Cricket fans are in for a thrilling preview as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE gear up for the Asia Cup rehearsal with a T20 tri-series in Sharjah. While the Asia Cup itself will unfold across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this series offers teams the perfect chance to test strategies, sharpen skills, and adapt to UAE’s unique playing conditions. With the tournament serving as a dress rehearsal, the stakes are high even if there’s no trophy beyond preparation.
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| Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE gear up for Asia Cup rehearsal |
Why This Tri-Series Matters
This series was initially planned as a three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but the addition of the UAE has transformed it into a tri-nation rehearsal. While it may not hold the glamour of the Asia Cup itself, the value of these games lies in preparation. Sharjah’s slower surfaces are notoriously tricky, making it a fitting battleground for teams to refine their plans.
For Pakistan and Afghanistan, this series is less about bragging rights and more about gaining clarity before heading into the Asia Cup group stages, where they will face tougher opponents. For the UAE, however, this is a rare opportunity to challenge cricketing powerhouses and prepare for their biggest tournament of the year.
Pakistan: Favorites with Questions to Answer
Despite a wave of criticism around Pakistan cricket recently, the team enters this series as favorites. Under the guidance of new white-ball coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan have committed to progressive, high-intent batting. This fearless approach worked in their recent wins over Bangladesh and West Indies, but the UAE’s slower pitches may expose weaknesses.
One burning question is Pakistan’s bowling combination. Hesson has leaned towards using all-rounders to strengthen the batting lineup, but that strategy often leaves the side dependent on part-time bowlers. On flat tracks, this worked well—allowing Pakistan to outscore opponents. But on Sharjah’s low, turning surfaces, specialist bowlers may prove crucial.
Pakistan’s adaptability will decide whether they can maintain dominance. If their batting firepower—led by stars like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman—can hold firm, and their bowlers find rhythm, they remain the team to beat.
Afghanistan: Spin Threat with Uncertainty
Afghanistan’s strength has always been its world-class spin attack. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad all in the mix, their bowling unit is perfectly suited for Sharjah’s conditions. If the pitches assist spin, they could easily trouble Pakistan’s and UAE’s batting orders.
However, Afghanistan’s biggest concern is their lack of recent T20I action. They have not played an international T20 this year, meaning team synchronization may take time to develop. While their players are active in global T20 leagues, transitioning that individual form into national team chemistry is not always seamless.
Still, Afghanistan’s batting has evolved with explosive hitters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran. If their batting clicks alongside their trusted spinners, they could walk into the Asia Cup with momentum.
UAE: Underdogs with a Point to Prove
For the UAE, this tri-series is more than just warm-up matches—it’s their chance to prove they can stand tall against elite opposition. The team has shown glimpses of potential, most notably their 2-1 series win against Bangladesh earlier this year. Their captain Muhammad Waseem has been exceptional, leading the scoring charts with a strike rate of over 155.
Alongside him, Asif Khan has been equally destructive, boasting an even higher strike rate and consistency in finishing games. Yet, UAE struggles with depth, particularly among the top order, where sustaining momentum often becomes difficult.
Their spin duo, Haider Ali and Zuhaib Zubair, will be crucial on Sharjah’s turning pitches. Haider, in particular, has proven his worth with match-winning spells, including a game-changing performance against Bangladesh in Sharjah.
For a side still developing its cricketing infrastructure, the chance to compete against Pakistan and Afghanistan under Asia Cup-like conditions is invaluable. Every good performance adds credibility to UAE cricket’s rising profile.
Sharjah’s Role in Cricketing History
Few grounds in world cricket evoke nostalgia like Sharjah. From iconic Pakistan-India encounters to last-over thrillers, the venue has hosted countless legendary moments. The tri-series may not carry the weight of those historic duels, but Sharjah’s slow surface and short boundaries ensure drama is never far away.
The matches here will also give players a taste of the conditions they will face in the Asia Cup. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai have larger grounds and different pitch behaviors, the heat, pressure, and spin-friendly nature of the UAE remain consistent themes.
Broader Context: What’s at Stake?
While this series won’t directly affect Asia Cup standings, its impact is strategic:
Pakistan needs to test its balance between bat-heavy and ball-heavy lineups.
Afghanistan must shake off rust and find cohesion before tougher group challenges.
UAE seeks validation and experience against stronger nations.
Beyond cricket, such tri-series also generate excitement among fans across the region. They help maintain global interest in UAE cricket, which has increasingly hosted international tournaments due to its facilities and accessibility.
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Final Thoughts
The Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE tri-series in Sharjah may not carry the prestige of the Asia Cup, but it offers invaluable preparation for all three teams. Pakistan enters with intent and pressure, Afghanistan arrives with spin power but uncertainty, and UAE fights for recognition. What happens on these Sharjah pitches could well foreshadow the storylines of the Asia Cup.
