilling victory. 

Coming back in the shortest format, Dewald Brevis’s electrifying innings added sparks and turned the tide in their favor. In front of his masterclass, the Zimbabwe bowlers fell short and the match slipped away from their hands. 

South Africa kicked off the series with an impressive 5-wicket win. Fans around the world were treated to a thrilling T20 spectacle.

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Brevis’s Might Return in T20Is:

The recent clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe turned up the heat on high as Dewald Brevis’ fireworks added sparkle in the match. Coming to bat at the tricky position, Brevis’s explosive knock turned the script.

After restricting the Zimbabwe side to just 141 runs, South Africa faced some early troubles. Being 38/3, Brevis joined Rubin Hermann and a crucial 78-run partnership. Starting the innings slowly, Brevis counterattacked the opponent and played a fiery innings. 

In just 16 deliveries, he scored 41 runs with one boundary and five jaw-dropping sixes and batted with a strike rate of 241.18. During the eighth over, the 22-year-old prodigy launched a stunning six off Chevron captain Sikandar Raza. Then, in the 11th over, he dominated Ryan Burl by hitting three back-to-back sixes, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.

South Africa’s Thrilling Win:

While bowling first, Lungi struck early as Madhevere walked away, scoring just 1 run. After the early slump, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl stitched a crucial partnership, but Nandre Burger sent Burl back in 29 runs and earned momentum. George Linde made a crucial impact with an impressive figure of 3/10 and restricted the opponent to just 141 runs. 

While chasing the total, Preorious walked away early, and the visitors crumbled under pressure with a 38/3. In the fourth wicket. Brevis and Hermann’s game-changing 72-run partnership turned the tide in the Proteas’ favor. After their exit, Corbin Bosch held his nerve, staying unbeaten on 23 to seal a thrilling 5-wicket win for the Proteas.

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, marking the start of their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. One notable absence is former captain Kane Williamson, who has made himself unavailable due to commitments with Middlesex in the County Championship and the London Spirit in The Hundred. This decision opens the door for younger players to step up in his absence.

The tri-series will serve as the first major international assignment for Rob Walter, New Zealand's newly appointed head coach. Walter stressed the significance of the tour, especially with the World Cup approaching. “I think we’ve got a really strong squad for this tour, and I’m looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, all of our upcoming series are critically important to our buildup. This series gives us the opportunity to test the breadth of our squad, explore different players, and potentially different combinations against some quality opposition,” Walter said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A few regulars are missing from the tour. Lockie Ferguson has been rested, Ben Sears is out with a side strain, and Kyle Jamieson is unavailable due to personal reasons as he awaits the birth of his child. Devon Conway and Mitch Hay are also not part of the squad. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Tim Seifert. The team will be led by Mitchell Santner, while Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra make their return after missing the March series against Pakistan due to IPL 2025 commitments. Pacer Adam Milne also returns for the first time since November.

Walter banks on experience and new faces

Matt Henry, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is back in the squad and will be eager to make an impact. Another exciting inclusion is 23-year-old uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs, who retains his place after touring with the side in Sri Lanka and is expected to make his debut during the series. “Adam’s a really skilled T20 bowler; he’s particularly proficient with the ball up front and brings that extra pace and bounce. With the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson out, it’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head in Adam,” Walter added.

Welcome back Bevon Jacobs & Adam Milne 🤝 Full story | https://t.co/1jOONKyaso #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/33CPm3uT0K

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2025

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This squad gives New Zealand an ideal chance to try new combinations and strengthen their bench strength ahead of the global tournament. With a good blend of experience and young talent, the BlackCaps will aim to fine-tune their plans under their new coach and captain.

New Zealand T20I squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa T20 Tri-Series 2025:
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.

With the 2025 Asia Cup hanging in limbo due to mounting political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated talks to organize a tri-nation T20I series in August involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If the Asia Cup is cancelled or moved from India, the PCB is taking this proactive measure to guarantee competitive cricket for the national team.

The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in September in the T20 format, was initially awarded to India as the host nation. However, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir and the subsequent diplomatic fallout between the two nations, the tournament’s fate has grown increasingly uncertain. Pakistan, adhering to the hybrid model it had accepted earlier this year, had made it clear that it would not travel to India, just as India had refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB is reportedly looking into other options in the midst of this uncertainty; according to sources, a tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is being considered. Afghanistan's initially planned bilateral tour of Pakistan is expected to be replaced by a series in August, which will take place in Dubai. “The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai,” a source within the PCB told PTI.

