Afghanistan set to start UAE tri-series as favorites under Rashid Khan

Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, open the UAE T20I tri-series on Friday, August 29, against Pakistan in Sharjah, entering as tournament favorites after a strong run of T20 results over the past year.

The round-robin event features hosts UAE alongside Afghanistan and Pakistan, with all games at Sharjah and the top two advancing to the final on September 7.

Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack and settled core underpin their status.

The squad doubles as a near full-strength Asia Cup group, giving Rashid continuity with key performers and a chance to fine-tune roles before next month’s continental event in the UAE.

Pakistan meanwhile arrive amid selection upheaval — most notably the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from squads for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup — which could hand Afghanistan an early edge in conditions that suit slow bowling.

Hosts UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, have named a compact, power-hitting unit and will look to leverage local familiarity at Sharjah.

Fixtures to watch include Afghanistan vs Pakistan on August 29 and again in the return game ahead of the September 7 final, all serving as tune-ups for the Asia Cup beginning September 9.