Tri-Nations T20I Series 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan Final Preview | Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The Tri-Nations T20I Series 2025 has reached its climax, with Pakistan and Afghanistan set to face off in the much-anticipated final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 7 September 2025. Hosted in the UAE, this tournament featured Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the host nation UAE in a double round-robin format. After six competitive group-stage matches, Pakistan and Afghanistan emerged as the top two teams, while UAE exited winless but gained valuable experience.

This series served as a crucial build-up to the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9, allowing teams to fine-tune their squads and test their bench strength in UAE conditions.

Group Stage Recap

Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 29 August 2025

• Result: Pakistan won by 39 runs
• Highlights:
  • Salman Ali Agha anchored the innings with a match-winning half-century.
  • Haris Rauf ripped through Afghanistan’s middle order.

Pakistan vs UAE – 30 August 2025

• Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
• Highlights:
  • Saim Ayub (69 off 38) set the tone early.
  • Hasan Nawaz added fireworks with 56 runs.

Afghanistan vs UAE – 1 September 2025

• Result: Afghanistan won by 38 runs
• Highlights:
  • Rashid Khan (3/21) became the highest wicket-taker in T20I history.
  • Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated in Sharjah’s spin-friendly track.

Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 2 September 2025

• Result: Afghanistan won by 18 runs
• Highlights:
  • Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal shared a century partnership.
  • Afghanistan’s spin trio – Rashid, Noor Ahmad, and Nabi – shared six wickets.

Pakistan vs UAE – 4 September 2025

• Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
• Highlights:
  • Fakhar Zaman smashed an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls.
  • Abrar Ahmed (4/9) bowled a career-best spell.

Afghanistan vs UAE – 5 September 2025

• Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs
• Highlights:
  • Fareed Ahmad held his nerve in the death overs.
  • UAE fought hard but ended without a win.

Quick Recap Table

What’s at Stake in the Final?

The final isn’t just about lifting the trophy—it’s about momentum heading into the Asia Cup 2025.

• Pakistan:
  • Key strengths: Explosive top order (Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub) and world-class pace attack (Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi).
  • Areas to improve: Middle-order consistency.
• Afghanistan:
  • Key strengths: Spin trio (Rashid, Noor, Nabi) and batting partnerships led by Ibrahim Zadran.
  • Areas to improve: Handling Pakistan’s pace under lights in Sharjah.

This clash promises a balance between Pakistan’s pace power and Afghanistan’s spin mastery.

Why This Series Matters

1. Asia Cup 2025 Preparation: Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are using this as a dress rehearsal.
2. UAE Exposure: The hosts gained priceless international exposure against top cricketing nations.
3. Records: Rashid Khan’s historic achievement as T20I’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

Conclusion

The Tri-Nations T20I Final 2025 promises to be an electrifying contest between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah. With Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, this final is more than just a trophy—it’s about momentum, pride, and preparation.

Who’s your pick to win the final—Pakistan’s pace attack or Afghanistan’s spin dominance? Comment below and join the discussion!

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