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Tri-Series in UAE Gains Traction as Asia Cup 2025 Remains in Doubt

Furthermore, discussions have already been initiated between the cricket boards of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, with the UAE emerging as the most feasible venue due to favorable weather and logistical conditions. Hosting the series in the Gulf nation would also serve as a dress rehearsal should the Asia Cup be relocated there.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to convene a council meeting soon to determine the Asia Cup’s future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has yet to confirm whether it will host the tournament on home soil or agree to the alternate venue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are also underway between the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize a three-match T20I series in July, potentially giving Pakistan back-to-back international assignments ahead of the West Indies tour. If confirmed, the tri-nation tournament could play a vital role in Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while also offering valuable exposure to the participating teams in high-pressure conditions.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu was given a formal warning after violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the recent Sri Lanka tri-series. The offense was committed in a high-scoring group stage game against South Africa in Colombo, in which the Proteas emerged victorious. Athapaththu was penalized 10 percent of her match fee and issued one demerit point for her conduct, which was her first offense within a span of 24 months. The infringement was in terms of an emotional outburst that resulted in the damage of her equipment, underscoring the ICC's no-nonsense approach to keeping its players in line during international competitions.

The incident directly contravened Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match." The incident occurred in the 32nd over of South Africa's innings when Athapaththu, having conceded a four to Annerie Dercksen, took off her sunglasses and crushed them on the ground, shattering them into pieces. The offense was charged by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal, and fourth umpire Nimali Perera, who together reported the infringement.

Athapaththu pleaded the offense and accepted Michelle Pereira of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees' suggested sanctions, precluding the requirement for a hearing. Level 1 offenses, as defined by the ICC, have punishments that range from a formal reprimand to a maximum of 50 percent of a player's match fee, with one or two demerit points. This event is a reminder of staying calm under fire, especially for a captain commanding her side on home ground.

Tri-Series Outcome and Context

The tri-series, which was held in Sri Lanka, ended with India being the champions after beating the hosts by 97 runs in the last match. There were competitive games in the tournament, and the win of South Africa against Sri Lanka in the group stages proved the level of competition. Athapaththu's disciplinary failure, although significant, could not eclipse her performance as a player and a leader throughout the series.

Sri Lanka skipper finds herself in trouble following her actions in the tri-series at home 👀

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/c76hBKyKEz

— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2025

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India's triumph was marked by standout individual performances, such as Smriti Mandhana's century in the final, putting her in an elite list alongside Mithali Raj in Indian cricket history. For Sri Lanka, the tournament served as useful experience, while Athapaththu's incident highlighted the importance of avoiding professional lapses, particularly in high-pressure matches under the eyes of global regulations.

The 2025 Tri-Nation Series is a highly anticipated cricket competition between Afghanistan A, Ireland Wolves, and Sri Lanka A. The competition will take place in the UAE, more precisely in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium of Abu Dhabi, from April 13 to May 2, 2025. Since the competition brings fans of cricket from across the globe, it is very important for viewers to know where and how they can watch live matches.

Match Schedule:

Here’s a quick look at the match schedule for the tournament:

1. April 13, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland Wolves
2. April 15, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
3. April 19, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland Wolves
4. April 23, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
5. April 25, 2025: Final match (Top two teams)

Streaming Information:
The media rights for the 2025 Tri-Nation Series in the UAE have been acquired by some of the largest sports media networks, allowing more fans across the world to be able to view their favorite teams play.

2025 Tri-Nation Series in UAE: Broadcasting Details

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a Women's One-Day tri-series between India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The competition will be held in April and May at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

This tri-series will ready all three sides for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. The teams will have four matches each, and the first two teams on the table will be ready to go into the final on May 11. All matches will be day games.

Post-tri-series, Indian women will visit England for a tour comprising five T20Is and three ODIs in June-July.

Tri-Series Fixture List:

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🚨 TRI SERIES IS BACK FOR INDIA 🚨

- India, Sri Lanka & South Africa will play a Women's ODI Tri series in April-May 2025. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HdH78zODSJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 6, 2025

Currently, Indian players are competing in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which started on February 14 and will conclude on March 15.

This tri-series promises exciting matches and will be an important step in preparing for the upcoming World Cup.