UAE vs Afghanistan T20I TriSeries 2025 Match Preview – 1 September 2025

Match Details

• Teams: United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan
• Tournament: UAE T20I TriSeries 2025
• Format: T20I
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
• Date & Time: Monday, 1 September 2025, 8:30 PM IST (16:00 GMT)
• Match Number: 3rd Match of the TriSeries

Series Context

The UAE T20I TriSeries 2025 features three top associate teams: the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The competition is set to run from 29 August to 7 September 2025, with all matches taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The final will be played on 7 September, and the top two teams from the six league matches will qualify for it.

The opening match of the series saw Afghanistan fall to a 39-run defeat against Pakistan, while the UAE also lost to Pakistan by 31 runs. With both teams coming into this match off the back of disappointing performances, this third match is a crucial opportunity to bounce back and gain momentum in the tournament.

Team Form and Strengths

United Arab Emirates

The UAE have struggled in recent T20I encounters, particularly against top-tier teams. However, they are known for their aggressive batting and competitive bowling. In their recent defeat to Pakistan, opener Asif Khan provided a glimmer of hope with a rapid 77 off 35 balls, but the rest of the innings failed to build on his efforts.

The UAE’s bowling attack will need to be disciplined and clinical to contain Afghanistan’s explosive batting line-up. Key players to watch include:

• Asif Khan – Explosive opener with the bat.
• Dhruv Parashar – All-rounder with a strong lower-order strike rate.
• Muhammad Jawadullah – Wicket-taking bowler with good variation.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan enter the match in a similar state of mind, having been comprehensively outplayed by Pakistan in their first match. They were dismissed for just 143 in 19.5 overs, with Haris Rauf dismantling their batting with figures of 4/31. The Afghan batsmen struggled to cope with the pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s attack.

Despite this, Afghanistan have the talent and depth to dominate in T20 cricket. With players like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Fazalhaq Farooqi in their ranks, they are a team capable of turning a game on its head. However, they will need to address their recent batting issues and ensure consistency at the top of the order.

Key Match-up and Tactical Battle

The match between UAE and Afghanistan is expected to be a tight contest, with both teams eager to gain confidence from a win. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, known for its balanced conditions, could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

• Batsmen vs Bowlers: The UAE will need to replicate Asif Khan’s form if they are to post a competitive total. Afghanistan, on the other hand, must ensure their openers don’t fold under early pressure.
• Spin vs Pace: With the game likely to be close, the battle between spin and pace in the middle overs could decide the match. Afghanistan’s spin trio, led by Rashid Khan, will be key to containing the UAE middle order.
• Fielding: Both teams have the potential to take crucial catches and run-outs, and fielding could be the difference-maker in a tight game.

Prediction and Key Players to Watch

This match is likely to be a close affair, with both teams showing glimpses of their potential. The UAE will look to capitalize on Afghanistan’s recent batting woes, while Afghanistan will aim to exploit UAE’s lack of depth in the batting line-up.

Key Players to Watch:

• UAE: Asif Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Dhruv Parashar
• Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Prediction: A closely contested match, but Afghanistan’s superior T20I experience and depth give them a slight edge. Afghanistan to win by 8-10 runs.

Where to Watch

• Live Streaming (India): FanCode app and website
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
• Toss Time: 8:00 PM IST
• Match Time: 8:30 PM IST (16:00 GMT)

The third match of the UAE T20I TriSeries 2025 promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams eager to make a statement in the tournament. With the final still a week away, this match could set the tone for the remainder of the series.
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