UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025: 1st T20I, AFG vs PAK Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between AFG vs PAK?
Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-team series on Friday, August 29.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are all set to lock horns in the first T20I of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 on Friday, August 29, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Notably, the tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and hosts UAE, will follow a double round-robin format with the top two teams meeting in the final on September 7.
For Afghanistan, the tournament is a preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9. Rashid Khan-led team will look to fine-tune their combinations, with new faces like pacer Abdollah Ahmadzai and spinner AM Ghazanfar potentially making their debuts. The Afghans will be delighted with the return of opener Ibrahim Zadran.
On the other hand, Pakistan will be led by Agha Salman. The Men in Greed will be without their experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, after the two were dropped from the T20I squad. Pakistan will be coming into this series with a win over West Indies in the T20I leg.
AFG vs PAK Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 1st T20I, UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| Date & Time | Friday, August 29, 8:30 pm (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | Fancode (app & website) |
Pitch Report
The dimensions of the ground have always favoured the batters. Batting is expected to get better as the game progresses. However, the pitch has played out to be double-paced on several occasions, which might bring spinners into play in the middle overs.
AFG vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 7 |
| Won by Afghanistan | 3 |
| Won by Pakistan | 4 |
| No Result | 0 |
| First-ever match | December 8, 2013 |
| Most-recent match | October 6, 2023 |
Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan (AFG):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan (PAK):
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Probable Top Performers
Probable Best Batter: Saim Ayub
Pakistani opener Saim Ayub could be the best batter in the upcoming first T20I against Afghanistan. The southpaw recently scored 130 runs in a three-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, he couldn't replicate the same form in the 50-over format. Having been well-versed in the Sharjah conditions, Ayub will look to make the most of it and give the team a solid start.
Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan
Afghanistan's ace spinner Rashid Khan could play a crucial role with the ball. The leggie recently featured in England's The Hundred for Oval Invincibles and picked 12 wickets in six games. Khan, who will have the added responsibility of leading the team, will look to do both jobs with perfection and pick wickets at regular intervals.
Today's Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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