Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE eye perfect Asia Cup rehearsal in Sharjah

The T20I Tri-Series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and host United Arab Emirates (UAE) kicks off in Sharjah on Friday, serving as a perfect dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup 2025.

Played entirely at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the series will run from August 29 to September 7 in a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final just two days before the continental showpiece begins in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Originally, Pakistan and Afghanistan had planned a three-match T20I series to prepare for the Asia Cup. But with the UAE added as hosts, the contest has grown in significance. It now resembles a mini-Asia Cup, allowing all three sides to test combinations in the very conditions that will define the tournament beginning September 9.

Pakistan: Searching for balance in transition

Under new captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan are navigating a transition phase without stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, the responsibility at the top lies with Fakhar Zaman, as his powerplay hitting remains crucial, though he arrives carrying recent injury concerns.

Pakistan’s batting approach under newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson has been bold, marked by aggressive intent across the past three T20I series.

"We are trying to build a team and this tri-series and then the Asia Cup will be a good opportunity to achieve that," said Agha.

"We know both these events will be challenging but we are ready."

The question now is whether their bowling attack can keep pace. Hesson has leaned heavily on batting depth, often preferring allrounders over specialist bowlers. This means overs from part-timers regularly pad out the attack, a gamble that has worked against weaker opponents but will it work against Afghanistan?

With UAE surfaces expected to offer lower bounce and more grip for spinners, Pakistan’s reliance on allrounders could prove costly. Opposition batters, particularly Afghanistan’s, are unlikely to miss such openings. How flexible Hesson and Agha prove with their bowling balance may determine how deep Pakistan go in this event.

Despite recent struggles, Pakistan retain genuine firepower in the pace department. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf lead an attack capable of breaking through early, though both will seek redemption after underwhelming runs in recent months. For Pakistan, this tournament represents not only fine-tuning before the Asia Cup but also a chance to restore confidence in a squad desperate for stability.

Afghanistan: Spin depth and rising ambitions

Afghanistan, by contrast, arrive with optimism and momentum. Their historic semi-final run at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they stunned both Australia and New Zealand, cemented their place among cricket’s rising powers.

Captain Rashid Khan leads an unchanged 16-man squad from their Asia Cup selection, with only pacer Naveen-ul-Haq unavailable. The depth in spin remains unrivalled: Rashid himself, alongside Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and emerging teenager AM Ghazanfar, provide more than half a bowling attack on their own. On Sharjah’s traditionally slow surfaces, this variety of mystery spin, orthodox control, and wrist-turning guile could prove decisive.

The batting revolves around wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a proven power-hitter, and the more measured Ibrahim Zadran, whose consistency balances Afghanistan’s otherwise explosive top order.

Yet questions linger. Afghanistan have not played international T20s this year, raising concerns over rhythm and cohesion. Rashid, though, downplayed those fears.

"We do not have specific targets, and we do not want to put extra pressure on our players," he said ahead of the series. "Our target is to play the brand of cricket we have played over the years. For us the main target is to put in 200 percent effort on the ground. I think we have been doing well in the ICC events and although we haven't played T20I cricket over the last few months, the guys have been playing in T20 leagues around the world and that has helped."

With Rashid’s leadership and their spin-heavy armory, Afghanistan enter as serious contenders to exploit Pakistan’s uncertainty and UAE’s inexperience.

UAE: Hosts with nothing to lose

For UAE, the tri-series is the highlight of their season and a chance to prove themselves on home soil. They already showed in May that they can punch above their weight, stunning Bangladesh 2-1 in a T20I series at this very venue.

Captain Muhammad Waseem is the heart of the side, their leading run-scorer this year and a genuine power-hitter with a strike rate above 155. Middle-order batter Asif Khan has been equally impressive, boasting both consistency and explosive hitting power. But the challenge lies in sustaining that momentum through the innings; beyond Waseem and Asif, UAE’s batting depth remains untested.

In the bowling department, left-arm spinner Haider Ali and wrist-spinner Zuhaib Zubair hold the key. Haider in particular will be vital, having destroyed Bangladesh here earlier this year with a miserly spell of 3 wickets for 7 runs. For the hosts, replicating such performances is essential to troubling the heavyweights.

The opening clash sees Pakistan and Afghanistan lock horns on Friday, followed by UAE’s first outing against Pakistan the next day. Every contest promises not only competitive cricket but also a glimpse into what awaits at the Asia Cup.

As Sharjah once again hosts the region’s cricketing drama, the tri-series may not carry the glamour of a world event, but it offers invaluable preparation. And in cricket’s most storied desert venue, even dress rehearsals have a habit of producing unforgettable moments.