🌟 Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Preview | UAE Tri-Series 2025
The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as Pakistan take on Afghanistan in the 1st T20I of the UAE Tri-Series 2025 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on August 29, 2025. The match kicks off at 8:00 PM (PST) and promises to deliver fireworks with star players from both sides ready to battle.
This tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE, serves as a crucial preparation for the Asia Cup Coming Next Month T20 World Cup 2026. With both teams eyeing dominance, expect a thrilling encounter under the lights in Sharjah.
📅 Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025: Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, August 29, 2025 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE |
| Time | 8:00 PM PST / 7:30 PM IST |
| Series | UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Streaming | SonyLiv / FanCode / PTV Sports |
🔥 Pakistan Squad Analysis | Key Players to Watch
The Pakistan cricket team enters this series with a revamped squad, focusing on youthful energy and explosive batting power. Under Salman Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan aims to test its next-generation stars.
Key Players to Watch 👀
- Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan’s destructive opener known for big knocks.
- Saim Ayub – Pakistan’s new T20 sensation and aggressive top-order batter.
- Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s pace spearhead, lethal with the new ball.
- Haris Rauf – T20 death-over specialist, capable of turning matches.
- Mohammad Haris – Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, expected to play a finisher’s role.
Pakistan’s focus will be on power-hitting, quick scoring, and using pace-friendly conditions to dominate Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
⚡ Afghanistan Squad Analysis | Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan cricket has become a T20 powerhouse in recent years. Led by Rashid Khan, they have a balanced side combining world-class spinners and fearless batters.
Key Players to Watch 🌟
- Rashid Khan (C) – Afghanistan’s trump card and a T20 giant.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener, known for fearless power-hitting.
- Ibrahim Zadran – Dependable top-order batter capable of anchoring innings.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery spinner with a knack for breaking partnerships.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – Left-arm seamer who thrives in UAE conditions.
Afghanistan will rely on their spin trio – Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad – to exploit Sharjah’s slow surface and choke Pakistan’s batting depth.
🏟️ Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
The Sharjah pitch has historically been a batter-friendly surface but slows down as the match progresses. Spinners are expected to play a crucial role, especially during the middle overs.
- First Innings Average Score: 160-170 runs
- Batting Conditions: Good for stroke play in powerplays
- Bowling Assistance: Spinners will dominate as the ball grips
- Boundary Size: Small boundaries, ideal for six-hitting
🏆 Toss Prediction:
Win Toss & Bat First ✅
Under lights, defending a target at Sharjah has been the winning formula. The team batting first will look to post 170+.
🌦️ Weather Report | Sharjah, August 29, 2025
- Temperature: 36°C 🌡️
- Humidity: 72% 💧
- Wind Speed: 13 km/h 🌬️
- Rain Forecast: 0% – Perfect cricketing weather!
Expect hot and humid conditions, favoring spinners and reverse swing bowlers.
🧩 Predicted Playing XIs | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
🇵🇰 Pakistan Predicted XI
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Agha (C)
- Mohammad Haris (WK)
- Khushdil Shah
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Sufyan Muqeem
- Abrar Ahmed
🇦🇫 Afghanistan Predicted XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Darwish Rasooli
- Mohammad Nabi
- Najibullah Zadran
- Gulbadin Naib
- Karim Janat
- Rashid Khan (C)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
📊 Head-to-Head Record | Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20Is
| Matches | Pakistan Won | Afghanistan Won |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 2 |
Pakistan historically dominates Afghanistan, but recent clashes have been nail-biters, making this contest a must-watch.
🔥 Players’ Battle to Watch Out For
- Fakhar Zaman vs Rashid Khan – Explosive batting meets world-class spin.
- Shaheen Afridi vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Pace vs power in the powerplay.
- Saim Ayub vs Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Pakistan’s rising star against a mystery spinner.
These mini-battles will decide the fate of the match.
🎯 Match Prediction | Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
Given Pakistan’s strong pace attack and Afghanistan’s world-class spinners, this game will be a close contest. However, Pakistan’s deep batting lineup gives them a slight edge.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan 🏆
Expected Margin: Win by 25-30 runs or 5 wickets
📌 KeyTakeaways
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🏁 Final Thoughts
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025 promises a thrilling start to the UAE Tri-Series. With youthful squads, explosive batting, and world-class spinners, cricket fans can expect a high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat contest.
Will Pakistan’s pace attack overpower Afghanistan’s spinners, or will Rashid Khan & Co. spin a web around Pakistan’s batters? We’ll find out on August 29, 2025 under the lights in Sharjah.
🔎 FAQs – Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025 | UAE Tri-Series
Q1. When is Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025?
A: The Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I of the UAE Tri-Series 2025 will be played on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE. The match starts at 8:00 PM PST (7:30 PM IST).
Q2. Where to watch Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025 live?
A : The Pakistan vs Afghanistan live streaming will be available on:
- SonyLiv (India)
- FanCode (Global)
- Tamasha (Pakistan)
Live score updates will also be available on Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo.
Q3. What is the toss prediction for Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025?
A: At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the toss-winning captain is likely to bat first. Historically, defending totals has been more successful here, with scores of 170+ runs being competitive.
Q4. What is the pitch report for Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025?
A: The Sharjah pitch will favor batters early but will slow down as the match progresses:
- First Innings Average Score: 160-170 runs
- Ideal Strategy: Bat first, defend under lights
- Spinners: Expected to dominate in the middle overs
- Boundary Size: Short, perfect for six-hitting
Q5. Who is likely to win Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025?
A: Based on current form, squad depth, and head-to-head stats, Pakistan are slight favorites to win. However, Afghanistan’s spin attack could trouble Pakistan’s middle order, making it a tight contest.
Q6. What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and Afghanistan in T20Is?
A:
| Matches Played | Pakistan Won | Afghanistan Won |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 2 |
Pakistan has the upper hand historically but Afghanistan has improved massively in recent years.
Q7. Is this series preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026?
A: Yes ✅. The UAE Tri-Series 2025 is a crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Asia Cup 2025. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan will test young players and new combinations in this series.
Q8. Who will be the captain of Pakistan and Afghanistan in the 1st T20I 2025?
A:
- Pakistan Captain: Salman Agha 🏏
- Afghanistan Captain: Rashid Khan 🌀
Q9. What time does Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025 start in India, Pakistan & UAE?
A:
- Pakistan (PST): 8:00 PM
- India (IST): 7:30 PM
- UAE (GST): 6:00 PM
Q10. Where is Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025 being played?
A: The Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE — known for high-scoring thrillers and spin-friendly conditions.
Q11. Which TV channels will broadcast Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2025?
A:
- Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports
- India: Sony Sports Network
- Afghanistan: Ariana TV
- Worldwide: FanCode App
Q12. Who are the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20Is?
A:
- Top Run-Scorer: Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 220+ runs
- Top Wicket-Taker: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 12 wickets