The highly anticipated UAE Tri-Series 2025 provided viewers with a thrilling week of exciting and action-packed matches. Featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE – the series had everything: explosive batting, spin-wizardry, and nail-biting finishes. Each team showed fight, but in the end, Pakistan stood victorious after a one-sided final against Afghanistan.
MATCH 1: Pakistan Stamp Authority With 39-Run Win Over Afghanistan
The series opener saw Pakistan and Afghanistan in a high-voltage clash. With captain Salman Ali Agha rising to the occasion and scoring a gritty, unbeaten 53, Pakistan posted a solid total of 182.
With the ball, Haris Rauf produced raw pace and accuracy, picking up four wickets to rip through Afghanistan’s batting order. Pakistan started the series on a high note and won the first game by 39 runs.
MATCH 2: Saim Ayub Shines as Pakistan Thump UAE By 31 Runs
In the second game, Pakistan vs UAE turned into a run-fest. Pakistan piled up a total of 207 runs with a fiery 69 from Saim Ayub and a brisk 56 from Hassan Nawaz. The hosts replied audaciously, with Asif Khan blasting 77 runs and skipper Muhammad Waseem with a valuable contribution of 33 runs.
Pakistan bowlers kept their cool and were successful in restricting Afghanistan to 176/8. Hasan Ali claimed three wickets and Mohammad Nawaz struck twice. Pakistan won the match by 31 runs, and Saim Ayub was declared Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
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MATCH 3: Afghanistan Bounce Back With Win Over UAE
The third match of the tri-series handed Afghanistan their first points of the series. Ibrahim Zardan and Sediqullah Atal anchored the inning,s which helped Afghanistan post a competitive score.
The bowlers executed their plans well, with Sharafuddin Ashraf picking up three wickets, ensuringthe UAE fell short of 38 runs. It was a clinical performance and a timely return to stay alive in the series by the Afghans.
MATCH 4: Spin Trio Floors Pakistan As Afghanistan Hit Back
Afghanistan fought back in their second game against Pakistan. This time, Afghanistan spinners took the center stage. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad bowled in tandem, drying up the flow of runs and forcing mistakes under pressure from Pakistan batters. Eventually, Pakistan fell short by 18 runs. This was a statement win from Afghanistan, reminding everyone of their ultimate spin prowess.
MATCH 5: Fakhar and Abrar Star as Pakistan Beat UAE Again
Pakistan and the UAE met for the second time in the series, but the result was the same. Fakhar Zaman smashed a stunning 77 off 44 balls, attacking from the start and giving Pakistan complete control.
Later, UAE batters struggled against the mystery spin of Abrar Ahmed, losing four wickets to him. The hosts tried to bounce back, but Pakistan’s all-round performance got the better of them.
MATCH 6: Fareed Ahmad Holds Nerve in Final-Over Thriller
The final group stage match was packed with action and entertainment. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a decent total of 170. In reply, the UAE showed determination in their run chase till the end. Captain Mohammad Waseem led the chase from the front, and the middle order kept the chase alive till the very end.
With just a few runs needed in the final over, Fareed Ahmad held his composure, delivering a superb death bowling spell, sealing a four-run victory for his side.
FINAL: Nawaz’s Nightmare Spell Secures Pakistan a Tri-Series Triumph
Batting first, Pakistan managed to score 141/8 after a tricky start against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, but Nawaz’s brilliance with the ball turned the game into a one-sided affair. His hat-trick vs Afghanistan paved the way for Pakistan for a comprehensive 75-run victory in the final. He delivered a remarkable spell of 5/19. The left-arm spinner was awarded the honours of Man of the Match and All-Rounder of the Series.
Series Highlights and Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s Power Hitting: Pakistan’s power hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha rose to the occasion and ensured explosive starts and competitive totals. In addition, their bowlers like Abrar Ahmad, Mohammad Nawaz, and Haris Rauf provided the perfect combination of spin and pace.
- Afghanistan’s Spin Kings: The Afghan spin trio – Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan & Noor Ahmad, second to none in the world. Their ability to choke scoring rates and pick up wickets made them the difference in crucial moments.
- UAE’s Grit Despite Any Wins: Although winless, UAE impressed – especially in their nail-biter vs Afghanistan, where they nearly pulled off a miracle. A special mention to the skipper, Mohammad Waseem, who’s also the top run scorer with 163 runs, and Haider Ali, who leads their wicket tally with 6.
Final Word
The UAE Tri-Series 2025 had plenty of positives for every team, as all sides fought hard despite the wins.
Afghanistan’s consistent performances once again proved why they are regarded as one of the strongest T20I teams in world cricket.
Pakistan impressed despite leaving their veteran batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan behind. A young squad, led by new captain Salman Ali Agha, silenced the critics and lifted the trophy.
The hype for the Asia Cup 2025 is now building up perfectly. With more teams joining them in a few days time, the real show is about to start – let the games begin!
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