Pakistan Became the Champion of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
The highly-awaited UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025, with the participation of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ended in style at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 7, 2025. Ten dramatic days of action treated supporters to thrilling matches, exceptional performances, and ideal preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Eventually, Pakistan emerged as the winner, defeating Afghanistan by a dominating 75 runs in the finalto take the trophy.
Series Overview
Format: T20I Tri-Nation Tournament
Teams: Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE
Ground: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Dates: August 29 – September 7, 2025
Purpose: Warm-up series before the Asia Cup
The tri-series allowed the three teams an equal competitive platform to try out their line-ups and strategies. While Afghanistan and Pakistan controlled the group stage, UAE played with individual brilliance even as they fell short of wins.
Match-by-Match Recap
Pakistan vs Afghanistan (Aug 29)
Pakistan began their campaign with a solid 39-run victory, courtesy disciplined bowling and a captain’s half-century by Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan vs UAE (Aug 30)
Fakhar Zaman hammered an unbeaten 77, while Abrar Ahmed excelled with the ball, helping Pakistan win by 31 runs.
Afghanistan vs UAE (Sep 1)
Ibrahim Zadran (63) and Sediqullah Atal (54) helped Afghanistan win by 38 runs. Rashid Khan also broke the record of most T20I wickets taken in this match.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan (Sep 2)
Afghanistan turned the tables with an 18-run victory. Their spin trio — Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad — tore into Pakistan’s batting.
Pakistan vs UAE (Sep 4)
Pakistan continued their dominance over UAE with another 31-run victory, securing their spot in the final.
Afghanistan vs UAE (Sep 6)
Afghanistan edged past UAE by 4 runs in a nerve-wracking finish, courtesy of Fareed Ahmad’s superb death bowling.
Pakistan led the table on net run rate to arrange a blockbuster final against Afghanistan.
The Final: Pakistan v Afghanistan (Sep 7, 2025)
The grand finale did not disappoint — at least for Pakistani fans.
Pakistan’s Innings:
Pakistan managed a fighting total of 141/8, led by Fakhar Zaman and lower-order contributions.
Afghanistan’s Collapse:
In response, Afghanistan’s batting order collapsed under stress. Mohammad Nawaz delivered the spell of the tournament, taking a hat-trick and finishing with a five-wicket haul.
RESULT
Pakistan bowled out Afghanistan at a cheap rate, recording a thumping 75-run win to lift the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 trophy.
Star Performers of the Series
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): Highest run-scorer with 194 runs, including two half-centuries.
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): Pakistan’s top run-scorer with 155 runs throughout the series.
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE): Ran 163 runs, a lone ranger for his team.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Tournament’s top wicket-taker with 9 dismissals.
- Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan): Final hero with a hat-trick and match-winning bowling figures.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan’s Depth: From Fakhar Zaman’s steady batting to Nawaz’s bowling excellence, Pakistan demonstrated they are reaching their peak at the perfect time.
Afghanistan’s Spin Battery: Rashid Khan and his spin mates harassed each batting line-up and are a threat in the Asia Cup.
UAE’s Never-Say-Die Spirit: Though losing a match, UAE discovered players like Muhammad Waseem who defied best opposition.
Final Thoughts
The UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 was a thrilling build-up to the Asia Cup. With Pakistan winning the trophy after scoring a crushing 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the final, they will take confidence and momentum into the continental contest.
There is more of the same to come, or maybe even more, in the Asia Cup, but Pakistan can enjoy a hard-won success in Sharjah for now.
