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Cricket fans are set for a mouthwatering prelude to the Asia Cup 2025 as the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series kicks off on August 29 at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Running until September 7, the tri-nation contest will see hosts UAE lock horns with heavyweights Pakistan and Afghanistan in a high-stakes battle that doubles as vital preparation for the continental showpiece.
The series will follow a double round-robin format, ensuring each team faces the others twice across six league matches. The top two sides will then meet in the grand final on September 7, with momentum heading straight into the Asia Cup on the line.
United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025: Preview
UAE: A blend of youth and experience
Under skipper Muhammad Waseem, UAE will look to punch above their weight. Veterans like Junaid Siddique provide stability, while youngsters such as Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah bring fresh energy. With Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Rahul Chopra, and Muhammad Zohaib bolstering the batting order, coach Lalchand Rajput will see this as the perfect stage for his players to gain exposure ahead of a daunting Asia Cup campaign against India, Pakistan, and Oman.
Pakistan: Building momentum under Salman Ali Agha
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will be determined to sharpen their T20 edge. With strike weapons like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, alongside the explosive Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, the Green Shirts will look to hit form at just the right time.
Afghanistan: Rashid’s men ready to spin a web
Skipper Rashid Khan is set to a squad built around Afghanistan’s famed spin attack, featuring Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad. Backed by batting firepower from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan also bring fresh faces like Abdullah Ahmadzai and Allah Ghazanfar, showcasing their intent to blend present strength with future promise.
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Squads: Complete list of players
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan
Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem
UAE
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Mohammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Saghir Khan.
