T20I tri-series: Pakistan to face host UAE today

WEBDESK: Pakistan opened the UAE T20I tri-series with a 39-run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah, built on captain Salman Agha’s unbeaten half-century and a devastating spell from Haris Rauf. The winners will now face the host UAE on the pitch at 8pm today for the second match of the series.

Batting first, Pakistan raced off thanks to Sahibzada Farhan, who smashed 21 off just ten balls before falling early. Afghanistan’s spinners then pulled things back, restricting Pakistan to 51 runs in the next eight overs. But the middle and lower order reignited the innings. Salman Agha, anchoring calmly, shifted gears by taking on Rashid Khan with two clean sixes, before Mohammad Nawaz and others joined in the late hitting. Pakistan plundered 99 runs in the last nine overs, Salman finishing unbeaten on 53 off 36, guiding his side to 182 for 7.

Afghanistan’s chase began with measured aggression. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck freely in the powerplay, while Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal played cautiously to keep the side close to the required rate. At 93 for 2 after 11 overs, Rashid’s men appeared well placed. But Rauf’s return flipped the contest. Bowling with pace and control, he delivered a match-turning double-wicket maiden in the 12th over, removing Atal and Karim Janat.

Double treat: Pak Vs Afghanistan in Sharjah, Babar Azam in Peshawar

The collapse was immediate and brutal. Afghanistan lost five wickets for just four runs in 16 balls, with Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi all chipping in. From the 12th to the 16th over, they managed only six runs. By the time Rashid Khan briefly thrilled with a 16-ball 39, the match was already beyond reach, the side bowled out for 143.

According to analysis by Cricinfo, for Pakistan, the night underlined two strengths: a fearless batting blueprint that stretches deep, and a bowling attack capable of ruthless bursts. For Afghanistan, it was a reminder of how fragile their chases can become once early momentum is checked.

Pakistan 17-member squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.

UAE 15-member squad

The UAE squad features a strong batting lineup led by captain and opener Muhammad Waseem, alongside Asif Khan, wicketkeeper-batters Rahul Chopra and Aryansh Sharma, youngster Ethan D’Souza, and opener Alishan Sharafu. The allrounders add depth with Harshit Kaushik, a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, Muhammad Farooq, a middle-order batter and legbreak option, and Dhruv Parashar, a promising off-spinning allrounder. The bowling attack is spearheaded by experienced seamer Junaid Siddique and left-arm quick Muhammad Jawadullah, supported by left-arm spinners Haider Ali and Muhammad Rohid, off-spinner Muhammad Zohaib, and pacer Saghir Khan.

Tri-nation series schedule

• Saturday, August 30 – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time/8pm PST (today)
• Monday, September 1 – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• Tuesday, September 2 – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• Thursday, September 4 – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• Friday, September 5 – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• Sunday, September 7 – Final – 7pm local time