What's new

Pakistan (141/8) hand Afghanistan (66) a thumping 75-run defeat in the Final of the UAE Tri-Series

The Bald Eagle

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Nov 25, 2023
Runs
21,276
Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to face off in the final on September 7, 2025, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head:
Both teams have had a strong showing in the series, each securing two wins and one loss in their three matches.
Their recent head-to-head encounters have been competitive. While Pakistan won the first match of the series by 39 runs, Afghanistan bounced back to win the second encounter by 18 runs.

The overall T20I head-to-head record is closely contested, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 5 wins to Afghanistan's 4.
Key Players and Match-ups to Watch:

Afghanistan's Batting: Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal have been in excellent form, both scoring half-centuries in a recent match against Pakistan. Their ability to set a solid platform will be crucial for Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Batting: The top order for Pakistan has shown some vulnerability, but players like Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar Zaman have contributed. The middle order will need to step up and provide quick runs for a strong recovery if the top order fails to fire. Afghanistan's Bowling: The spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, has been a major factor in Afghanistan's success, particularly in choking the opposition during the middle overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi has also been effective with the new ball.

Pakistan's Bowling: Haris Rauf has been a key wicket-taker, and his ability to bowl fiery spells could be a game-changer. Spinners like Mohammad Nawaz and Sufyan Moqim will also play a crucial role in controlling the run rate.

The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams, with Afghanistan's spin prowess and in-form batsmen going up against Pakistan's all-round strength and a potent pace attack. The Sharjah pitch has generally favored batters, so a high-scoring encounter is expected.

Afghanistan squad:

Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.

=======

All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:

1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.

2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.

3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.

4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Win toss, win match.
Don't think it will be different from previous results. Also in Dubai later on, chasing team will win most likely always.
 
The pressure in a final is very different from a group game. Chasing under the lights is never easy.

Both teams might want to bat first and set a large total if they win the toss. We know that Afghanistan like to defend a total with their spinners.

Batting holds the key for both teams.
 
If pak sets a target of 150. They will be down.
But if Afg sets a target of 150, they will be a treat to watch
 
Toss will be crucial

Pakistan tend to panic under pressure, esp. during a run chase.
 
Really looking forward to this.

Hopefully will be a cracking game between two of strongest asian teams in conditions that suit both of them.
 
If Afghans bat bat first and play a lineup of

Gurbaz
Zadran
Atal
Rasooli
Azmat
Gulbadin/Janat
Nabi
Rashid
Mujeeb
Noor
Fazal

they should have a chance. Those 4 spinners can squeeze those middle overs
 
Abrar and Sufiyan to play together, Faheem hasn’t been needed much in these conditions tbh.
Huh? Faheem has bowled much better than Rauf on this pitch against Afghanistan in this series.

Your best seamers have been SSA and Faheem. Abrar and Sufiyan can be the main spinners with Saim and Nawaz to support them
 
Huh? Faheem has bowled much better than Rauf on this pitch against Afghanistan in this series.

Your best seamers have been SSA and Faheem. Abrar and Sufiyan can be the main spinners with Saim and Nawaz to support them
One game is nothing to talk about, Haris is a frontline pace bowler while Faheem has not bowled his full quota in most games.

Afghans are pushing us with four spinners, and on this pitch that’s the need of the hour. In Dubai we can go back to playing the 8th batting option.
 
Funny is You putting full confidence in Pakistan team after a long time.
Unlike @Rana It took me some time to accept. I have trouble believing in things and I was skeptical that we'd change after ba/riz.

But now I am fine with the team. You and I both know with ba/riz we'd be having an Afghanistan vs UAE final.

Don't claim we would have smashed UAE lol. After USA and Ireland loss it became dead set clear we had reached associate level.
 
What’s he supposed to do? Only feel confident if Babar and Rizwan are part of the team?
Why are you getting in our conversation??? Are you momin?? Have I asked you for your opinion here??

I am talking to momin about his views on the game..

