The UAE Tri-Series 2025 is heating up, and tonight it’s Pakistan taking on Afghanistan in Sharjah. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance in T20 cricket, and when they clash, you know it’s going to be a fight till the last over. Fans are buzzing with one question: who will win the today match? Let’s break it down together—squads, key players, pitch report, head-to-head numbers, and of course, our winning prediction with percentage chances.
Match Basics
- Match: Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 4th T20I, UAE Tri-Series 2025
- Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM IST
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Why Pakistan Think They’ve Got This
Look, Pakistan in T20s is always a bit of a gamble. Some days they look like world champions, other days you wonder if they’ve even played together before. But let’s give credit: they have firepower.
Batting line-up: Fakhar Zaman at the top can be explosive. If he gets going in Sharjah with those short square boundaries, you’ll see plenty of sixes. Saim Ayub is young, stylish, and fearless—he could easily light it up too. Mohammad Haris, playing as wicketkeeper, is another batter who doesn’t wait around. That’s already three guys who can change the tone of the match in the first six overs.
The middle order has Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz. They’re not as flashy, but they’re the glue. They’re the guys who push it around and then clear the ropes if needed. If Pakistan’s top order does its job, this lot can finish well.
Bowling attack: This is where Pakistan usually feels confident. Shaheen Afridi with the new ball? Enough said. He’s deadly in the powerplay, and Afghanistan knows it. Haris Rauf is the man for the death overs, all raw pace and yorkers. Add Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin in the middle overs, and you’ve got variety.
So, yeah, if you’re a Pakistan fan, you’re already thinking this match is in safe hands.
Why Afghanistan Can Shock Everyone
Afghanistan cricket has grown so much in T20s. They’re no longer the underdogs people pity—they’re proper contenders now.
Batting line-up: Gurbaz is the name you’ll hear again and again. He’s aggressive, fearless, and if he lasts ten balls, he usually makes them count. Ibrahim Zadran is his excellent partner—less striking, but dependable. Then you’ve got Najibullah Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, and the evergreen Mohammad Nabi in the middle order. They might not look like a superstar batting line-up, but they punch above their weight.
Bowling attack: This is Afghanistan’s gold mine. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nabi—three spinners who can strangle any team. On a Sharjah pitch that slows down as the game goes on, they become even more dangerous. Add Fazalhaq Farooqi with the new ball and you suddenly realize this isn’t an easy attack to score off.
Basically, Afghanistan doesn’t have to outscore Pakistan by much. If their bowlers choke runs in the middle overs, even a target of 150 could be enough.
The Sharjah Factor
Sharjah has its own personality. Small ground, big crowds, and usually slower wickets. Batters love the boundaries, but spinners enjoy the grip. The average first-innings score hovers around 150-160. Chasing is generally easier under lights, especially if dew sets in.
So what’s the winning formula here? Win the toss, bowl first, and chase calmly. That’s what most captains want.
Head-to-Head played
| Matches | Pakistan Wins | Afghanistan Wins | Last 5 Meetings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 2 | Pakistan 3 – Afghanistan 2 |
Key Clashes
- Shaheen Afridi vs Gurbaz – Can Shaheen’s swing outsmart Gurbaz’s aggression? That battle sets the tone.
- Rashid Khan vs Fakhar Zaman – Fakhar loves hitting spinners, Rashid hates being hit. Something’s gotta give.
- Haris Rauf vs Nabi at the death – Old head vs pure pace.
So, Who Will Win the Today Match?
| Team | Winning Chances | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 55% | Pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi |
| Afghanistan | 45% | Spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb, Nabi |
Live Betting Tips and Fantasy Notes
If you’re the kind of fan who likes fantasy cricket or friendly predictions, here’s what makes sense:
- Safe Picks: Shaheen Afridi, Rashid Khan, Gurbaz. These three almost always impact games.
- Risky Pick: Saim Ayub. He could flop, or he could smash 60 in no time.
- Dark Horse: Mohammad Nabi. He bats, he bowls, and in Sharjah, he loves the stage.
- Man of the Match Prediction: Rashid Khan if Afghanistan win, Shaheen Afridi if Pakistan win.
Final Word
When Pakistan play with Afghanistan, it’s not just about cricket—it’s about pride, passion, and nerve. Pakistan’s pace unit and experience in UAE conditions make them slight favorites. But Afghanistan’s fearless approach and spin strength mean this match is far from one-sided.
So, who will win the today match? The numbers tilt towards Pakistan, but if Rashid and Gurbaz fire, Afghanistan can steal the show. Expect drama, expect twists, and most of all—expect entertainment.
Also check: UAE vs Afghanistan, 3rd Today Match Prediction