The 20 teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 were confirmed on Thursday (October 16), following the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) booking of the last remaining spot for the tournament. 

UAE became last team to qualify for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

The top three teams in the Asia–EAP Regional Final could earn the last three tickets for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, while Nepal and Oman recently confirmed their respective tickets for the upcoming T20 World Cup from the Asia–EAP Regional Final. Now, UAE have confirmed their place for the next T20 World Cup after securing their spot in the top three positions in the Super 6 of the ongoing Asia–EAP Regional Final. They needed a win on Thursday, when they faced Japan, and UAE thrashed Japan by eight wickets with 47 balls remaining. 

UAE previously featured in two Men's T20 World Cups, which were in 2014 and 2022, now, they will start the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 along with the big teams, which will be their first such experience, as they were previously eliminated from the first rounds of both tournaments. 

India, the defending champions, and Sri Lanka will jointly host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place between February and March 2026, with 20 teams participating in the tournament. While the hosts directly qualified for the next T20 World Cup, all the remaining Super 8 teams from the previous T20 World Cup (2024) also earned direct qualification for the upcoming edition. These seven teams are South Africa, Afghanistan, England, Australia, Bangladesh, the West Indies, and the USA.   

The next three places are for the next three top ICC T20I-ranked teams, while the date of qualification was set for June 30, 2024, the next day after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

So, from the global regional qualifiers, eight more teams have earned qualifications for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After Canada earned the only qualification ticket from the Americas Qualifier, the Netherlands and Italy have booked their places from the Europe Qualifier. Zimbabwe and Namibia confirmed their places from the Africa Qualifier early this month before Nepal, Oman, and UAE achieved it from the Asia–EAP Regional Final.

ENG vs NZ 2025: England Announce Playing XI for First T20I Against New Zealand

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 20 Qualified Teams

Hosts: India (also defending champions), Sri Lanka

Super 8 teams of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, West Indies, USA

Next Top 3 ICC T20I-ranked teams (as of June 30, 2024): New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland

Americas Qualifier (1 team): Canada

Europe Qualifier (2 teams): Netherlands, Italy

Africa Qualifier (2 teams): Zimbabwe, Namibia

Asia–EAP Qualifier (3 teams): Nepal, Oman, UAE

The Super Six, 18th of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025, will see the United Arab Emirates (UAE) facing Japan (JPN) at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. With a comprehensive 77-run win over Samoa, the UAE was able to break its two-match losing streak. Captain Muhammad Waseem is counting on his team to exhibit discipline in all three departments against Japan.

On the other hand,  Japan suffered defeat against Qatar. Captain Kendel Fleming hopes that the team can adjust to the conditions and put in an improved performance against the UAE.

Also Read: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: AUS-W vs BAN-W Today Match Prediction – 17th Match, Who Will Win Today?

UAE vs JPN Match Details

• Match: United Arab Emirates vs Japan, Super Six, 18th Match 

• Date: 16th October 2025

• Time: 4:00 PM IST

• Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Al Amerat

• Live Streaming: FanCode

UAE vs JPN Weather Report

The weather in Al Amerat is expected to be pleasant and ideal for playing cricket. A full 20-over contest is guaranteed due to the absence of rain interruptions during the game. 

UAE vs JPN Pitch Report

The Al Amerat pitch is known for being balanced. Batters enjoy early overs with good bounce, while spinners gain grip as the match progresses. On this surface, a total of more than 135 runs will be a competitive total.

