The series will run from 29 August to 7 September, and fans are eagerly awaiting action-packed contests among Pakistan, Afghanistan, and host UAE.
Pakistan’s team management has finalized its playing XI for the first match. Young stars Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris is set to bat at one-down. Experienced Fakhar Zaman will play at number four.
The lineup is also expected to feature two specialist spinners, Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, who could play a vital role on Sharjah’s turning tracks.
On the other side, Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 17-member squad for the tournament. Star all-rounder Rashid Khan will captain the team. In a surprising move, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been replaced by young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan’s squad includes Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, A M Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Read more: PCB denies reports of captaincy changes in ODI and test teams
With both teams loaded with young talent and match-winners, fans are bracing for a nail-biting showdown as the tri-nation series gets underway.
This tri-nation series in Sharjah is more than just a warm-up—it’s a test of bench strength for both Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of bigger international events. Pakistan has opted for youth, handing key batting positions to players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, while relying on Fakhar Zaman’s experience. The inclusion of spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed shows a tactical approach to Sharjah’s spin-friendly conditions.
Afghanistan’s decision to drop Naveen-ul-Haq and bring in Abdullah Ahmadzai highlights their intent to experiment with fresh pace options under Rashid Khan’s leadership. With both sides eager to dominate and UAE in the mix, the series promises intense cricket and unpredictable outcomes. For fans, the Pakistan-Afghanistan rivalry alone guarantees fireworks.
