🏟️ Match Overview
The United Arab Emirates will face Afghanistan in the 3rd T20I of the 2025 UAE Tri-Series at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time.
This is a must-win encounter for both teams as they aim to bounce back after losses against Pakistan. With a place in the final still wide open, expect high-intensity cricket, big shots, and tactical bowling battles.
📊 Tournament Scenario & Stakes
- Pakistan currently sits comfortably on top with 2 wins in 2 matches.
- UAE and Afghanistan have both lost their opening games against Pakistan.
- The winner of this match will stay alive in the race to the Tri-Series Final.
This clash is not just about points — it’s about momentum, confidence, and preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
🌤️ Match Details
| Match | UAE vs Afghanistan – 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | September 1, 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 PM Local / 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| Series | UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Format | T20 International |
🏟️ Pitch & Weather Report 🌤️
📌 Sharjah Pitch Analysis
- The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is famous for short boundaries and high-scoring matches.
- Expect batters to dominate early, but spinners will play a big role in the middle overs.
- Average first innings score: 165-180 runs.
- Chasing has been slightly easier here due to dew factor in night games.
🌦️ Weather Conditions
- Temperature: Around 36°C at match time.
- Humidity: Moderate — could assist spinners.
- Rain: No interruptions expected.
- Dew factor: Likely to influence second innings bowling.
🏏 Team Analysis & Strategies
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE squad is young, energetic, and hungry to prove themselves on the big stage. Skipper Muhammad Waseem leads an aggressive batting unit but consistency has been their biggest challenge.
Strengths:
- Explosive batting led by Muhammad Waseem & Asif Khan.
- Decent pace attack featuring Junaid Siddique & Muhammad Jawadullah.
- Home advantage — they know Sharjah’s pitch well.
Weaknesses:
- Inexperienced middle order collapses under pressure.
- Death bowling has leaked runs in the past.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
Afghanistan enters this contest with a star-studded squad featuring world-class spinners and fearless batters. Skipper Rashid Khan will play a dual role — leading with both ball and bat.
Strengths:
- Spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad — deadly in Sharjah.
- Power-packed openers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
- Experienced finishers in Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat.
Weaknesses:
- Over-reliance on top-order batters.
- Pace attack can be inconsistent under pressure.
🔥 Probable Playing XIs
UAE Playing XI 🏏
- Muhammad Waseem (c)
- Asif Khan
- Rahul Chopra (wk)
- Ethan D’Souza
- Alishan Sharafu
- Dhruv Parashar
- Junaid Siddique
- Haider Ali
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Saghir Khan
- Muhammad Zohaib
Afghanistan Playing XI 🏏
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Karim Janat
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
🌟 Key Players to Watch
✨ From UAE
- Muhammad Waseem (C) 🏏 – UAE’s batting pillar; explosive in powerplays.
- Asif Khan 💥 – Coming off a fiery knock, he’ll be UAE’s game-changer.
- Junaid Siddique 🎯 – Lead pacer; early wickets crucial.
✨ From Afghanistan
- Rashid Khan 🐐 – World-class all-rounder, expected to dominate both with bat and ball.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz 🚀 – Aggressive opener; quick runs in powerplays.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman 🌀 – Mystery spinner capable of breaking partnerships.
📈 Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 13
- Afghanistan Wins: 10
- UAE Wins: 3
Afghanistan enjoys a dominant record, but Sharjah’s conditions could level the playing field.
🧠 Match Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched on paper, but Afghanistan’s spin depth and big-match experience give them a slight edge. UAE, however, could spring a surprise if their top order clicks.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win in a close contest.
Winning Chances:
- Afghanistan 🏆 — 60%
- UAE 🇦🇪 — 40%
🏆 Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Vice-Captain Picks: Muhammad Waseem, Asif Khan
- Dark Horses: Noor Ahmad, Junaid Siddique
- Fantasy Suggestion: Pick at least 2 Afghan spinners + 1 UAE top-order batter.
🔍 Key Takeaways
- UAE vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2025
- Sharjah T20 tri-series match prediction
- Rashid Khan vs Muhammad Waseem battle
- UAE vs AFG probable playing XI
- UAE vs Afghanistan fantasy team tips
- UAE vs Afghanistan live score updates
❓ FAQs – Most Searched Questions
Q1. When is UAE vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2025?
A: The match is scheduled for September 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Q2. Where can I watch UAE vs Afghanistan live?
A: The match will be available on major cricket streaming platforms and sports channels worldwide.Q3. Who is the UAE captain for the tri-series?
A: Muhammad Waseem is leading the UAE team.Q4. Who is the Afghanistan captain for the tri-series?
A: Rashid Khan is captaining Afghanistan.Q5: Who will win – UAE or Afghanistan in Sharjah tri-series?
A: Afghanistan are slight favorites due to stronger head-to-head record, depth in spin bowling, and more experienced core. UAE will rely on home advantage and explosive top-order displays.Q6: What time is the match and where to watch?
A: Match starts at 8:30 PM IST (approx. 3:00 PM GMT), live on FanCode in India, plus EuroSport, Willow, and regional broadcasters.Q7: Is this series a warm-up for the Asia Cup?
A: Yes — tri-series includes Pakistan and Afghanistan, organized to sharpen teams before Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE.📌 Final Thoughts
This match is more than just a tri-series fixture. It’s a litmus test for both sides ahead of Asia Cup 2025. Afghanistan’s experience versus UAE’s hunger for a statement win. Expect fireworks under Sharjah lights, with spin masters, aggressive batters, and strategic captaincy shaping the fate. The stage is set for a thrilling T20 showdown.