Top Batters to Watch – UAE vs JPN

• Alishan Sharafu (UAE): 231 runs in this tournament

• Esam Rahman (JPN): 165 runs in this tournament

• Harshit Kaushik (UAE): 120 runs in this tournament

Top Bowlers to Watch – UAE vs JPN

• Declan Mccomb (JPN): 8 wickets in this tournament

• Dhruv Parashar (UAE): 5 wickets in this tournament

• Muhammad Farooq (UAE): 4 wickets in this tournament

UAE vs JPN Recent Form

UAE vs JPN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If UAE Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–55

• Predicted Total: 165–180

• Match Result: UAE to win

Scenario 2: If JPN Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–45

• Predicted Total: 125–145

• Match Result: UAE to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

UAE vs JPN Predicted Playing XIs

United Arab Emirates 

Muhammad Waseem (c), Mayank Rajesh Kumar, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Irfan, Zahid Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique.

Japan 

Kendel Fleming (c), Abhishek Anand, Eesam Rahman, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Benjamin Ito Davis, Charles Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano Thomas, Declan Suzuki, Alexander Patmore (wk), Shoma Slater.

UAE vs JPN Complete Squads

United Arab Emirates Squad

Muhammad Waseem (c), Haider Ali, Zahid Ali, Basil Hameed, Rahul Chopra (wk), Muhammad Farooq, Jonathan Figy, Muhammad Irfan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh.

Japan Squad

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (c), Abdul Samad, Abhishek Anand, Charles Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Esam Rahman, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alexander Shirai-Patmore (wk), Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake.

UAE vs JPN Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Our prediction is that Japan will triumph in this T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifiers 2025 match. They have a strong head-to-head record against Japan and are currently performing well.

Prediction: United Arab Emirates (UAE) to win

Key players to watch: Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu and Rahul Chopra.

UAE vs JPN Match FAQs

Q1. Where can I watch the UAE vs JPN live match?

You can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Q2. Who will win today’s UAE vs JPN T20I match?

According to our today match prediction, the United Arab Emirates are favourites to win this encounter.

Q3. What is the head-to-head record between the UAE vs JPN in T20Is?

The United Arab Emirates holds the upper hand in T20I head-to-head meetings against Oman

Match seven of the Super Six stage in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier features Samoa against the United Arab Emirates in Al Amerat. UAE’s campaign in the Asia and EAP Qualifier has been a mix of highs and setbacks. Starting well, they topped their group, but then suffered a heartbreaking one-run loss against Nepal in the Super Six stage, followed by a five-wicket defeat against an energetic Oman outfit.

Samoa's chances of advancing to the Super Six of the Asia & EAP Qualifier were thwarted by Few's expectation of a surprise win against Papua New Guinea in the group stage. Japan edged them out by just four runs at the start of their next phase, which was a disappointing start.

UAE vs SMO Match Details

Date: 15th October, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM IST

Venue: AI Amerat Cricket Ground, AI Amerat

Live Streaming: Fancode  

UAE vs SMO Weather Report

There has been no indication of any rain interruptions during the game. Pleasant and ideal weather will be present for cricket throughout the game

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: ENG W vs PAK W Today Match Prediction– 16th Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters UAE vs SMO

• Alishan Sharafu (UAE) - 151 runs in this tournament 

• Muhammad Waseem (UAE) - 118 runs in this tournament 

• Sean Solia (SMO) - 105 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler UAE vs SMO

• Solomon Nash (SMO) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

• Darius Visser (SMO) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

• Dhruv Parashar (UAE) - 4 wickets in this tournament 

UAE vs SMO Recent Performance

UAE vs SMO Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If the UAE bats first

• Powerplay: 45-50

• UAE Total: 140-160

• UAE win the match 

Scenario 2- If SMO bats first

• Powerplay: 30-35

• SMO Total: 115-125

• UAE win the match 

Who will hit the Most Sixes?

Who will hit the most sixes for the United Arab Emirates in the match: Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu

Who will hit the most sixes for Samoa in the match: Darius Visser and Sean Solia

Who will hit the Most Fours?

