Afghanistan Looks to Continue Winning Streak Against UAE in UAE T20 Tri-Series
Preview:
On Friday, September 5, 2025, Afghanistan (AFG) will clash with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the sixth T20I of the UAE T20 Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This match marks the second encounter between the two teams in the tournament after Afghanistan secured a 38-run victory over UAE in their previous match.
After a shaky start with a loss against Pakistan, Afghanistan bounced back impressively in their last game and will be aiming to secure another win to solidify their spot in the final. Meanwhile, UAE faces a tough challenge with back-to-back matches within 24 hours. The hosts find themselves in a must-win situation, knowing that only victories in both games will keep their final hopes alive. With the support of the home crowd, UAE will be determined to turn their fortunes around and stay in contention.
Match Details:
The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known to be favorable to the team batting first. While scoring is relatively easier in the initial innings, batting becomes trickier as the match progresses. Batters will need to exercise caution and patience in the second innings, as the bowlers, particularly spinners, come into play and can create pressure on the opposition.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan DSouza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique
Probable Top Performers:
Best Batter: Sediqullah Atal
Afghanistan’s top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal has been in fine form in the tri-series, scoring 141 runs at an average of 47. His contributions have been crucial in Afghanistan’s victories, making him a key player at the top of the order.
Best Bowler: Rashid Khan
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is expected to be a key bowler in this match. The star leg-spinner has been pivotal in his team’s success, with his four-over spells often proving to be match-winning. His form will be crucial for Afghanistan’s chances of securing another win.
Match Prediction:
Based on the analysis, Afghanistan is predicted to win the match. In Scenario 1, if Afghanistan wins the toss and opts to bowl first, UAE is expected to score 135-145 runs, leading to an Afghanistan victory. In Scenario 2, if UAE wins the toss and chooses to bowl first, Afghanistan is predicted to score 165-175 runs and secure another win.
It’s important to note that the prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. Viewers are encouraged to consider the points mentioned and make their own predictions based on the dynamics of the game.
Team Analysis:
Afghanistan’s recent form and confidence coming off a strong performance in the previous match against UAE make them the favorites heading into this encounter. With a well-rounded squad led by the experienced Rashid Khan, Afghanistan will look to build on their success and maintain their winning streak in the tournament. The team’s depth in both batting and bowling departments gives them a competitive edge over UAE.
On the other hand, UAE will need to regroup quickly and address their shortcomings from the last match to stand a chance against Afghanistan. The team will heavily rely on their captain Muhammad Waseem to lead from the front and inspire a turnaround in their performance. UAE’s ability to adapt to the conditions at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and execute their game plan effectively will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Key Battles to Watch:
One of the key battles to watch in this match will be between Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Rashid Khan, and UAE’s middle order. Rashid Khan’s ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs can potentially disrupt UAE’s batting flow and put pressure on their lower order to deliver. UAE’s middle-order batsmen will need to counter Rashid Khan’s variations and play him cautiously to build a competitive total.
Another intriguing battle will be between Afghanistan’s opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal against UAE’s new ball bowlers. If Afghanistan’s openers can provide a solid start and set the platform for the middle order, it will put UAE on the back foot early in the match. UAE’s bowlers, on the other hand, will look to strike early and put Afghanistan’s batting lineup under pressure.
Impact of Home Advantage:
Playing in familiar conditions at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE will look to leverage the home advantage and draw support from the local crowd. The knowledge of the pitch behavior and nuances of the ground can play a significant role in UAE’s strategy as they aim to outperform Afghanistan in this crucial encounter. The comfort of playing in front of a supportive crowd can also boost UAE’s morale and intensity on the field.
Conclusion:
As Afghanistan and UAE gear up for their clash in the UAE T20 Tri-Series, all eyes will be on how the two teams approach the match and execute their game plans. With Afghanistan seeking to extend their winning streak and UAE desperate for a victory to stay alive in the tournament, the stage is set for an exciting contest between bat and ball. Fans can expect a thrilling display of T20 cricket as the two teams battle it out for supremacy on the field.
Ultimately, the outcome of the match will be determined by the players’ performance on the day and their ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes encounter. Both teams have a lot to play for, and it will be intriguing to see which side rises to the occasion and emerges victorious in this crucial fixture of the UAE T20 Tri-Series.


