Cricket Prediction | AFG vs PAK | United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 | 1st Match | August 29 – Who Will Dominate the First Encounter?

AFG vs PAK Match Analysis

The first encounter of the UAE Tri-Series between Afghanistan and Pakistan is scheduled for August 29, 2025, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match is set to begin in the evening, with the toss likely around 6:30 PM local time. An action-packed start awaits as both teams look to claim the first win of the series.

Afghanistan enters this match with a strong lineup and a well-balanced squad, featuring the experience of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, as well as the explosive power of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has a talented yet inconsistent squad led by Salman Agha. The batting line-up features power hitters like Fakhar Zaman and emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan Team Preview & Squads

Afghanistan

As skipper, Rashid Khan drives AFG with clever game sense and top-class leg-spin.. His leadership has helped Afghanistan punch above its weight in many T20 contests. Rashid also contributes significantly with the bat in crucial lower-order situations.

Gurbaz and Zadran step up to set early dominance for Afghanistan innings. These two set the stage, making every start feel like a masterstroke. Middle-order players like Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi add both experience and finishing ability.

AFG boasts a versatile bowling attack, featuring Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in spin, complemented by pace options such as Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi. They can adapt to different pitch conditions and execute variations under pressure. Their bowlers have been particularly effective in the middle overs.

Zimbabwe made only a modest score of 127 runs here in this 3rd T20I at Harare on 14 December 2024. Afghanistan achieved 128/7 in just 19.3 overs to successfully reach their target. The side finished 128/7 in 19.3 overs, successfully chasing down the target. In the end, a close match, but the Afghanistan middle-order was able to demonstrate their composure in pressure situations.

Afghanistan Squad

Afghanistan Squad

Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Sharafuddin Ashraf

Pakistan

Pakistan looks to Salman Agha for assertive guidance. His keen sense of strategy shapes every move on the field. His captaincy has focused on nurturing young talent while maintaining a competitive edge. As a player, he can contribute crucial runs in the lower middle-order.

Pakistan’s batting lineup has experienced names like Fakhar Zaman alongside emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah. Middle-order stability is provided by Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz. The team relies heavily on power-hitting in the death overs to boost totals.

PAK bowling unit is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, offering express pace and bounce. Spin options include Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, who are effective in controlling the middle overs. Their bowling attack, if disciplined, can restrict strong batting line-ups.

Pakistan’s innings in the 3rd T20I at Lauderhill yielded a competitive 189/4 while batting first. West Indies fought hard in the chase but managed only 176/6 in 20 overs, falling short by 13 runs. Pakistan’s top-order provided a solid platform, while their bowlers defended the total with disciplined spells.

Pakistan Squad

Pakistan Squad

Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

AFG vs PAK Outfield Report

Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The Sharjah pitch usually favors batsmen with even bounce and true pace along the surface. Spinners can be effective in the middle overs as the ball tends to grip slightly in the later stages. The outfield is quick, which should reward well-timed shots.

Weather conditions in Sharjah are expected to be warm and dry, with temperatures around 35°C during the match. Humidity will be moderate, which may slightly affect bowlers in prolonged spells. Evening conditions could make the pitch slower as dew sets in.

Historically, scores at Sharjah have been high, with the highest T20 total nearing 210-220 and the lowest competitive score around 140-150. Teams batting first often have the advantage of setting challenging targets, while chasing sides need a strong start to maintain momentum.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five encounters between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Pakistan has dominated, winning 3 out of 5 matches, while Afghanistan claimed 2 victories.

AFG vs PAK Prediction

According to cricket analysts Pakistan have a 54% chance of Winning.