The stage is set for an explosive finale as Pakistan takes on Afghanistan in the T20 Tri-Nation Series final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams enter the decider with three wins from four matches in the round-robin stage, setting up a high-stakes rematch. Their earlier contests in the series were evenly split: Pakistan edged Afghanistan in the opener, only to be overturned in revenge by the Afghans in their meeting on September 2. With the 2025 Asia Cup looming—starting September 9—the final doubles as a high-pressure rehearsal for both sides, heightening the intensity at Sharjah.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can watch Pak vs Afg Final live on SuperSport (South Africa), Ten Sports (Pakistan), Sky Sports Cricket (UK), Sony Liv & FanCode (India), and Willow TV (USA). Match Start Time: 8:00 PM PST | 5:00 AM GMT | 8:30 PM IST
Team Analysis
Pakistan arrive with firepower at both ends of the pitch. Their batting has been led by one of their most explosive performers, Fakhar Zaman, whose unbeaten 77 off 44 in the group stage showcased his aggressive execution under pressure . Opener Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub have offered initial momentum, but it’s the depth through the middle overs that gives Pakistan balance. The lower order, bolstered by the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, has consistently added crucial runs to push totals beyond the reach of their opponents.
With the ball, Pakistan’s unit blends pace and mystery spin. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi bring pace, bounce, and the knack for early breakthroughs. But the spin duo of Abrar Ahmed—a revelation for his wicket-taking ability—and Mohammad Nawaz has proven indispensable in chipping away at opposition batting lineups during the middle overs.
Afghanistan, though less tallied in global recognition, have matched Pakistan’s form stride for stride. At the top, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal have lit up the competition with consecutive half-centuries, setting platforms that their middle order, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi, has capitalized on. The Afghans’ spinners, particularly Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and left-armer Noor Ahmad—making his tournament debut—have strangled Pakistan’s chase in their previous encounter, sharing six wickets among them.
Match Insights and Conclusion
This final promises a thrilling clash between two evenly matched sides at similar points in their development. Pakistan must guard against their tendency to falter under disciplined spin, having seen their chase collapse previously from a strong position. Building partnerships early and defending compact totals with their pace and spin attack will be crucial. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will look to replicate their clinical approach from earlier group games. With spinners dominating the middle overs and batters capable of seizing momentum early, they hold the blueprint to subdue Pakistan again.
History slightly favors Pakistan—they topped the table on net run rate—yet Afghanistan’s recent form and confidence give them genuine belief. The Sharjah surface, typically balanced but favoring batting first (with average first-innings scores nearing 181), may push the winning captain to bat upon winning the toss .
Should Pakistan win, it’ll reinforce their white-hot form heading into the Asia Cup. If Afghanistan emerge victorious, it’ll be a statement that their revival is real, and that their spin-heavy strategy can dismantle even well-established teams under pressure. Fans should expect a high-octane battle filled with tactical shifts, spine-tingling pressure moments, and standout performances that could carry momentum into the Asia Cup. The decider will be more than just a final—it’s a preview for what’s to come.
