Pakistan’s Tri-Series Campaign: A Mixed Bag of Promise and Concern
The September 2025 PAK vs UAE and AFG in the Tri-Series, played in Sharjah, was more than just a bilateral contest. For Pakistan, it became an audition ground for young players, a litmus test for squad depth, and a stark reminder of recurring flaws. Two wins against the UAE showcased Pakistan’s superior skill, but a win and a loss against Afghanistan highlighted brittle areas, especially the middle order’s inability to withstand sustained spin pressure.
Match Recap: Defining Moments in PAK vs UAE and AFG
- Opening Match vs Afghanistan (Aug 29): Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored with an unbeaten half-century to anchor the innings. Pakistan posted 182/7, setting a stiff target. Haris Rauf’s fiery spell, including a double-wicket maiden, ripped through Afghanistan’s batting. The win gave Pakistan a confident start to their Asia Cup 2025 preparations.
- PAK vs UAE (Aug 30): Pakistan regrouped, with Fakhar Zaman providing a strong top-order platform. Young bowlers impressed, ensuring a comfortable victory.
- Second Meeting vs Afghanistan (Sept 2): Almost a carbon copy of the first clash—Pakistan managed starts but failed to convert them into match-winning scores. The lower order fought hard, with Haris Rauf producing a brave cameo, but it wasn’t enough.
- Group Stage vs UAE (Sept 4): Pakistan’s best performance of the series. Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 77 was classy and composed, while Abrar Ahmed’s career-best spell underlined Pakistan’s spin depth. The win sealed a place in the final.
Star Performers from Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman – The Backbone of the Batting Line-Up
Fakhar was Pakistan’s standout performer with the bat. His ability to anchor the innings while shifting gears under pressure was invaluable. His 77* against UAE was a masterclass in responsibility and aggression—a reminder that he remains one of Pakistan’s most dependable top-order options.
- Abrar Ahmed – Spin with Bite
Abrar Ahmed produced a sensational spell in the PAK vs UAE, taking a career-best 4 for 9 to single-handedly derail UAE’s chase. His mystery spin accounted for key top-order wickets, and with 14 dot balls at an economy of just 2.20, he never allowed the opposition to settle. The performance earned him the Player of the Match award and powered Pakistan to a 31-run victory, sealing their place in the final.
- Haris Rauf – The Fighter with the Bat and Ball
Known primarily for his pace, Rauf showcased his all-round value. His blistering cameo (34 off 16) against Afghanistan added unexpected depth to Pakistan’s batting. With the ball, his aggression and yorker accuracy remained assets, even when defending low totals.
- Shaheen Afridi – The New Ball Enforcer
Though not at his lethal best in every match, Shaheen’s opening spells consistently put opposition under early pressure. His ability to swing the ball both ways ensured Pakistan started strong, though the lack of middle-overs support often wasted his breakthroughs.
- Impact of Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz
Saim shone brightest against UAE with a dazzling 69 off 38 balls after a steady 14 against Afghanistan, proving his value as an opener. Nawaz’s lower-order consistency stood out scoring 21 off 11, 25 off 15, and an unbeaten 37* in the semi-final to rescue Pakistan from early collapses. Faheem chipped in with brisk cameos of 14 and 16 runs, and his two crucial wickets against Afghanistan nearly swung the match Pakistan’s way.
Looking ahead: The Asia Cup 2025
PAK vs UAE and AFG in the tri-series revealed a clear blueprint of what Pakistan must address before the Asia Cup. Facing India, Oman, and UAE in Group A, Pakistan cannot afford fragile batting displays. The pitches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to assist spinners, meaning lessons from Afghanistan’s stranglehold must be applied quickly.
Expect Fakhar Zaman to remain Pakistan’s batting mainstay, supported by youngsters like Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Haris. In bowling, Shaheen and Haris Rauf will lead the charge, but the key difference-maker could be Abrar Ahmed—if he replicates his tri-series form, Pakistan will have a genuine spin spearhead.
If Pakistan can blend aggression with patience, plug their middle-order holes, and learn from their defeats, they could enter the Asia Cup not just as contenders, but as genuine favourites.
