Pakistan vs UAE: A High-Voltage T20 Showdown in Sharjah

 

The cricketing world is currently abuzz with anticipation as Pakistan prepares to battle the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the T20I Tri-Series 2025 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Following a dominant 39-run win over Afghanistan—with captain Salman Ali Agha anchoring the innings with a quickfire 53* off 36 balls—Pakistan looks to build on their momentum.At the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, setting the tone for another strong performance under the leadership of Agha. Key players like Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and experienced campaigners in the bowling lineup such as Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, offer a potent mix of firepower and control.On the other side, the host nation UAE, captained by the talented Muhammad Waseem, brings its own strengths to the field. Waseem, the UAE’s leading T20I batter, is well-versed in leveraging home conditions to his advantage.With recent consistency behind them, including a historic series win over Bangladesh earlier this year, the UAE side is buoyed by confidence as they aim to challenge the cricketing heavyweight.Scheduled to kick off at 8:30 PM IST, the match was preceded by a coin toss held at 8 PM. For fans in India, while there’s no live TV broadcast, streaming access is available via FanCode—ensuring no one misses out on the action.This latest encounter marks only the second T20I meeting between the two teams, the first having taken place during the 2016 Asia Cup, where Pakistan emerged comfortably victorious. Given how much both sides have evolved since then, cricket fans can rightfully expect a much tighter contest this time around.As both teams use this series as a strategic prelude to the Asia Cup 2025, every run, wicket, and moment carries added weight. Fans worldwide are glued to updates as this intense rivalry unfolds under the night lights of Sharjah.

Match Expectations

As Pakistan squares off against UAE in Sharjah, cricket fans are keenly watching how the Men in Green adapt to the challenging desert conditions. The Sharjah pitch traditionally favors spinners, especially in the middle overs, where bowlers like Shadab Khan could play a decisive role. For UAE, the power-hitting abilities of Muhammad Waseem and Vriitya Aravind will be crucial in countering Pakistan’s pace attack.

Another key factor will be dew in the second innings. If Pakistan bats first and posts a strong total, UAE’s chase might become easier with the ball skidding under lights. Conversely, if UAE bats first, Pakistan’s experienced batting lineup will likely relish chasing a target, given their strong track record in run-chases.The Sharjah crowd is expected to be heavily pro-Pakistan, giving the men in green a psychological edge. However, UAE has shown remarkable growth in recent years, upsetting stronger teams and proving they cannot be underestimated.

Analysis: Key Battles to Watch

1. Muhammad Waseem vs Haris Rauf

   • Waseem’s fearless batting style could be UAE’s X-factor. However, Haris Rauf’s raw pace and yorkers in the powerplay will test him. Whoever wins this battle could swing the game.

2. Salman Ali Agha vs UAE Spinners

   • Agha’s form has been Pakistan’s biggest strength. If UAE’s spin duo manages to tie him down, Pakistan’s middle order could feel the pressure.

3. Death Overs – Hasan Ali vs Chirag Suri

   • In T20s, finishing ability is everything. Hasan Ali’s ability to mix slower balls with yorkers against Suri’s big-hitting role will determine how high UAE can set or chase a target.

   • Predicted Match Scenario

     • If Pakistan bats first: Expect a total between 170–190 runs depending on Fakhar Zaman and Agha’s starts. Bowlers like Rauf and Shadab will then try to choke UAE’s chase.

     • If UAE bats first: They will likely aim for 150+ runs, banking on Waseem’s firepower. Anything below that could be comfortably chased by Pakistan.

     Overall, Pakistan remains favorites given their superior depth and international experience. However, UAE is on a mission to prove itself as a rising cricketing force. If their top order clicks and they handle pressure well, an upset could be on the cards—something cricket fans love to witness.