With Afghanistan already in the final and UAE out of the race, tonight’s encounter at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is less about points and more about pride, preparation, and redemption.
Match Overview
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Fixture: Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates, Final League Match
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Date & Time: Thursday, September 5, 2025 | 8:30 PM IST | 03:00 PM GMT | 7:00 PM LOCAL
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Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
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Series Context: Afghanistan qualified for the final; UAE eliminated
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Head-to-Head Record: 13 Matches – AFG: 10 wins | UAE: 3 wins
As the sun sets on the league stage of the ongoing T20I tri-series in Sharjah, the Afghanistan vs UAE contest on September 5 serves as a curtain-raiser for the grand finale. With Afghanistan sealing their spot in the final and UAE knocked out, the match may appear inconsequential on the points table. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find storylines teeming with emotion, milestones, redemption arcs, and potential team experiments.
Afghanistan’s Campaign: A Display of Composure and Class
Bouncing Back After Early Wobbles
Afghanistan’s campaign began with early nerves, but under the ice-cold leadership of Rashid Khan, the team regained composure and momentum. Each victory since then has not only reaffirmed their T20 prowess but also showcased their bench depth and flexibility.
Rashid Khan: A Record-Breaking Campaign
The biggest highlight for Afghanistan so far has been Rashid Khan becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20I history. Known for his unplayable googlies and nerveless finishes, Rashid’s feat has been the cherry on top of a highly disciplined Afghan bowling unit.
🗣️ “Records don’t drive me, but to achieve this while representing my country is special,” said Rashid after achieving the record.
Final Tune-Up Before the Finale
While qualification is already secured, the team will be keen to use this game as a final rehearsal for the summit clash. Expect some rotational changes — perhaps an outing for youngsters like Allah Ghazanfar or Mohammad Ishaq, while the seasoned core may continue to build rhythm.
UAE’s Campaign: A Tale of What Could’ve Been
Slipped Through the Cracks
For Muhammad Waseem and Co., this series was a golden opportunity to make a statement on home soil. But with back-to-back losses, they find themselves out of the reckoning — their campaign characterized by moments of brilliance followed by lapses in concentration.
Missed Opportunities & Fragile Middle Order
Despite flashes of talent — notably from Asif Khan, Junaid Siddique, and Aryansh Sharma — the inconsistency of the middle order and the lack of a quality death bowler proved fatal. Matches slipped away in the final overs or in a single over of batting collapse.
🗣️ “It’s disappointing. We had games in our grasp, but cricket is cruel at times,” admitted captain Muhammad Waseem.
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Prove
With no qualification pressure, UAE can now express themselves more freely. Expect them to test bench players like Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, and perhaps even give dual wicketkeepers a go with Rahul Chopra and Aryansh Sharma.
Head-to-Head: AFG Dominance
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Total Matches: 13
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Afghanistan Wins: 10
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UAE Wins: 3
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No Result: 0
The historical numbers heavily favor Afghanistan, who have consistently dominated UAE in the T20 format. Whether it’s Rashid’s bowling or the firepower of batters like Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan has usually outclassed the hosts in key departments.
Venue Watch: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Sharjah has traditionally been known for run-fests, but recent matches have shown a slight drop in scoring rates due to:
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Tired pitches
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Slow, gripping surfaces
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Help for spinners and cutters
What to Expect Tonight?
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Powerplay value: 40–55 runs
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Ideal first innings score: 160–180
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Advantage toss-winner: Batting first still preferred due to scoreboard pressure, but dew could tempt teams to bowl first under lights.
Team Previews & Strategy Board
Afghanistan: Predicted XI
Likely to rest one or two seniors, but still field a strong unit.
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
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Ibrahim Zadran
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Darwish Rasooli
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Sediqullah Atal
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Azmatullah Omarzai
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Mohammad Nabi
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Rashid Khan (c)
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Karim Janat
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman
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Fazalhaq Farooqi
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Noor Ahmad
Bench Watch: Mohammad Ishaq, Allah Ghazanfar, Sharafuddin Ashraf
Key Players to Watch
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Rashid Khan: Already on a high, will look to bamboozle UAE again.
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Gurbaz: Due for a big innings.
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Noor Ahmad: Left-arm mystery can dismantle middle orders.
UAE: Predicted XI
Might make 2–3 changes to test their youth bench.
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Muhammad Waseem (c)
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Alishan Sharafu
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Asif Khan
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Ethan D’Souza
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Aryansh Sharma (wk)
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Dhruv Parashar
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Junaid Siddique
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Haider Ali
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Harshit Kaushik
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Mohammad Jawadullah
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Muhammad Farooq
Bench Watch: Rahul Chopra, Zohaib, Saghir Khan
Key Players to Watch
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Muhammad Waseem: Will want to finish on a high.
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Asif Khan: UAE’s most aggressive batter.
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Junaid Siddique: Their best new-ball bowler.
Predicted Match Scenarios
Scenario 1: UAE Bat First
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Powerplay Score: 40–45
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Overall Total: 150–160
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Chances of Win: Low, unless spinners choke Afghan middle order.
Scenario 2: Afghanistan Bat First
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Powerplay Score: 50–55
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Overall Total: 170–180
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Chances of Win: High – their bowlers are more experienced defending scores.
Prediction: Team batting first to win the match.
Match Prediction & Expert Take
Despite the formalities being over, Afghanistan are strong favorites:
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Superior spin attack
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Explosive power hitters
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Tactical nous under Rashid
UAE, while spirited, will need a near-perfect game in all departments to cause an upset.
💬 Expert Opinion: “Afghanistan are peaking at the right time. Expect them to test players but still win comfortably.”
Storylines to Watch
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Can UAE sign off with a win and restore fan faith?
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Will Afghanistan give game time to benchwarmers like Ghazanfar or Ishaq?
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Will Rashid break yet another record?
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Can Asif Khan or Ethan D’Souza play a memorable knock under lights?
What’s at Stake?
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For Afghanistan: Momentum, experimentation, and rhythm before the final
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For UAE: Pride, redemption, and closing with heads held high
Though not a knockout, the match still carries emotional and preparatory significance, especially for two nations carving their path into mainstream T20 cricket.
Tonight’s Afghanistan vs UAE encounter might not influence the standings, but it’s far from meaningless. For Afghanistan, it’s a dry run for glory. For UAE, it’s about fighting until the very end. And for fans? It’s an invitation to witness passion, perseverance, and perhaps a surprise twist under the Sharjah floodlights.
Cricket may be a game of numbers, but some matches are about heart — and this one has plenty of it.
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