AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Preview: Afghanistan will face Pakistan in a high-voltage clash of the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
The Kings are under pressure after a shaky start at home, while Guyana enters the contest with strong momentum, thanks to back-to-back wins and an in-form batting unit. This promises to be a fiery battle between the Kings’ top order and the Warriors’ spin attack.
Here’s a detailed preview of AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match 2025, including the date, venue, team news, pitch report, key players, weather, and a winning prediction.
Match Details – AFG vs PAK, 1st T20I Match, 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 1st T20I Match |
| Date | 29 August 2025 |
| Time | 20:30 IST |
| Venue | Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
| Format | T20 |
AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Preview and Team Analysis
Afghanistan
Afghanistan enters this contest with momentum, having won four of their last six T20Is. Rashid Khan leads the side, boasting a world-class spin attack that can thrive in Sharjah’s turning conditions.
Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be key to providing a quick start, while middle-order hitters like Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Karim Janat bring depth. Veteran all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add both experience and firepower in the lower order.
With Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq in the pace department, Afghanistan has a balanced bowling unit capable of troubling Pakistan’s batting-heavy side.
Key Players: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman
Predicted XI (AFG): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan
Pakistan has been inconsistent in recent months but managed to beat the West Indies in their last T20I outing. Skipper Salman Agha will be hoping for a winning start to the Tri-Series.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are expected to open, while the middle order featuring Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz needs to anchor innings against Afghanistan’s spinners. In the lower middle order, Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf can provide late fireworks.
The bowling looks strong on paper with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack, supported by Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz in spin-friendly conditions. However, Pakistan must overcome its recent struggles against Afghanistan’s bowling.
Key Players: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Salman Agha
Predicted XI (PAK): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi
AFG vs PAK: Pitch and Weather Report
Sharjah International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
- Surface: Balanced, but spin-friendly.
- Batting Conditions: Short boundaries allow quick runs; 170+ will be a competitive score.
- Pace Bowling: Limited bounce, but early swing possible.
- Spin Bowling: Big factor – spinners will dominate middle overs.
- Toss Prediction: Bowl first – 9 of the last 10 games here were won by chasing teams.
Weather Forecast – Sharjah, UAE
Clear skies are expected throughout the game with no rain threat. Temperatures will hover around 32-36°C, making it a warm evening with perfect conditions for cricket.
AFG vs PAK Match Prediction: Afghanistan Favoured to Win
Pakistan has more experience in batting, but their bowling has been inconsistent in recent months. Afghanistan, on the other hand, comes into this clash with confidence and a spin attack that suits Sharjah’s conditions perfectly.
This promises to be a close contest, but Afghanistan holds a slight edge due to their balanced side and recent form against Pakistan.
Prediction: Afghanistan to beat Pakistan in the 1st T20I of the UAE Tri-Series 2025.
Read Also:
1. AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match 2025 Playing XI
