The stage is set for the grand finale of the UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025, with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 7, 2025. Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the series, and now it all comes down to one decisive match. Let’s dive into the game plan, team details, and what to expect from this high-voltage clash.
Match Overview
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Time: 7:00 PM Local
Sharjah is known for its spin-friendly surface and short boundaries, which makes batting attractive if a team settles in, but also gives spinners a major role in controlling the game. A first-innings total of around 160–180 runs should be competitive.
UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025 Pakistan – Probable XI and Strategy
Likely XI:
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed
Game Plan:
- Powerplay Batting: Pakistan will look to exploit the first six overs with aggressive openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. Their job will be to neutralize Afghanistan’s pace attack before the spinners come into play.
- Middle Overs: Salman Agha and Haris will aim to rotate strike against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Handling Afghanistan’s spin trio is the biggest challenge for Pakistan.
- Death Overs: Nawaz and Ashraf can provide finishing touches with quick runs. Pakistan will target 170+ if they bat first.
- Bowling Approach:
- Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to attack early, aiming to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz or Ibrahim Zadran quickly.
- Abrar Ahmed and Nawaz to control the middle overs with spin.
- Hasan Ali’s experience in death overs will be crucial.
UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025 Afghanistan – Probable XI and Strategy
Likely XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Game Plan:
- Top-Order Power: Gurbaz and Zadran are aggressive openers who can put Pakistan under pressure if they survive Afridi’s new-ball spell. A quick 50+ opening stand could shift momentum.
- Spin Dominance: Afghanistan’s strength lies in its world-class spin attack. Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad will aim to strangle Pakistan’s middle order, forcing risky shots.
- All-Round Stability: Nabi and Omarzai offer balance with both bat and ball, giving flexibility in chasing or defending.
- Bowling Plan:
- Farooqi to swing the new ball against Ayub and Zaman.
- Rashid to bowl in middle overs, targeting Pakistan’s left-handers.
- Noor Ahmad as an X-factor in the death overs with his variations.
UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025 Key Battles to Watch
- Shaheen Afridi vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz – A fiery contest at the start.
- Fakhar Zaman vs Rashid Khan – Experience vs world-class spin.
- Middle Overs Battle – Pakistan’s ability to handle Mujeeb, Rashid, and Noor will likely decide the game.
Pitch and Conditions UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025
- The Sharjah surface is slow and spin-friendly. Batting becomes tougher in the middle overs, making partnerships crucial.
- First innings target: 160–180 runs.
- Weather: Hot and dry, with no chance of rain. Dew is unlikely to play a big role.
Predicted Approach
- Toss Advantage: Both teams may prefer batting first, putting runs on the board and letting their bowlers apply pressure.
- Pakistan’s Edge: Pace attack led by Afridi and Rauf, explosive openers.
- Afghanistan’s Edge: Stronger spin attack and experienced all-rounders.
Conclusion Of UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025
This final is a battle of UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025 Pakistan’s pace vs Afghanistan’s spin. Pakistan will look to attack upfront with Afridi and chase a high score through power hitters, while Afghanistan will rely on their spinners to dominate the middle overs. Both teams are evenly matched, but the side that controls the powerplay and middle overs is likely to lift the trophy.
