UAE Face Big Test in Sharjah Tri-Series Against Pakistan and Afghanistan
In less than two weeks, the cricket world will turn its focus to the Asia Cup, which is set to begin on September 9 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But before that, there is a thrilling warm-up event taking place — the Sharjah Tri-Series. This competition, officially titled the Inverex Solar Energy presents Bank Alfalah T20I Tri-Series , features Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE. And it is more than just a curtain-raiser; it’s a chance for all three teams to sharpen their skills, test combinations, and send a strong message before the Asia Cup begins.
The series gets underway at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a venue that has seen some unforgettable cricket moments over the decades. The format is straightforward: all three teams face each other in a round-robin style, and the top two will meet again in the final on September 7.
Also Read:The opening clash will see Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan going head-to-head with Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan. Then, the hosts — UAE, led by their experienced opener Muhammad Waseem — will step onto the field against Pakistan. For many, Pakistan and Afghanistan are seen as the natural favorites. But there’s a twist in the tale: the UAE cannot be written off.
Just three months ago, on the very same ground, the UAE stunned Bangladesh by clinching a historic T20I series win. That victory proved that the Emirati side has the grit and the skill to take down top-ranked, Test-playing nations. Now, with a balanced squad of youngsters and seasoned campaigners, they will be eager to prove once again that they belong on the big stage. For players like Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, and rising talents such as Aryansh Sharma, this tournament is a golden chance to shine.
Pakistan, on the other hand, arrive with a strong lineup featuring firepower in both batting and bowling. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace, Fakhar Zaman’s attacking stroke play, and Haris Rauf’s death-over expertise make them a tough unit. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, under the charismatic Rashid Khan, boast world-class spinners like Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, alongside hard-hitters such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi.
For the UAE, every match will feel like a final. Playing against two of the best teams in the region, in front of home fans, adds both pressure and motivation. If they can recreate the fearless cricket they showed against Bangladesh, another upset could very well be on the cards.
So, as the Sharjah Tri-Series kicks off, it’s more than just warm-up games — it’s a stage where reputations will be tested, strategies fine-tuned, and new heroes possibly born. Whether Pakistan’s dominance continues, Afghanistan’s flair surprises again, or the UAE rise with another giant-killing performance, cricket fans are in for a week of exciting battles under the Sharjah lights.
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