Cricket is at its best when two teams with contrasting styles go head-to-head. That’s exactly what we’re about to witness in the United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I at Sharjah on September 1, 2025. On one side, you have UAE – a team that has been quietly building momentum with young talents. On the other, Afghanistan – known for their explosive batting and world-class spinners. So, who will win the match?
Match Overview
- Match: UAE vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I, UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
- Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM (local time)
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
The iconic Sharjah ground has hosted countless memorable matches. Under lights, this venue creates a vibrant atmosphere, and given the form of both sides, fans can expect another cracking contest.
United Arab Emirates: Team Analysis
The UAE side has quietly gotten better in T20s. They might not have big international stars like Afghanistan, but their players fight hard and can shine when the game is on the line.
Batting Strength
- Muhammad Waseem (c): The skipper is their biggest match-winner. His aggressive batting style at the top can completely change the momentum. If Waseem gets going in the powerplay, UAE could be looking at a big total.
- Rahul Chopra & Ethan D’Souza: These two bring stability in the middle order. They may not be flashy, but they are reliable in rotating strike and holding the innings together.
- Asif Khan & Alishan Sharafu: Hard-hitters capable of taking on the spinners and finishing strong.
Bowling Attack
UAE’s bowling revolves around their seamers and a couple of clever spinners.
- Junaid Siddique & Zahoor Khan: Both are experienced pacers who can use Sharjah’s conditions to their advantage.
- Rohan Mustafa & Aryansh Sharma: Part-time spinners who can chip in with crucial overs.
Key Player to Watch: Muhammad Waseem – his explosive starts often set the tone for UAE’s innings.
Afghanistan: Team Analysis
Afghanistan have been one of the most exciting T20 teams in the world. Their mix of power-hitters and mystery spinners makes them tough opponents for any side.
Batting Strength
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk): Known for his brave approach, Gurbaz can demolish bowling attacks in the powerplay.
- Ibrahim Zadran & Darwish Rasooli: Stable middle-order batters who can steady the innings if early wickets fall.
- Mohammad Nabi: The experienced all-rounder is a game-changer – whether it’s a late cameo with the bat or cracking partnerships with his off-spin.
- Najibullah Zadran: A reliable finisher who thrives in crunch situations.
Bowling Attack
This is where Afghanistan truly shine.
- Rashid Khan (c): The face of Afghan cricket, Rashid’s leg-spin is a nightmare for any batter. His leadership also adds calmness in tense moments.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: With his variations in the powerplay, he can strangle runs early on.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: A left-arm pacer who swings the new ball and is effective at the death.
Player To Watch Out For: Rashid Khan- the way he bowls and takes wickets in the middle overs is what Afghanistan will look for.
Pitch and Conditions: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Sharjah will host the final match of this year’s HBL PSL in what will be a do-or-die clash for Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans, on Tuesday.
Sharjah wicket has always remained a point of discussion in T20 cricket. It’s usually a batting-friendly due, with short boundaries that favour power-hitting. But over the years, and this has partly also to do with the introduction of the two new balls, spinners have found a bit of grip, especially during the middle overs.
Average first innings score: 160 – 170 runs.
Chasing vs Batting First: Teams chasing under lights generally have an edge, due to dew making it difficult for bowlers in the evening.
Weather: Clear skies and warm evening — perfect for cricket.
So, there’ll be plenty of boundaries, but don’t be shocked if the spinners are the biggest factor.
Head-to-Head Record: UAE vs Afghanistan
| Teams | Matches Played | Afghanistan Wins | UAE Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE vs Afghanistan | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Key Battles to Watch
- Muhammad Waseem vs Fazalhaq Farooqi – UAE’s power-hitter against Afghanistan’s new-ball specialist.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Zahoor Khan – Can UAE’s pacer stop Gurbaz’s explosive start?
- Rashid Khan vs Asif Khan – Afghanistan’s trump card spinner against UAE’s middle-order hitter.
These small battles could decide the bigger picture.
Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
| Team | Winning Probability | Why They Can Win |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 70% | Superior spin attack, experienced batters, Rashid Khan’s leadership |
| UAE | 30% | Home advantage, Muhammad Waseem’s batting, potential to surprise if bowlers strike early |
Expert Take:
Afghanistan look stronger on paper. Their batting depth and spin attack make them favorites to win this match. UAE’s best chance lies in an explosive start from Waseem and their bowlers restricting Afghanistan early on.
Fantasy & Player Picks (Informational Only)
- Top Batter (Afghanistan): Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Top Batter (UAE): Muhammad Waseem
- Top Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan
- Top Bowler (UAE): Zahoor Khan
- Potential Man of the Match: Rashid Khan or Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Final Thoughts
The UAE vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I is more than just another game in this tri-series. For UAE, it’s about proving they belong on this stage and can take down bigger teams. For Afghanistan, it’s about maintaining dominance and fine-tuning their squad ahead of bigger challenges.
If you’re a neutral fan, you’re in for a treat. Sharjah promises fireworks, and while Afghanistan are the favorites, don’t write off UAE just yet.
That’s your today match prediction for UAE vs Afghanistan, September 1.
Also check our detailed UAE vs Pakistan 2nd T20I Match Prediction for expert analysis.