T20I Tri-Series Kicks Off in Sharjah. The Bank Alfalah T20I Tri-Series is set to begin on Friday in Sharjah, with a highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan. For more than a decade, these two teams have considered the conditions in Sharjah their home, and now they will reignite their rivalry. The host team, UAE, completes the lineup, but the primary focus will be on how Pakistan and Afghanistan perform in this final preparation for next month’s Asia Cup.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan set the tone on the eve of the series, making it clear that his side was not getting carried away with talk of form or momentum. “There are no favourites in Twenty20 cricket,” Rashid said. “On the day, one or two players can change the whole game. For us the only target is to play our best cricket, bring 200 per cent effort and make the right decisions at the right time.”
Afghanistan’s recent T20 World Cup performance was a powerful testament to their growth. The team, once primarily a bowling powerhouse, has evolved dramatically, with its batters now consistently shouldering responsibility. Rashid attributed this significant shift to the top order’s composure under pressure, which has elevated the side from mere underdogs to genuine title contenders. Their semi-final run, which included memorable wins against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh, proves just how far they’ve come.
AfghanAtalan continue to put in hard yards as they prepare for the UAE Tri-Nation Series featuring the hosts UAE and Pakistan.
Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive in Sharjah after an intense camp in Dubai under new captain Salman Agha. The 30-year-old, who has been tasked with leading a transitional side, acknowledged that his squad is still in the process of finding its feet. Speaking at the press conference, Salman said the current Pakistan line-up was a young unit that lacked experience, but was “learning with every step on the way.”
Iconic stage set for key clashes. Despite the inexperience, Pakistan can call on familiar match-winners who have thrived in Sharjah before. The venue has long been an iconic stage for Pakistan cricket, with decades of history behind their dominance in the emirate. Salman was quick to remind reporters that Pakistan have generally raised their game at the venue and will look to lean on that comfort in their opening clash.
Both captains also stressed the importance of this series in preparing for the Asia Cup, where the stakes will be far higher. For Rashid, the focus is on process and consistency. For Salman, it is about nurturing young talent in high-pressure games.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is expected to see strong support for both sides, with large expat communities ensuring a lively atmosphere. That fan presence adds another layer of intensity, something both teams are accustomed to in the UAE.
With Rashid emphasising that nothing is guaranteed in Twenty20 cricket and Salman underscoring the learning curve for his squad, the series promises to offer a glimpse into how both sides are shaping up ahead of a packed Asian calendar.
