The UAE T20 Tri-Series 2025 is heating up as United Arab Emirates (UAE) lock horns with Afghanistan (AFG) in Match No. 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 1, 2025. Both teams enter this contest desperate for their first win after suffering defeats to Pakistan, making this an important fixture for their campaign.
Match Details
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Match: United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan, 3rd Match, UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
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Date & Time: Monday, September 1, 8:30 PM IST
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Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
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Live Streaming: FanCode (app & website)
Team Overview
United Arab Emirates
The hosts showed promise with the bat in their previous outing, putting up a fighting total but struggled to maintain control with the ball. Their bowlers leaked runs at crucial moments, which cost them the game. With the home crowd behind them, UAE will aim to tighten their bowling and open their account on the points table. Players like Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan will be crucial for setting a strong platform at the top, while the middle order needs to hold its ground under pressure.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, on the other hand, faced similar struggles in their first match against Pakistan. They got decent starts but lacked a batter who could stay and anchor the innings. The team relies heavily on their top order, particularly Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, to give them a flying start. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, remains their strength, and the spinners could have a big say in Sharjah’s conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 13
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UAE Wins: 03
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Afghanistan Wins: 10
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First Meeting: February 13, 2010
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Most Recent Meeting: January 02, 2024
Afghanistan have dominated this rivalry, winning 10 out of 13 encounters, which gives them a psychological edge going into this fixture.
Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch traditionally favors batters, especially as the game progresses. The short boundaries make big hits easier, so expect a high-scoring game. However, the surface can be two-paced at times, bringing spinners into play during the middle overs. This means teams will need to plan their middle-order batting carefully.
Probable Playing XIs
United Arab Emirates:
Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan DSouza, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Key Players to Watch
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): The aggressive wicketkeeper-batter could be a game-changer if he gets going early.
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG): Known for his variations, he will be vital in the powerplay and middle overs.
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Muhammad Waseem (UAE): The UAE skipper has the responsibility to provide a solid start and lead from the front.
Probable Scenarios
Scenario 1: UAE win the toss and bowl first
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Powerplay Score: 45-55
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Afghanistan Total: 165-175
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Result: Afghanistan win
Scenario 2: Afghanistan win the toss and bowl first
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Powerplay Score: 40-50
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UAE Total: 145-155
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Result: Afghanistan win
Match Prediction
Afghanistan’s superior experience and strong spin attack make them favorites to win this contest. While UAE have the home advantage, they will need an exceptional effort from their batters and bowlers to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match.