The tri-series in Sharjah moves into a decisive stage as Pakistan lock horns with Afghanistan in the 4th T20I on 3 September 2025. With Pakistan already carrying momentum from consecutive victories, this clash presents them with the opportunity to virtually seal a spot in the final and assert complete dominance over their rivals. Afghanistan, on the other hand, arrive under pressure after a mixed start, knowing that only a strong all-round performance will keep their hopes alive. The rivalry between these two sides has grown in recent years, with their encounters often producing high drama, fiery pace battles, and electric crowds. Sharjah, with its short boundaries, flat surface, and packed stands, promises to deliver yet another night of intensity as two proud cricketing nations go head-to-head.
Live Streaming Info
Fans in Pakistan can watch the 4th T20I live on A Sports HD, while viewers in India will have coverage on Sony Liv and FanCode. For audiences in the USA, Willow TV remains the broadcast partner. The match is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM PST, 9:00 PM IST, and 3:30 PM GMT.
Team Analysis
Pakistan enter this game full of confidence, having brushed aside both Afghanistan and UAE in their earlier matches. Their batting unit looks settled and flexible, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, who has combined composure with innovation in anchoring the innings. Alongside him, Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan bring aggression at the top, capable of changing the tempo quickly during the powerplay or death overs. The middle order, featuring Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, adds depth with their ability to rotate strike and clear boundaries when required. Collectively, Pakistan’s batting is both balanced and adaptable, giving them an edge in Sharjah’s batting-friendly conditions.
Their bowling attack remains the most potent weapon in this series. Shaheen Afridi’s ability to swing the new ball under lights has unsettled top orders repeatedly, while Haris Rauf’s raw pace and hostility in the middle overs have made scoring difficult. Hasan Ali contributes crucial control with his variations, and Abrar Ahmed’s leg spin provides another dimension that allows Pakistan to operate effectively through all phases. This mix of pace and spin ensures Pakistan can both attack aggressively and defend totals with discipline. The key for them will be to maintain consistency and not rely solely on individual brilliance, instead building partnerships with both bat and ball that can strangle the opposition.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, know the stakes are high. Their batting lineup is built on the explosive starts of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai, whose fearless approach at the top can either dismantle Pakistan’s attack or expose the middle order if they fall cheaply. Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi provide experience and stability in the middle overs, capable of reconstructing innings or accelerating when set. Karim Janat and other lower-order hitters will be expected to add the late flourish, but for Afghanistan to compete, their top order must lay a solid platform against Pakistan’s relentless pace attack.
On the bowling front, Afghanistan rely on Fazalhaq Farooqi’s left-arm swing to trouble Pakistan’s openers early. Their greatest strength, however, lies in spin. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman remain the central figures, with Noor Ahmad offering an additional option to test Pakistan’s middle order. If the Sharjah pitch slows under lights, Afghanistan’s spinners can choke scoring opportunities, but they must combine discipline with penetration, as Pakistan’s depth means that loose deliveries will be punished. For Afghanistan to succeed, their bowling unit needs to strike early and apply pressure consistently, otherwise the match could quickly slip away.
Match Insights and Conclusion
This contest is poised to be defined by two critical battles: Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers against Afghanistan’s top order, and Afghanistan’s spinners against Pakistan’s middle overs. If Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf find early breakthroughs, Afghanistan’s innings could unravel before it takes shape. Conversely, if Gurbaz or Zazai launch successfully, it would shift pressure onto Pakistan’s bowlers and energize the Afghan camp. Similarly, the effectiveness of Rashid and Mujeeb in containing Pakistan’s stroke-makers will determine whether Afghanistan can stay competitive once the field spreads.
Sharjah’s conditions have consistently favoured batters, but as the game progresses, slower bowlers and cutters from seamers have made run-scoring more challenging. Partnerships, strike rotation, and the ability to absorb pressure phases will likely separate the winner from the loser. Pakistan, with their depth, experience, and momentum, enter as firm favourites. Yet Afghanistan have the individual talent and unpredictability to cause an upset if their stars deliver collectively. A Pakistan win would secure near-total control of the tri-series, while an Afghan victory would inject new life into the competition and keep the race for the final wide open. Fans can expect a gripping encounter filled with intensity, tactical adjustments, and moments of brilliance as the Sharjah crowd witnesses another chapter in this growing cricket rivalry.
