Pakistan Wins Toss, Chooses to Bat
The tri-nation T20 International series kicked off in Sharjah on Friday, with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first against Afghanistan. The decision sets the stage for an intense contest as both teams look to fine-tune their squads ahead of major tournaments later this year.
The Pakistani side is being led by middle-order batter Agha Salman Ali, while Afghanistan is captained by star all-rounder Rashid Khan, one of the most prominent figures in world cricket today.
Pakistan’s Playing XI
Pakistan has opted for a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. The team includes:
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Agha Salman Ali (captain)
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Saim Ayub
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Fakhar Zaman
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Hasan Nawaz
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Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Faheem Ashraf
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Haris Rauf
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Sufyan Muqeem
The selection highlights Pakistan’s attempt to test its bench strength while keeping senior pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf in the attack. The inclusion of young batters Hasan Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan suggests a focus on grooming future talent.
Afghanistan’s Playing XI
Afghanistan has also fielded a competitive lineup with a blend of seasoned performers and rising stars:
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz
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Ibrahim Zadran
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Sediqullah Atal
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Darwish Rasooli
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Karim Janat
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Azmatullah Omarzai
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Rashid Khan (captain)
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Mohammad Nabi
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Mujeeb ur Rahman
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Fazalhaq Farooqi
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Fareed Ahmad
With the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb ur Rahman, Afghanistan enters the match with a strong spin department—considered its biggest strength in T20 cricket.
UAE as the Third Competitor
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the third team in the series. The hosts are set to face Pakistan tomorrow. For the UAE, the tournament provides valuable exposure against two of Asia’s top cricketing nations.
While the UAE team may not have the same global recognition as its counterparts, it has steadily improved in recent years, especially in shorter formats.
A Crucial Warm-Up Before Major Tournaments
The series carries particular importance because it comes just weeks before the Asia Cup and later, the ICC T20 World Cup. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are using the event to test squad combinations, experiment with strategies, and assess player form.
For Pakistan, the focus will be on strengthening the batting order, which has often relied heavily on top-order stars. The management will be eager to see how younger players like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz handle pressure situations.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be looking to balance its powerful spin attack with consistent batting performances. Players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be key to providing stability at the top of the order.
Background and Context
Both teams share a competitive cricketing rivalry that has grown in recent years. Matches between Pakistan and Afghanistan often draw large audiences, not only in South Asia but also among the global diaspora.
Sharjah, historically a popular venue for Pakistan cricket, has witnessed many memorable encounters between the two sides. The neutral ground also provides Afghanistan a familiar setting, as the team has often used UAE as its “home base” for international fixtures due to security concerns back home.
What Lies Ahead
The tri-series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket. Pakistan’s aggressive pace attack and Afghanistan’s world-class spin arsenal create an intriguing contrast of styles.
The opening match will set the tone, but both teams are clearly focused on the bigger picture—building momentum and confidence before stepping onto the global stage later this year.