Who will hit the most fours for the United Arab Emirates in the match: Rahul Chopra and Alishan Sharafu

Who will hit the most fours for Samoa in the match: Ross Taylor and Fereti Sululoto

UAE vs SMO Predicted Playing XI

Samoa (SMO) Playing XI 

Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Samuel French (wk), Benjamin Mailata, Ross Taylor, Fereti Sululoto, Caleb Jasmat (c), Saumani Tiai, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Playing XI

Muhammad Waseem (c), Jonathan Figy, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Irfan, Zahid Ali, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan.

UAE vs SMO Complete Squad

Samoa - 

Ross Taylor, Sean Solia, Benjamin Mailata, Fereti Sululoto, Samson Sola, Caleb Kiran Jasmat (C), Douglas Finau, Saumani Tiai, Daniel Burgess, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Darius Visser, Samuel James French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Ili Tugaga

United Arab Emirates-

Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Alishan Sharafu, Matiullah, Waseem Muhammad (C), Zahid Ali, Aryansh Sharma, Asif-Khan, Farooq Mohammad, Rahul Chopra, Dhruv Parashar, Hashit Kaushik, Simranjeet Singh Kang, Haider Ali-I, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Saghir Khan, Ethan Dsouza, Muhammad Jawad-Ullah, Zohaib-Khan, Rohid Khan

UAE vs SMO Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

The United Arab Emirates is to win

We predict that the United Arab Emirates will win this T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifiers 2025 match. Muhammad Waseem, Sean Solia and Solomon Nash will be key players to watch out for.

UAE vs SMO Match FAQ

Where can I watch the UAE vs SMO live match?

The UAE vs SMO match will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.

Who will win today’s UAE vs SMO T20I match?

According to our today match prediction, the United Arab Emirates are the favourites to win this encounter against Kuwait

What is the head-to-head record between Nepal and Qatar in T20Is?

The United Arab Emirates is ahead in the head-to-head record against Samoa in T20I internationals.

The Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Regional Final 2025 will feature nine teams Oman, Nepal, UAE, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kuwait, Japan, and Qatar. They will compete for the top three spots to qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The tournament will showcase a mix of experienced players and young talent. Fans can watch all the matches live on FanCode from October 8 to 17, 2025, and enjoy exciting T20 cricket every day.

Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Regional Final 2025: Full Match Details

Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Regional Final 2025: Schedule

Pakistan defeated United Arab Emirates in Match 10 of the Asia Cup 2025, sealing a 41-run victory to move into the Super Four. Batting first, Pakistan were reduced to 89/6 but Fakhar Zaman’s steady 50 provided stability before Shaheen Afridi’s blistering 29 off 14 balls* lifted them to a respectable 146/9. The United Arab Emirates’ bowlers, spearheaded by Junaid Siddique (4/27) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26), were able to restrict Pakistan to below 150 runs. UAE’s chase, however, got off to a rocky start as they quickly fell to 37/3 in powerplay overs, with their top order undone by firm Pakistani pace and spin. Although the middle order fought briefly, they fell to pressure and were bowled out for 105 runs in 17.3 overs. Below are the main reasons for the United Arab Emirates defeat:

1. Pakistan’s batting recovery backed by Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi

Despite early pressure, Fakhar Zaman’s 50 anchored Pakistan’s recovery, while Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 off 14* in the death overs lifted them to a defendable 146/9.

2. Early UAE top-order collapse under raw pace

Chasing 147, UAE lost 3 key wickets within the first six overs, including Sharafu and Waseem, to Pakistan’s bowling brilliance from Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, restricting them to 37/3 and derailing the chase early.

See Also: WATCH: 6,6... Shaheen Afridi's last over assault during PAK vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match

3. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling throughout the innings

The bowlers from Pakistan applied control in all phases of play, with Shaheen striking early and spinners like Abrar Ahmed being good in the middle. Their consistency and accuracy meant that the UAE was never able to find any sort of rhythm in the chase.

