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UAE T20I tri-series, AFG vs PAK: Asia Cup in focus as Afghanistan meet Pakistan

Ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to ignite their preparations with a massive clash in the opening match of the T20I tri-nation series on Friday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The series, hosted by the UAE, presents a timely platform for the teams to fine-tune their skills and combinations in the build-up to the blockbuster event. The Asia Cup 2025 will also be held in UAE, offering familiar conditions for all three participating sides.
Pakistan enter the series with a new-look squad that does not feature senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, they have the services of bankable players like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. They will be led by Agha Salman, who will also lead them in the Asia Cup 2025.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be led by ever-reliable all-rounder Rashid Khan. They enter the series with a set of extensively powerful players. Their spin trio, led by Rashid Khan, remains among the best in world cricket. But the focus will be equally on their batting unit, particularly the performances of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Head-to-head
Matches - 7
AFG won - 3
PAK won - 4
Afghanistan Likely XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan likely XI: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
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