The stage is set for a thrilling finale Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Tri- Nation T20I series Final in Sharjah. Both teams have shown their Strengths throughout the tournament,and now it comes down to one decisive clash that will crown the champion.
The Tri Nation series featured three teams Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE competing in T20 format. Pakistan and Afghanistan dominated the group Stage with three wins each, leaving the host behind.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan Team Previews
Pakistan have a blend of experienced campaigners and fearless youngsters . The top order has looked strong, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan providing intent at the top and Fakar Zaman rediscovering from at just the right time, Captain Salman Agha has been a steady presence in the middle, while Mohammad Haris brings explosive power hitting in the finishing role.
The bowling department continues to be Pakistan biggest strength, Shaheen Afridi with his pace and swing is always a threat in the power play.av Haris Rauf add aggression with his speed and death over skills. The rise of Abrar Ahmed as a wicket taking spinner has further bolstered their attack. With Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz providing all round options.
On the other hand Afganistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz have consistently given them quick starts,and ability to take top class pacer has stood out, Sediquallah Atal has also impressed, while Darwish Rasooli adds depth in the middle. Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah omarzai bring stability and the ability to change the game with bat and bowl.
But Afghanistan greatest strengths in their spin department, Afghanistan have World class spinners like , Rashid khan , Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad . On sharjah slow track thos spin unit has the potential to strangle any batting lineup, Left arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has also impressed with the new ball and at the death , giving balance to attack .
Pakistan vs Afghanistan Head to Head
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Pakistan win | 5 |
| Afghanistan win | 4 |
| No Result | 0 |
Pitch Report
The Sharjah cricket stadium has traditionally been a high scoring venue, but in T20S it often grip and turn for spinners. The average first innings score is around 175 , which means anything above that will put pressure on chasing team. Recent results suggest that teams batting first have had the advantage,so the toss could be decisive. Expect spinners to play big role, though pacers who ball with variations like slower, cutter will be effective.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan Predicted Playing XIs
Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan , saim Ayub, Fakhar Jaman , Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediquallah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, fazal haq Farooqi,Noor Ahmad.
Key players to watch
Fakhar zaman: He is a big match winner for Pakistan. His ability to take spinners on make quick runs in middle overs get back pressure on opposition team.
Haris Rauf: He bowl quick and toe nail yorker in death overs, if he bowl well then it could be the difference in team total.
Ibrahim Zadran: He is the best batter in this series , made 185 runs in just 4 games including 2 half centuries.
Rashid Khan: He is the highest wicket taker in this series takes 6 wickets in 3 games .
Prediction
Pakistan pace attack and Fakhar zaman return to give them a slight edge but Afghanistan have World class spin unit and confident openers make them serious contender. The match looks evenly balanced with, toss playing a key role. Expect a tense, low margin finale where small moments could decide the champion under sharjah lights.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is based on analysis at the time of writing.