Afghanistan to Face Pakistan in Sharjah Tri-Series Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan will participate in a Sharjah T20I tri-series against Pakistan and UAE starting Aug 29, preparing for the Asia Cup 2025. Rashid Khan leads the squad, with Naveen-ul-Haq replaced by Abdollah Ahmadzai, a 22-year-old fast bowler. The tri-series follows a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on Sep 7. Afghanistan's Asia Cup campaign begins two days later against Hong Kong.

Afghanistan will participate in a Sharjah T20I tri-series against Pakistan and UAE starting on August 29, marking their first white-ball matches since the Champions Trophy in February 2025. The tri-series is a crucial preparatory step ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, with Rashid Khan leading the squad. The double round-robin format will see the top two teams advance to the final on September 7, with Afghanistan's Asia Cup campaign kicking off against Hong Kong two days later [1].

The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Notably, Naveen-ul-Haq, who was part of Afghanistan's last T20I assignment in Zimbabwe in December 2024, has been replaced by Abdollah Ahmadzai, a 22-year-old fast bowler with 14 wickets from 10 T20 matches. Ahmadzai is yet to make his international debut but has been named among the Asia Cup reserves [2].

Another significant addition is mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, who is in line to make his T20I debut in the Sharjah tri-series. He joins a strong spin unit comprising captain Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad [3]. The tri-series will also mark the return of opener Ibrahim Zadran, who last played T20Is during the 2024 World Cup [1].

The tri-series offers Afghanistan an opportunity to test new combinations and strategies before the high-stakes encounters of the Asia Cup. With a packed calendar and little rest before the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will need to find early momentum if they are to convert their promise into silverware [2].

References:
[1] https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/afghanistan-asia-cup-prep-begins-with-uae-tri-series-1500528
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/afghanistan-vs-pakistan-in-sharjah-tri-series-ahead-of-asia-cup-2025-125082800085_1.html
[3] https://africa.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/46087161/afghanistan-asia-cup-prep-begins-uae-tri-series