What are your views??? Now you can answer
 
I feel like Afghanistan are ahead. If we win this game it will be a good confidence boost for the side. A final has its own set of pressures and it will be good for the players to test themselves before the Asia cup.
 
I feel like Afghanistan are ahead. If we win this game it will be a good confidence boost for the side. A final has its own set of pressures and it will be good for the players to test themselves before the Asia cup.
A win will give some confidence, but I doubt the boys will take it in their stride when it comes to facing India on the 14th.

The manner of playing might be different, but I still feel it’s the same Pakistan that is scared of failures.
 
A win will give some confidence, but I doubt the boys will take it in their stride when it comes to facing India on the 14th.

The manner of playing might be different, but I still feel it’s the same Pakistan that is scared of failures.
For the India game it's not just a mentality gap, there is a massive skills and ability gap that will not be easy to breach.

However we are at our lowest point so every win can give confidence to players and keep the vultures off of the coach.

Fear of failure is something that is difficult to remove but building up a bank of wins helps to take the fear away a little bit.
 
I feel like Afghanistan are ahead. If we win this game it will be a good confidence boost for the side. A final has its own set of pressures and it will be good for the players to test themselves before the Asia cup.
Toss will be key here. Pakistan will struggle to chase 160+ against Afghanistan spinners
 
Why are you getting in our conversation??? Are you momin?? Have I asked you for your opinion here??

I am talking to momin about his views on the game..

What are your views??? Now you can answer
My views are Pakistan are the stronger team and lost last time due to toss factor. Dont think it'll be an issue now.
 
1) Farhan
2) Saim
3) Haris
4) Fakhar
5) Agha
6) H Nawaz
7) M Nawaz
8) Faheem
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen
11) Sufiyan

But ik Pakistan will play something else
Hasan ali?? I dont think that is gonna be a wise move... Haris or salman should play...
 
Hasan ali?? I dont think that is gonna be a wise move... Haris or salman should play...
Ct 2017. He has the mentality even if he is washed up. Will turn up in the final. One is untested and Rauf has the exact same ba/riz mentality.
 
Ct 2017. He has the mentality even if he is washed up. Will turn up in the final. One is untested and Rauf has the exact same ba/riz mentality.
Well. Hassan can hit some shots as well... that might be his only point that might give him and edge over others but last time, haris Rauf was your best batter... I will play him for sure.
 
Last edited:
1) Farhan
2) Saim
3) Haris
4) Fakhar
5) Agha
6) H Nawaz
7) M Nawaz
8) Faheem
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen
11) Sufiyan

But ik Pakistan will play something else
I like Haris at 3. That is where he might be most useful against a new ball. Abrar just gave a stellar performance. Surely he has got to play. And no Rauf?
😲

I suggest:
1. Farhan
2. Saim
3. Haris
4. Fakhar
5. Agha
6. M Nawaz
7. Faheem (reluctantly playing him)
8. Rauf (deserves a batting promotion)
9. Shaheen
10. Abrar
11. Sufiyan

I appreciate the tail starts early but the team with aggressive mindset will win this game.
 
I like Haris at 3. That is where he might be most useful against a new ball. Abrar just gave a stellar performance. Surely he has got to play. And no Rauf?
😲

I suggest:
1. Farhan
2. Saim
3. Haris
4. Fakhar
5. Agha
6. M Nawaz
7. Faheem (reluctantly playing him)
8. Rauf (deserves a batting promotion)
9. Shaheen
10. Abrar
11. Sufiyan

I appreciate the tail starts early but the team with aggressive mindset will win this game.
I like your 11, but mate no need to criticise mine. @BouncerGuy asked a question so I answered.
 
I think Pakistan will play both Abrar and Suffyan. It would had been beneficial if they also played Faheem in place of mohammed Haris with Farhan keeping, if he is in practise of keeping recently. Afghanistan plays spin well so having 3 spinners and only two fast bowlers could back fire.
 
Not much between the teams which you can take either as a compliment to Afghanistan's development or Pakistan's decline as a cricketing nation.

Every game in this tournament has been decided by fewer than 40 runs.