India cruised to a thumping victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025. After choosing to bowl first, India’s spinners and all-rounders ran through the opposition batting line-up, getting them for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was spectacular, taking 3 wickets in one over, while Shivam Dube added vital breakthroughs. With such a small target, India’s top order collapsed the game into 4.3 overs, with a nine-wicket victory. Below are the main reasons for the United Arab Emirates' defeat:

1. India’s ruthless spin attack bowled UAE out for 57

India used Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube to great effect: Kuldeep claimed 4 wickets for 7 runs (3 wickets in a single over), and Dube claimed 3, with help from Axar Patel, Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Together, they reduced UAE to 57 all out.

2. UAE batting lacked substance beyond a brief opening stand

A small opening partnership of only 26-30 runs between Muhammad Waseem & Alishan Sharafu did provide a tiny glimmer of hope, but it was lost very quickly by India's bowlers, and none of the UAE batters showed any resistance. The batsmen collapsed under very aggressive, disciplined bowling.

See Also: WATCH: Why Suryakumar Yadav withdraw his appeal in IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match?

3. India’s lightning-fast chase sealed the one-sided contest

India only needed 4.3 overs to chase down the target and win the match by nine wickets. Abhishek Sharma (30* off 16) and Shubman Gill (who early on helped the chase) made quick work of the small target and showed the gap of experience between the teams.

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup for the defending champions, India, has already started on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium through the fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the opening day, Afghanistan, locking horns with Hong Kong China, had already earned a 94-run victory in Abu Dhabi as the rest wait for their chance.

The mouth-watering clash of the event will be on September 14 at the same venue against Pakistan. The last clash for the Blue Brigade in the group stage will be on September 19 against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. If they win and earn points, they can comfortably progress to the Super Four stage of the competition.

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The Sony Sports Network is telecasting India’s clash against the UAE in Dubai on television, while the Sony LIV app is streaming the encounter. For the latest news and updates on the clash, the advice is to keep an eye on the website and its Telegram Channel. Meanwhile, it’s a huge stage for all teams to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Asia Cup 2025: Where to watch IND vs UAE for free on Mobile?

In Dubai, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss to end their 15-toss losing streak and decided to bowl first on a surface that hasn’t held a game for a long time. As they wanted to get the help of the surface, the management went with Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batter in the middle order. They surprisingly left out Arshdeep Singh from the playing eleven.

UAE made a strong and aggressive start to the innings with Alishan Sharafu drilling Hardik Pandya for two successive boundaries in the opening over before he clubbed Axar Patel over the cover for a lovely drive to earn six runs. But Jasprit Bumrah, playing his first T20I in more than a year, broke his stumps.

Varun Chakaravarthy sent back Muhammed Zohaib for two runs in five balls as Rahul Chopra was caught by the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, who was also playing his first T20I in more than a year. In that over, he got two more wickets of Waseem and Harshit Kaushik to have figures of 3/7 in two overs.  

The hosts UAE, will open up their account in the Asia Cup 2025 by facing off against the tournament favorites, India, on September 10 at Dubai International Stadium. The host nation is placed in Group A, alongside India, Oman, and Pakistan, and will play all its league fixtures in Dubai. Led by the explosive pinch-hitter Muhammed Waseem, the UAE will certainly be fancying their chances of delivering a positive impact in the eight-nation continental tournament. 

The UAE has made regular appearances in earlier editions of the Asia Cup but would often end up falling short. But in recent times, the tiny Gulf nation has made astronomical advancements in its game. The UAE now has at least one T20I win against two full-member Asian teams (Bangladesh & Afghanistan), while also maintaining a formidable win record against its Arab neighbor, Oman. 

Although dejected with the recent tri-series heartbreak, the group poses a stern challenge as UAE’s home advantage gives them a real opportunity to stun star-studded teams like India and Pakistan. To truly punch above their weight, they must stay disciplined, seize key moments, and manage the physical and mental demands of a high-stakes tournament. With that being said, we perform a comprehensive SWOT analysis to determine how the hosts are shaping up ahead of their all-important Asia Cup campaign.

