Sharjah will host a T20I tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates from 29 August, as the three sides begin their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Each team will play the others twice, with the top two qualifying for the final, scheduled for 7 September.
The opening match will see a familiar rivalry as Pakistan take on Afghanistan. The two sides have faced each other five times in T20Is at Sharjah, with Pakistan narrowly leading the head-to-head by three wins to two.
The series will serve as a platform for the teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of a busy international season. Pakistan is fresh from a T20I series against the West Indies, while Afghanistan last played a T20I series in December, overcoming Zimbabwe 2-1.
Read More: Pakistan Hold Nerve in Series Opener
The UAE, meanwhile, come into the series with renewed confidence, having pulled off a notable T20I series win against Bangladesh in May.
Officials believe the tournament will offer a competitive edge and allow younger players to gain experience against top-tier opponents.
With the T20 World Cup less than a year away, selectors will be watching closely to assess squad combinations and individual performances.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 29 August | Afghanistan vs Pakistan | Sharjah |
| 30 August | UAE vs Pakistan | Sharjah |
| 1 September | UAE vs Afghanistan | Sharjah |
| 2 September | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | Sharjah |
| 4 September | Pakistan vs UAE | Sharjah |
| 5 September | Afghanistan vs UAE | Sharjah |
| 7 September | Final (Top Two Teams) | Sharjah |