The United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 is heating up as Pakistan take on the hosts UAE in the 5th T20I on Thursday, September 4, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, who started strongly with two back-to-back wins, faced a setback against Afghanistan, while UAE are still searching for their first win of the series.
This clash holds contrasting importance for both sides. For Pakistan, a victory would confirm their place in the final, while UAE are in a do-or-die situation, needing to win both remaining games to keep qualification hopes alive.
Pakistan’s Mixed Run: Strong Start, Sudden Jolt
Pakistan entered the tri-series as clear favorites and lived up to the billing early on. They began with a comfortable win against UAE and followed it up with a tight but crucial victory over Afghanistan. However, in their third match, they stumbled against their neighbors, losing by 18 runs as Afghanistan’s spin attack dismantled their middle order.
The positives for Pakistan include the consistent starts from Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, along with Fakhar Zaman’s experience. Their pace battery — led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf — remains their biggest weapon, while Faheem Ashraf’s 4/4 against Afghanistan earlier in the series showcased their depth. However, middle-order collapses remain a concern, and skipper Salman Agha will be keen to ensure stability.
A win here would not only book their ticket to the final but also restore momentum ahead of the title clash.
UAE’s Struggles: Searching for First Points
For hosts UAE, this match is about survival. They’ve played two matches so far and lost both — one to Pakistan by 31 runs, and another to Afghanistan, despite brave efforts from their top order.
Muhammad Waseem, the captain, has been their standout batter with an explosive 67 off 37 balls against Afghanistan. Rahul Chopra’s unbeaten 52 showed promise as well, while Asif Khan’s 77 vs Pakistan earlier in the series proved that UAE batters are capable of matching top-class attacks. The problem has been lack of support from the rest of the lineup, as collapses have derailed otherwise solid starts.
With the ball, Saghir Khan has impressed with 5 wickets in 2 games, while Haider Ali has kept things tight with disciplined spells. However, the inconsistency of their attack has cost them heavily in the death overs. To upset Pakistan, UAE will need both batting and bowling units to click together.
PAK vs UAE: Match Details
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Match: Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, 5th T20I, UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
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Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 8:30 PM IST / 7:00 PM Local
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Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
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Live Streaming: Fancode (App & Website)
Head-to-Head Record (PAK vs UAE)
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Matches Played: 2
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Pakistan Wins: 2
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UAE Wins: 0
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First-ever Match: Feb 29, 2016
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Most Recent Match: Aug 30, 2025 (Pakistan won by 31 runs)
Pakistan have dominated this fixture historically, winning both previous encounters comfortably.
Sharjah Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has always been known for its short boundaries, making it a batting-friendly venue. However, in recent years, the surface has slowed down, bringing spinners and slower-ball bowlers into play.
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Average 1st Innings Score (last 5 T20Is): 170–180
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Chasing Record (last 5 matches): Teams batting first have won 4 out of 5 games.
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Key Factors: Powerplay runs are vital, but teams need wickets in the middle overs to control scoring. Dew in evening games can also help chasing sides.
Expect a high-scoring contest, but bowlers who vary their pace could make the difference.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (PAK):
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
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Saim Ayub: Scored 83 runs in the series, aggressive opener who sets the tone. Needs to bounce back after a duck vs Afghanistan.
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Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s spearhead, lethal with the new ball in Sharjah’s evening conditions.
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Faheem Ashraf: His all-round abilities, especially his 4/4 vs Afghanistan, could prove decisive again.
UAE
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Muhammad Waseem: Leading run-scorer for UAE (100 runs in 2 matches). Explosive at the top, must anchor the innings.
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Asif Khan: Scored 77 vs Pakistan earlier in the series; UAE’s best chance of challenging Pakistan’s bowling.
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Saghir Khan: Picked up 5 wickets in 2 matches, UAE’s most consistent bowler this series.
Fantasy Cricket Picks
Top Captaincy Choices:
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Saim Ayub (PAK)
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Muhammad Waseem (UAE)
Top Vice-Captaincy Choices:
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Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
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Asif Khan (UAE)
Budget Picks:
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Saghir Khan (UAE) – wicket-taking form, value pick.
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Hasan Nawaz (PAK) – Pakistan’s highest run-getter this year, capable of quickfire knocks.
Avoid for this match:
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Ethan D’Souza (UAE) – yet to make a significant contribution.
Match Prediction
Case 1: Pakistan Bat First
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Predicted Score: 185–195
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Result: Pakistan win by 40–50 runs
Case 2: UAE Bat First
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Predicted Score: 150–160
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Result: Pakistan chase down target with 6–7 wickets in hand
Today’s Match Prediction:
Pakistan are favorites to win. Their batting depth and world-class pace attack give them a significant edge, while UAE will rely heavily on Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan. Unless UAE’s bowlers produce something extraordinary, Pakistan should seal this match comfortably and march into the final.
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