See also: Top 3 players to watch from UAE ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Strengths

• Home Advantage & Venue Familiarity: With all matches hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE players benefit from familiarity with pitch conditions and climate, particularly valuable in adapting to factors like humidity and dew.
• Inspiring Leadership from Match-Winner Muhammad Waseem: Captain Muhammad Waseem brings explosive batting prowess and substantial experience. He impressed in the DP World ILT20, showcasing his match-winning capability, and played a crucial role in guiding the UAE to Asia Cup qualification. Waseem now holds the record for having the best T20I strike rate as a UAE batter and is only the second-highest six getter after Rohit Sharma in the T20Is.
• Fitness, Fielding, and Mental Toughness Emphasis: Under coach Lalchand Rajput, the squad is focusing on grit and resilience, with a strong push toward improved fitness and sharper fielding. Rajput has a demonstrated track record of assisting full-member nations like India and Zimbabwe in achieving excellence in multiple facets of the game.
• Valuable Exposure via Tri-Series Preparation: Although the UAE failed to register a single victory in the tri-series, facing up against Asian powerhouses like Pakistan and Afghanistan has made them battle-hardened. The host nation has undergone a crucial dress rehearsal prior to the start of its Asia Cup campaign. The defeats will have surely given them a taste of what it is like to experience high-pressure match situations.

Weaknesses

• Facing a Grueling Group A Showdown: UAE is grouped with cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, alongside regional rival Oman. This makes qualification for the Super Four extremely demanding. 
• Dependence on Key Individuals: The squad’s success hinges significantly on standout performers like Waseem and a few others. Depth across the line-up remains limited.
• Limited Consistent Success Against Elite Teams: Apart from the 2-1 series win against Bangladesh, competitive wins against other high-ranking sides remain few and far between, with recent defeats against Pakistan and Afghanistan in preparatory tri-series matches highlighting inconsistency.

Opportunities

• Perfect Platform for a Landmark Upset: T20 cricket’s unpredictable nature works in the UAE’s favor. Rajput emphasizes that a single moment of brilliance could tilt matches. His bold vision turned out to be spot on during Bangladesh's tour to the UAE. Bangladesh ended up paying a heavy price for their complacency. After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Tigers lowered their guard, and the UAE, banking on their unprecedented brilliance, were able to outshine the Asia nation and stun them eventually, by taking the series 2-1.   
• Talent Showcase Leading to Wider Recognition: Strong performances at home could elevate UAE players’ profiles and potentially open doors in T20 franchise leagues, thus resulting in wider player recognition.
• Boost to Team Confidence & National Cricket Growth: Building on recent successes, winning (or competing closely) against top teams could fuel cricket’s growth and popularity within the UAE.

Threats

• Highly Competitive Group Stage: With India and Pakistan in the group, the UAE faces steep competition, and any slip-up could mean an early exit.
• High Stakes Lead to High Pressure: As hosts and a rising associate team, expectations are high. If not managed, this pressure could impact performance under tension.
• Physical Strain from Harsh Conditions: UAE’s extreme September heat and humidity may take a toll, particularly for fast bowlers, despite evening match schedules

Predicted playing XL: Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Ethan D’Souza, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Farooq, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid, Saghir Khan, Junaid Siddique

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) featured in the tri-series 2025 at home against Pakistan and Afghanistan to prepare for the upcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 09 as they would face India in their opening game on the following day at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The UAE side, however, didn’t earn a single victory in the tri-series.

Muhammed Waseem will be leading the squad for the Asia Cup. His role in the leadership department and the opening position will be crucial for the team. Along with him, Asif Khan, the second leading run-getter in T20Is for the UAE, is also expected to play a huge role with the bat.

See Also: 'Hadn't seen him play but...'- Former RCB star recalls first meeting with MS Dhoni

United Arab Emirates Squad: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Saghir Khan.

