Follow Pakistan vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Tri-Series 2025 live updates, scorecard, highlights, playing XI, and key battles from Sharjah.
The much-anticipated Afghanistan vs Pakistan 1st T20I of the Tri-Series 2025 kicked off in Sharjah on August 29, 2025. Both teams, known for their fierce rivalry and passionate cricketing spirit, were ready to lock horns in what promised to be a thriller. With Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat first, fans around the world geared up for an exciting contest between two competitive sides.
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Pakistan’s young opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub walked out to face Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. The Sharjah pitch, historically slow and assisting spinners, looked set to challenge batters throughout the evening. Yet, the opening overs provided high drama as Farhan began aggressively, smashing a six and a boundary in the very first over. Pakistan raced to 12 runs in just six balls, signaling their intent to put pressure on the Afghan bowlers.
The early fireworks, however, did not last long. In the third over, Azmatullah Omarzai provided the breakthrough that Afghanistan were desperately searching for. Sahibzada Farhan, who had already scored 21 off just 10 balls, attempted a flick off his pads but mistimed it. The ball carried straight to short fine leg where Mujeeb Ur Rahman completed a simple catch. Pakistan were reduced to 32 for 1 in just three overs.
With Farhan gone, the responsibility shifted to Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. Ayub, known for his aggressive batting style, looked to maintain the momentum while Zaman, making a comeback after an injury against West Indies, aimed to anchor the innings. The partnership between these two would be crucial for Pakistan, especially against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi.
The Afghan bowling attack is widely respected for its variety. Rashid Khan, leading the side, has been a proven match-winner in T20 cricket worldwide. His ability to strike in the middle overs will be vital. Alongside him, Nabi’s experience and Mujeeb’s mystery spin make Afghanistan a dangerous unit on slow Sharjah pitches. On the other hand, Pakistan’s batting depth with Fakhar, Haris, and skipper Salman Agha provides the balance they need to post a competitive score.
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Pakistan’s recent form in T20 internationals has been mixed. They clinched their last series against West Indies, but consistency has been a major concern, particularly in their bowling attack. Haris Rauf, although inconsistent, continues to be a key figure for Pakistan with his pace and ability to deliver in the death overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, meanwhile, remains their spearhead, and his duel with Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was highlighted as one of the battles to watch out for before the match.
For Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive starts have often laid the foundation for big totals. His aggressive approach against pace bowlers can shift momentum quickly, but facing Afridi’s swing under lights is never an easy task. Alongside him, Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai form a strong top order. The middle order, featuring Nabi and Rashid, ensures depth and experience, particularly in tight chases.
The head-to-head record between Afghanistan and Pakistan in T20Is reflects how closely matched these teams have been. Out of seven meetings before this match, Pakistan had won four, while Afghanistan claimed three victories. With momentum swinging in recent years, Afghanistan has grown in confidence, having beaten Pakistan multiple times in crucial encounters.
Before the match, both captains expressed their thoughts. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha emphasized the importance of building a strong unit ahead of the Asia Cup, stating that the tri-series was a perfect opportunity to test combinations. Meanwhile, Afghan captain Rashid Khan stressed on maintaining their brand of fearless cricket and highlighted that his players’ experience in global T20 leagues would help in this series.
The Sharjah crowd, packed with fans of both sides, witnessed a lively start to the game. The rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan is not just about cricket; it carries the emotions of millions of fans who see every boundary, wicket, and run as a matter of pride. Matches between these two teams are often intense, and the 1st T20I was no different, with momentum shifting rapidly in the opening overs.
As the innings progressed, Pakistan hoped for Ayub and Zaman to stabilize their innings, while Afghanistan looked to strike again with their spinners. The contest promised plenty of drama, from individual battles like Ayub vs Rashid Khan to Nabi’s experience against Fakhar Zaman’s attacking flair. With both teams determined to start the tri-series on a winning note, the stage was set for a high-voltage cricket clash under the Sharjah floodlights.
In the end, the outcome of this game was expected to depend heavily on how well Pakistan’s middle order handled Afghanistan’s spin trio and whether Afghan batters could counter Pakistan’s pace attack. Regardless of the result, fans were assured of one thing — another chapter in the electrifying Afghanistan vs Pakistan cricket rivalry.
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