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AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Playing XI, Team News, Key Players- United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025

Shubham Sangale·

AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Playing XI: Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in the opening match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium. Both teams are looking for a winning start in this competitive tri-series.

Afghanistan comes into the series high on confidence after defeating Zimbabwe in their last T20 series. Led by Rashid Khan, the side has built a reputation for troubling Pakistan in recent encounters.

On the other hand, Pakistan recently beat the West Indies but has shown inconsistency with its bowling attack. Captain Salman Agha will hope his young side can rise to the challenge against Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack.

Let’s look at the AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Playing XI, key players, team news, and full squads.


AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Playing XI- United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025

Afghanistan Playing XI Pakistan Playing XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) Saim Ayub
Ibrahim Zadran Fakhar Zaman
Sediqullah Atal Mohammad Haris (wk)
Azmatullah Omarzai Hasan Nawaz
Karim Janat Salman Agha (c)
Mohammad Nabi Hussain Talat
Gulbadin Naib Mohammad Nawaz
Rashid Khan (c) Faheem Ashraf
Mujeeb Ur Rahman Shaheen Afridi
Naveen-ul-Haq Haris Rauf
Fazalhaq Farooqi Abrar Ahmed

Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan

  • Rashid Khan – Captain and strike bowler who dominates in the middle overs.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener who can take the game away early.
  • Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery spinner capable of troubling Pakistan’s top order.

Pakistan

  • Fakhar Zaman – Experienced opener who holds the key at the top.
  • Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s spearhead with the new ball.
  • Mohammad Haris – Young wicketkeeper-batter with explosive batting ability.

AFG vs PAK 1st T20I Match Team News

Afghanistan looks settled with strong spinners and an in-form batting unit. Their recent win over Zimbabwe has boosted confidence, and the team will rely heavily on Rashid Khan and Nabi’s experience.

Pakistan is in a rebuilding phase with several youngsters in the squad. While their batting looks promising, the bowling has been inconsistent. Salman Agha hopes Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf can provide early breakthroughs.


AFG vs PAK Teams Full Squads

Afghanistan Squad:

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 Squad:

Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi.


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