After facing the UAE in their opening game, they will lock horns with Oman on September 15 in the afternoon clash and later against Pakistan on September 17 in Dubai.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 players to watch from UAE ahead of Asia Cup 2025

3. Asif Khan

The Lahore right-handed batter for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asif Khan, has been a vital member of the eleven in the lower middle order. In the batting department, he has smashed 1298 runs in 53 T20I innings at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of nearly 140, thanks to six half-centuries at the best score of 79 runs.

In the shortest format, Asif has clubbed 1342 T20 runs in 55 innings at an average of just below 30 and a strike rate of 139.64, scoring six fifties at the best score of 79 runs. Quite interestingly, he featured in just one clash of the International League T20 for the Mumbai Emirates in 2023/24 but didn’t get the chance to bat.

In the recently concluded Tri-series, Asif bashed 125 runs in four innings, with 77 runs coming against Pakistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

2. Muhammad Waseem

The captain and the opening batter of the United Arab Emirates, Muhammad Waseem, is the 11th leading T20I run getter and the highest run-getter of the side. The 31-year-old has drilled 2922 runs in 82 innings of the T20Is at an average of nearly 38 and a strike rate of 155.67, with the help of 23 half-centuries and three centuries at the best score of 112.

In 111 T20 innings, the right-handed batter has dashed 3585 runs at an average of nearly 35 and a strike rate of 153, scoring 26 half-centuries and three centuries at the best score of 112. Playing for the MIE in the last edition of the ILT20, he bashed 183 runs in 10 innings.

Waseem has always been a consistent yet aggressive batter in the opening position for the UAE. In the tri-series, he notched up 163 runs in four innings at an average of over 40, with 67 runs coming against Afghanistan.

1. Haider Ali

The slow left-arm spinner of the UAE side, Haider Ali, is another vital member of the side. In 13 T20I innings, he has picked up 22 wickets at an average of under 13, a strike rate of 14.1, and an economy rate of under six, with the best bowling figures of 4/16 in an inning.

In the overall 30 innings of the shortest format, Ali has bagged 31 scalps at an average of under 19, a strike rate of 18.7, and an economy rate of under six, with 4/16 as the best. One of Haider’s excellent skills is how he varies the pace and spin with the ball against different batters of the side.

Against Afghanistan and twice against Pakistan, Haider picked up two wickets during the tri-series, which has always contributed to helping the side gain dominance in the middle overs of the innings. His role on those slow and low Dubai and Abu Dhabi surfaces will be important for the UAE side to hold the key to the event.

It is time for the last league stage game in the United Arab Emirates T20I tri-series 2025, where the hosts UAE are ready to face Afghanistan at Sharjah on Friday (August 5). While the Final of the tournament has already been sorted, as Pakistan and Afghanistan will face each other on Sunday (August 7), this match won't affect the tournament.

Currently, Pakistan are leading the point table with six points after four games with three wins and one loss. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have four points after three games with two wins and one loss, and they need a big win against the UAE to finish the points table as the leader. The hosts UAE are dreaming of their first win of the tournament, as they have recorded three out of three defeats without opening their points tally. 

While all teams are participating in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025, which the UAE will host between September 9 and 28, this T20I tri-series is very important for all teams. While Afghanistan want to continue their momentum before the tournament Final and the forthcoming Asia Cup, the UAE are desperate for a victory to boost their confidence before hosting the Asia Cup. 

See Also: Will Sri Lanka successfully defend their Asia Cup T20I crown?

United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Toss update

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan have rested some of their regular players, including their captain Rashid Khan, as Ibrahim Zadran is leading the team in this game. 

All five matches of this tournament experienced comfortable victory results for the first batting teams, while the closest victory margin was by 18 runs for Afghanistan against Pakistan. 

United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, Match 6: Afghanistan vs UAE - Playing XIs

Afghanistan — Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai 

United Arab Emirates — Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh