UAE to host Pakistan and Afghanistan in T20I Tri-Series ahead of Asia Cup 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to host a seven-match T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan, beginning on August 29 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. All matches will be evening encounters, starting at 7:00 PM local time, with the final scheduled for September 7.

This tri-series will serve as vital preparation for the three teams ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which begins just two days after the series concludes. The opening match will see Pakistan take on Afghanistan.

Pakistan are currently engaged in a limited-overs tour of the West Indies, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. They lead the T20I series 1-0. However, the team will look to regain consistency after a disappointing performance in a recent away series against Bangladesh, where they lost the T20I series 1-2.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, were last seen in action during the Champions Trophy 2025 and have not played any international matches since. The tri-series presents a valuable opportunity for the team to find form before opening their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Hong Kong.

UAE come into the tri-series with boosted confidence, having defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in a home T20I series earlier in May. That victory in front of home fans has provided the team with significant momentum.

The Asia Cup 2025 will commence on September 9, just two days after the tri-series final. For the first time in the tournament’s history, it will feature eight teams, all competing in the T20 format in a crucial lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Group A includes India, Pakistan, Oman and UAE, whereas group B comprises of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4s, and the top two sides from there will face off in the final on September 28.

T20I Tri-Series Schedule