Cricket in the United Arab Emirates has always brought thrilling encounters, and the Pakistan vs Afghanistan clash in the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 in Dubai is set to be no different. With both teams fielding strong squads and carrying passionate fan bases, the excitement is already building for this much-awaited tournament.
Alongside UAE, the host nation, Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to compete in this exciting T20I tri-series. The Dubai International Stadium will witness some of the most electrifying cricketing moments as these teams battle it out for supremacy.
This blog covers everything you need to know about the Pakistan vs Afghanistan UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025—from schedules and squads to live streaming options and key player battles.
The Importance of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan Rivalry
Over the past decade, the Pakistan vs Afghanistan rivalry has evolved into one of the most intense cricketing contests in the T20 format. Although Pakistan has historically dominated, Afghanistan’s rise as a formidable T20 side has made this contest unpredictable and exciting.
Key reasons why this rivalry is special:
- Cultural and regional ties: Both countries share deep cultural connections, making the contest emotional for fans.
- Unpredictable outcomes: Afghanistan’s fearless batting and Pakistan’s strong bowling create thrilling matchups.
- Global attention: Cricket lovers worldwide now look forward to this fixture as Afghanistan continues to shine on the big stage.
UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 Overview
The UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 serves as a crucial preparation for all participating teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2025.
- Teams: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and United Arab Emirates
- Format: Round-robin followed by a final
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Dates: Expected in February–March 2025 (official fixtures soon)
This series offers an excellent opportunity for teams to test combinations, build momentum, and give younger players international exposure.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Match Schedule in Dubai
While the final fixtures are yet to be officially confirmed, the Pakistan vs Afghanistan matches in Dubai are expected to be the highlights of the series. Typically, in a tri-nation series, each team plays the others twice, so fans can look forward to at least two thrilling Pakistan vs Afghanistan clashes before the final.
Expected Schedule Highlights:
- Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Dubai International Stadium (Group Stage)
- Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Group Stage)
- Possible Pakistan vs Afghanistan Final in Dubai
Pakistan Squad Analysis
Pakistan enters the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 with a mix of experienced stars and exciting young talent.
Key Players for Pakistan
- Babar Azam (Captain): Pakistan’s batting anchor and a world-class T20 performer.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan’s spearhead fast bowler, dangerous with the new ball.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Reliable wicketkeeper-batter, known for his consistency.
- Shadab Khan: All-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
- Naseem Shah: Young pacer with the ability to swing matches in Pakistan’s favor.
Pakistan’s strength lies in its pace attack, complemented by a solid top order that thrives under pressure.
Afghanistan Squad Analysis
Afghanistan has become a powerhouse in T20 cricket, thanks to their fearless approach and world-class spinners.
Key Players for Afghanistan
- Rashid Khan (Captain): One of the best T20 bowlers in the world and a useful lower-order hitter.
- Mohammad Nabi: Experienced all-rounder providing balance in both departments.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive wicketkeeper-batter who sets the tone in the powerplay.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Left-arm pacer who troubles top-order batters.
- Najibullah Zadran: Middle-order power-hitter capable of accelerating in the death overs.
Afghanistan’s strength lies in its spin department, with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Nabi making life difficult for opposition batters.
Head-to-Head Record: Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- T20Is Played: 8
- Pakistan Wins: 7
- Afghanistan Wins: 1
Although Pakistan dominates the record, most of these matches have been close, proving Afghanistan’s growing competitiveness. Their only win came in 2023, marking a historic moment for Afghan cricket.
Key Player Battles to Watch
- Shaheen Afridi vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Shaheen’s lethal pace against Gurbaz’s attacking mindset could decide the powerplay outcome. - Babar Azam vs Rashid Khan
A world-class batter against a world-class spinner—a contest that fans eagerly await. - Shadab Khan vs Mohammad Nabi
The two all-rounders will be crucial in providing balance and shifting momentum for their teams.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 matches in Dubai will be broadcast live across multiple platforms.
- TV Broadcast: PTV Sports (Pakistan), Ariana TV (Afghanistan), and local UAE broadcasters
- Online Streaming: FanCode (India), Tapmad (Pakistan), and ICC.tv for global viewers
- Global Coverage: ESPN+ (USA), Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (Canada)
With millions of passionate fans worldwide, expect record-breaking streaming numbers for these encounters.
Match Predictions: Who Holds the Edge?
On paper, Pakistan looks stronger with a more experienced squad and a proven bowling attack. However, Afghanistan’s unpredictable style and fearless attitude make them dangerous opponents.
- Pakistan’s Advantage: Pace bowling and top-order stability
- Afghanistan’s Advantage: World-class spinners and aggressive batting approach
Experts predict that matches will be closely contested, with the result depending on who handles pressure better in the death overs.
Why Dubai is the Perfect Venue
Dubai has become a second home for Pakistan cricket and a neutral ground for Afghanistan as well.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Dubai International Stadium is known for its world-class infrastructure.
- Huge fan base: Both Pakistani and Afghan communities in the UAE ensure packed stadiums.
- Ideal conditions: The flat pitches and dew factor make T20 cricket even more exciting.
This makes Dubai the perfect stage for the Pakistan vs Afghanistan 2025 matches.
Expectations from the Tri-Nation Series
Beyond just Pakistan vs Afghanistan, this series provides exciting opportunities:
- For Pakistan: An ideal platform to finalize their T20 World Cup squad.
- For Afghanistan: A chance to prove themselves against a higher-ranked opponent.
- For UAE: Valuable exposure against two world-class teams.
Fans can expect fireworks, thrilling finishes, and plenty of memorable cricketing moments.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025 in Dubai is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cricket events of the year. With passionate fan bases, world-class players, and high-stakes encounters, this series is much more than just a warm-up for the T20 World Cup—it’s a showcase of the best of Asian cricket.