Every game won by the side batting first so toss feels massive. In theory yes winning this tournament final would be a confidence lifter going into the Asia Cup etc but we know games vs India come with its own pressures so let's see.

Big month ahead.
 
Our ability to read and play spin is a big gap in today's team. Most batters cant do it. Agha has to play crucial knock to help handle their 15+ overs of spin. Rest can play around him.
I would consider playing Hussain talat over Haris and make Farhan keep.
 
1) Farhan
2) Saim
3) Haris
4) Fakhar
5) Agha
6) H Nawaz
7) M Nawaz
8) Faheem
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen
11) Sufiyan

But ik Pakistan will play something else

You’re altering the positions of our performers in Agha and Hasan in order to accommodate non performers. In fact Hasan’s stats at 5 and 6 aren’t impressive.

Agha’s best position so far statistically has been no.3. Hasan Nawaz has been no.4. Saim, Farhan, Agha and Hasan Nawaz are probably our best four batsmen anyway. So it would make sense that they bat top 4 where your best batsmen should play. For some reason Agha is reluctant to play at 3 but I don’t know the reason, whether he doubts his ability up the order, or it’s to accommodate other players. We need someone with decent stability and reliability at 3 and I think if he could do that job at 3 it’d be far more effective than down the order.

Haris and Fakhar aren’t players were I would prioritise them over the rest. They fit in where they can, playing the rest at their ideal positions imo. Maybe Salman and Hasan would do well low down the order, who knows. But I don’t think it’s worth experimenting. Fakhar is simply too old with too many chances already, thus just simply doesn’t have the long term future even if he starts performing. Haris just isn’t good enough right now compared to the others. I think fakhar and Haris could easily slot in 5 and 6 respectively if the rest bat top 4.

I just think 6 is too low for what is right now probably our best t20 batsman in H Nawaz.
 
You’re altering the positions of our performers in Agha and Hasan in order to accommodate non performers. In fact Hasan’s stats at 5 and 6 aren’t impressive.

Agha’s best position so far statistically has been no.3. Hasan Nawaz has been no.4. Saim, Farhan, Agha and Hasan Nawaz are probably our best four batsmen anyway. So it would make sense that they bat top 4 where your best batsmen should play. For some reason Agha is reluctant to play at 3 but I don’t know the reason, whether he doubts his ability up the order, or it’s to accommodate other players. We need someone with decent stability and reliability at 3 and I think if he could do that job at 3 it’d be far more effective than down the order.

Haris and Fakhar aren’t players were I would prioritise them over the rest. They fit in where they can, playing the rest at their ideal positions imo. Maybe Salman and Hasan would do well low down the order, who knows. But I don’t think it’s worth experimenting. Fakhar is simply too old with too many chances already, thus just simply doesn’t have the long term future even if he starts performing. Haris just isn’t good enough right now compared to the others. I think fakhar and Haris could easily slot in 5 and 6 respectively if the rest bat top 4.

I just think 6 is too low for what is right now probably our best t20 batsman in H Nawaz.
I wouldn't mind slotting Hasan Nawaz to open again if saim keeps failing over and over.

That 44 ball 100 wasnt a fluke. I believe @RidiculousMan and @Rana Were the first to point this out.

People are very quick to bash Haris, but don't realise that Fakhar Zaman has been avg 42 with a sr of 150 so far in this tri series and Haris avg 28 with a sr of 161 at no 3.

I respect Agha alot, infact im the one who made that justice for Agha thread but Agha works well as a makeshift captain similar to sarfi where he slots in depending on the situation.

You dont want him to bat at no 3 fixed, its best he slots in when spin is on, amd that can be no 4,5,6 or whatever.

The main issue is Saim who after Injury has been awful however due to his talent aka a solid technique + footwork at a very young age I can see why people wish to persist with him.

Oh and @RyanRyan10 as well. I believe he pointed this out too.

He and Rana tend to have extremely similar and well thought out opinions on such matters.

I'm on the other hand only good at analysing current trends but terrible at analysing future trends.
 
