The desert city of Sharjah is about to host another chapter in Asian cricket’s growing rivalry. From August 29, Afghanistan will face Pakistan and the UAE in a T20I tri series, a contest that serves not just as entertainment for fans, but also as a crucial rehearsal for the Asia Cup 2025.
Afghanistan enter this series with renewed purpose. For Rashid Khan’s men, these matches are not just warm ups they are auditions, experiments, and psychological battles rolled into one. The Asia Cup campaign begins just two days after the final, leaving little margin for error. Every spell, every batting partnership, and every tactical move in Sharjah will ripple into the Asia Cup.
A Fresh Chapter After a Long Break
The series carries special weight because it marks Afghanistan’s return to white ball cricket after six long months. Their last outing came in the Champions Trophy 2025 in February, where the team showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t quite translate potential into silverware. The tri series now becomes a launchpad to regain rhythm, unity, and momentum.
The format is high stakes: a double round robin league where each team faces the other twice. The top two sides then meet in the final on September 7. For Afghanistan, there is no breathing room after the Sharjah finale, they fly straight into the Asia Cup opener against Hong Kong on September 9.
Squad Dynamics: Blending Experience With Fearless Youth
Bowling Firepower
If Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has taught us anything, it’s this their bowling attack is their identity. Once again, the spotlight will shine on the spin quartet:
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Rashid Khan (captain) : the heartbeat of the team, a leader with both guile and aggression.
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Mohammad Nabi : the veteran who still brings wisdom and calm.
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Mujeeb ur Rahman : a powerplay weapon with his variations.
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Noor Ahmad : the youngster with fearless energy.
And now, the mystery deepens with the selection of AM Ghazanfar, a little known spinner carrying the tag of “mystery bowler.” If he debuts in Sharjah, opposition batters may face the same kind of surprise that Rashid himself once unleashed on the world.
On the pace front, Afghanistan have made a bold call. Regular seamer Naveen ul Haq has been replaced by 22 year old Abdollah Ahmadzai. With 14 wickets from just 10 domestic T20 matches, Ahmadzai is raw but exciting. Still uncapped at the international level, his selection is a clear sign that Afghanistan are building for the future.
Batting Backbone
The return of Ibrahim Zadran could prove vital. After missing T20 action since the 2024 World Cup, Zadran’s calm and consistency at the top of the order will provide much needed stability. He’ll likely be paired with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the attacking wicketkeeper who sets the tone in powerplays.
Middle order responsibilities will once again rest on Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, and allrounders like Mohammad Nabi, who can shift gears depending on the situation. Afghanistan’s batting has often been criticized for its inconsistency, but this tournament is the chance to fix that before the Asia Cup pressure kicks in.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Series Matters
For Afghanistan, the Sharjah tri series is more than practice it’s about:
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Testing new combinations : Can the young pacers handle Pakistan’s experienced batting lineup?
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Finding balance : Will the middle order stand tall when early wickets fall?
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Momentum and confidence : Nothing builds belief like a trophy, even before a major tournament.
Pakistan, too, enter the series under pressure, looking to sharpen their death bowling and top order consistency. The UAE, often seen as underdogs, are eager to cause upsets on their home turf.
For fans, that means one thing: every match will carry intensity, rivalry, and storylines.
Sharjah – The Perfect Stage
Sharjah is not just another cricket venue. It’s a theatre of emotions, where classics have unfolded for decades. From the fiery India Pakistan duels of the 1990s to nail biting finishes in T20s, the ground carries history and passion in its sands. Now, it becomes the testing arena for Afghanistan’s final preparations.
What Lies Ahead
Afghanistan’s immediate challenge is clear:
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Survive the hectic schedule with energy intact.
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Sharpen their strategies under Rashid Khan’s captaincy.
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Step into the Asia Cup 2025 not just as participants but as serious contenders.
The journey begins in Sharjah, under the desert floodlights, where spin will turn, fast bowlers will roar, and young cricketers will dream of making their mark.
For Rashid and his men, this isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about proving that Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket is no longer a fairy tale it’s the new reality.
