Afghanistan Looks to Secure Final Spot in UAE T20 Tri-Series
Preview
On Friday, September 5, 2025, Afghanistan (AFG) will face off against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the sixth T20I of the UAE T20 Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This match marks the second meeting between the two teams in the tournament, with Afghanistan emerging victorious in their previous clash with a 38-run win. After a defeat in their opening game against Pakistan, Afghanistan bounced back with a strong performance and are now aiming for another win to secure their spot in the final.
Challenging Schedule for UAE
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates find themselves with a challenging schedule, playing two matches in the span of 24 hours. The hosts are in a must-win situation, as only victories in both matches will secure their place in the final. With the home crowd behind them, UAE will be eager to turn their fortunes around and keep their campaign alive.
Match Details
The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium generally favors the team batting first, with scoring being easier in the initial innings. However, as the match progresses, batting becomes more challenging, putting pressure on the batters to play with caution and patience in the second innings. Bowlers, especially spinners, come into play and can make scoring difficult for the opposition.
Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan DSouza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique
Probable Top Performers
Probable Best Batter: Sediqullah Atal
Afghanistan’s top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal has been a standout player in the tri-series, scoring 141 runs at an impressive average of 47. His contributions have been vital in guiding Afghanistan to their previous victories, making him a key asset at the top of the order.
Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan is expected to be a key bowler in the upcoming match. The star leg-spinner has been crucial to his team’s success in the series and his four-over spells often prove decisive, making him a match-winner capable of leading his team to the finals.
Match Prediction
Today’s Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match
Scenario 1
If Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bowl first, the prediction is that UAE will score between 135-145, leading to an Afghanistan victory.
Scenario 2
If UAE win the toss and opt to bowl first, the prediction is that Afghanistan will score between 165-175, resulting in an Afghanistan win.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the author’s analysis and understanding. Consider the points mentioned before making your own prediction.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Aside from the probable top performers mentioned, there are other key players to keep an eye on during this crucial match. Ibrahim Zadran from Afghanistan has shown promising form with the bat and could play a significant role in building a solid foundation for his team. On the UAE side, Muhammad Waseem, the captain, will be instrumental in leading his team by example, both with the bat and as a strategic leader on the field.
Team Strategies and Tactics
With a spot in the final at stake, both teams will likely approach this match with a strategic mindset. Afghanistan may look to capitalize on their strong batting lineup to set a challenging target for UAE, while also relying on their spinners to put pressure on the opposition. On the other hand, UAE might focus on early breakthroughs with their pace bowlers and then look to contain the Afghan batting lineup with disciplined bowling and fielding.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Considering recent form and head-to-head record can provide valuable insights into how the teams might perform in this match. Afghanistan has been in good form in the tournament, while UAE has faced some setbacks. In head-to-head encounters, Afghanistan has historically held the upper hand against UAE, which could give them a psychological advantage going into the game.
Impact of Home Advantage
Playing in familiar conditions in front of a supportive home crowd can have a significant impact on a team’s performance. UAE will draw motivation and energy from the crowd, which could help them lift their game and produce a strong performance. However, Afghanistan has shown the ability to thrive under pressure and might not be too affected by the home advantage enjoyed by UAE.
Weather Conditions and Pitch Report
It’s essential to consider the weather conditions and pitch report for the match, as they can play a crucial role in determining the outcome. In Sharjah, the weather is typically hot and dry, which might affect player stamina and hydration levels. As for the pitch, the dry conditions could assist spinners and make batting challenging in the latter stages of the match.
Final Thoughts
As the stakes are high in this crucial encounter, both teams will be looking to leave everything on the field and secure a place in the final of the UAE T20 Tri-Series. With talented players on both sides and strategic battles expected to unfold, cricket fans can anticipate an intense and captivating match between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. Only time will tell which team will emerge victorious and book their spot in the final showdown.