Can Afghanistan level their T20I record against Pakistan in the tri-series final

Afghanistan & Pakistan Head -to- head In T20Is

Match -9
Pakistan -5
Afghanistan -4

:kp
 
I’d go with:

1. Saim
2. Farhan
3. Agha
4. Hassan
5. Fakhar
6. Haris
7. Nawaz
8. Faheem
9. Shaheen
10. Rauf
11. Abrar
 
Good team selection by Pakistan..playing both spinners together. It's 70-30 in favour of Pakistan now after the toss..
 
One game is nothing to talk about, Haris is a frontline pace bowler while Faheem has not bowled his full quota in most games.

Afghans are pushing us with four spinners, and on this pitch that’s the need of the hour. In Dubai we can go back to playing the 8th batting option.
Looks like Hesson has gone with the combination I suggested.
 
This match looks like it will be a battle of spin. Let's see which team naviagtes the spinners better.
 
I wouldn't mind slotting Hasan Nawaz to open again if saim keeps failing over and over.

That 44 ball 100 wasnt a fluke. I believe @RidiculousMan and @Rana Were the first to point this out.

People are very quick to bash Haris, but don't realise that Fakhar Zaman has been avg 42 with a sr of 150 so far in this tri series and Haris avg 28 with a sr of 161 at no 3.

I respect Agha alot, infact im the one who made that justice for Agha thread but Agha works well as a makeshift captain similar to sarfi where he slots in depending on the situation.

You dont want him to bat at no 3 fixed, its best he slots in when spin is on, amd that can be no 4,5,6 or whatever.

The main issue is Saim who after Injury has been awful however due to his talent aka a solid technique + footwork at a very young age I can see why people wish to persist with him.

Oh and @RyanRyan10 as well. I believe he pointed this out too.

He and Rana tend to have extremely similar and well thought out opinions on such matters.

I'm on the other hand only good at analysing current trends but terrible at analysing future trends.
Imagine. You as a 20-21 yo guy from a small city. Playing Cricket and starting in domestic after a longish injury.

You don't even get to play PSL and straightaway after performing okayish in terms of runs in a domestic tournament. You get picked to open in New Zealand against New Zealand as your debut series and that too in their early season on green tops. A place and stage where you never played before.

Is it ridiculous if he fails a few times? Yet. In his 3rd game he shows off his talent. Not the most perfect 100 but still the fastest. That century had everything a person with good Cricketing eye needs, to see that he has the ingredients.

He is playing in middle. Because there's no other who can play like him. But that doesn't mean he can't open. In fact he might as well perform better than others as an opener even in the longer run. He understands though that team comes first and he's okay with playing in middle also.
 
Went for Faheem as a pacer and Sufiyan who went for 33 runs in 3 overs with no wickets in the last match between Pak vs Afg. Who even made this ridiculous decision. If they do well, then fair enough but stats going against them
 
PAK big favourites with that combination and having won the taas
With this batting line-up, it’s either above par or well below par.

Exciting, but when it fails it blows up in our faces.

Need to put up a decent total and put Afghanistan under pressure.
 
Went for Faheem as a pacer and Sufiyan who went for 33 runs in 3 overs with no wickets in the last match between Pak vs Afg. Who even made this ridiculous decision. If they do well, then fair enough but stats going against them
It's a bold move you gotta give it that. It remains to be seen if it works or not. But I like that they are backing their decision and approach completely
 
Pakistan won lucky toss. Pakistan should win this one with ease.
How will it be easy when Afhghamistan have been giving them tough time lately? If toss only decides match they may as well not play the match, obviously batsmen have to bat sensibly and put up good score Afhganistan play spinners well so there should be not much threat for Afghanistan from Pakistan bowlers, and dew may factor in too later.
 
Pakistani batsmen are so poor against spin bowling especially against afghani spinners.

These afghani spinners regularly get carted around in franchise cricket all around the world.
Pakistan batsmen have no clue how to play them.
 
Afghanistan is favorite knowing Pakistan is serial choker in semi or final. Why Haris keeps getting selected after so many failures? Afg 60 Pak 40.
 
Back
Top