The stage is set for a gripping tri-series final between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. The decision to bat is a tactical move influenced by pitch conditions, dew factor, and the strength of Pakistan’s batting lineup. This final clash acts as a critical dress rehearsal for both sides ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off shortly after in the UAE.
Tactical Insight: Pakistan’s Decision to Bat First
Captain Salman Agha’s choice to bat first is smartly crafted around multiple factors. Sharjah pitches tend to offer good pace early on but become slower and often susceptible to dew later in the evening. Batting first allows Pakistan to set a formidable target without the risk of dew blunting their bowling attack in the second innings. This approach aligns with Pakistan’s dominance in the league stage, where their batsmen showed consistent ability to build innings and their bowlers thrived on early breakthroughs[1][5].
Muqeem replaces Mirza in the playing eleven, hinting at a more balanced or bowling-oriented strategy. Mirza, who may have had a less impactful tournament with the ball, gives way to Muqeem, who could offer fresh energy in the bowling department as Pakistan aims to restrict Afghanistan’s potent batting lineup.
Head-to-Head Form and Momentum
Both teams reach this summit clash in red-hot form. Pakistan cruised through the group with three victories out of four matches, losing only to Afghanistan in their earlier faceoff. Their batting has been spearheaded by Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub, while the bowling unit featuring Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Abrar Ahmed has been incisive[1]. Fakhar’s 77* in a recent victory underscores Pakistan’s batting firepower.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, recovered impressively from an opening loss to string together three consecutive wins, including a nail-biting affair against UAE dominated by Ibrahim Zadran’s calm 48 off 35 balls. Their bowling will demand focus, with star spinner Rashid Khan back from rest, supplementing a well-rounded attack.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
Salman Agha (Captain): Leading from the front, Agha’s tactical nous and experience will be pivotal, especially in handling pressure and steering the chase or innings building.
Fakhar Zaman: A key aggressive opener, Zaman’s fast starts and ability to accelerate at vital junctures give Pakistan an edge in setting or chasing big totals.
Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed: The pace duo has been integral in taking early wickets and managing the death overs, exploiting Sharjah conditions effectively.
Muqeem: His inclusion could be decisive, expected to hold crucial overs and bring variety to the bowling.
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan: Arguably Afghanistan’s match-winner, Rashid’s leg spin remains a challenging puzzle for most batsmen. His ability to control run flow and pick key wickets will be central.
Ibrahim Zadran: One of Afghanistan’s most dependable batsmen, his composure in tight situations, demonstrated in recent wins, is vital to Afghanistan’s middle order stability.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive at the top, Gurbaz’s aggressive starts can unsettle Pakistan’s attack early.
Naveen-ul-Haq: The pace spearhead can exploit any early seam movement or bounce, crucial in the powerplay overs.
Impact of the Match Beyond the Trophy
While the tri-series final prize itself is limited in monetary and trophy terms, the psychological benefit of a title ahead of the Asia Cup cannot be overstated. Both teams view this as a dress rehearsal to fine-tune combinations, assess player form, and build confidence under pressure in UAE conditions.
Pakistan looks to cement their position as regional dominant in T20 cricket, showing depth and adaptability. For Afghanistan, a victory would underline their rise and growing capability to perform consistently against top-ranked teams, boosting morale heading into a tournament where they are considered dark horses.
Pitch and Match Conditions
The Sharjah pitch offers a paced surface with grass covering, providing some assistance to pace bowlers early on but expected to flatten out as the match progresses. Dew is a significant factor in UAE night games, generally assisting the chasing side, though Pakistan’s decision to bat first suggests confidence in setting a target and defending it before conditions tilt.
Given the timing and weather, batting teams must balance aggression with preservation, capitalizing on the powerplay and middle overs without losing momentum late on.
With Pakistan opting to set a target upfront and both teams at the peak of their powers, this tri-series final promises high-quality cricket filled with tactical battles, player performances under pressure, and a preview of what fans can expect in the Asia Cup 2025. Fans worldwide can anticipate a fierce contest as these two rivals vie not only for the trophy but also for crucial momentum on one of cricket’s biggest stages[1][2][5].
Source: www.espncricinfo.com