Picture Sharjah on a cricket night. The air feels heavy with heat, drums echo off the small concrete stands, and kids with painted cheeks wave flags higher than their heads. Tonight that scene will carry the clash between Pakistan and United Arab Emirates in the UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025.
The fixture is not just another line in the schedule. For Pakistan, it is the chance to seal a spot in the final. For UAE, it is the last rope to cling onto before the tournament door closes.
Match Details
This is Match 5 of the tri-series, played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a ground remembered for its packed terraces and the way sound bounces off the tin roofs. Toss will be held at 8:00 PM IST and the first ball bowled at 8:30 PM IST.
The ground crew has been rolling the strip all afternoon, and the warm desert breeze makes batting easier once the ball loses shine. Pakistan stood one win away from joining Afghanistan in the final. UAE, however, knows that one victory tonight could turn calculations upside down.
Pakistan Squad & Probable Playing XI
Pakistan’s squad carries both youth and experience. Fakhar Zaman remains the attacking option at the top, while Saim Ayub looks to secure his place with another start. Salman Ali Agha, who has the captain’s tag this series, has leaned on bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf to control games in the middle overs.
Full Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi.
Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
UAE Squad & Probable Playing XI
UAE have often fought with grit, even when facing stronger sides. Captain Muhammad Waseem has been carrying responsibility at the top, while Asif Khan’s hitting keeps them alive in the middle overs. Junaid Siddique’s pace will matter on Sharjah’s slowish surface, where bounce comes awkwardly off a tired pitch.
Full Squad: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Jawadullah, Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Farooq.
Probable XI: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique.
Where to Watch Pakistan vs UAE Match Live?
Fans in Pakistan often complain about scrambling for coverage when smaller tournaments are played abroad. This series is no exception. In India, there will be no television broadcast. That leaves fans checking streaming platforms or relying on live scorecards. For many, the choice tonight will be FanCode, which holds digital rights through app and website. The stream opens minutes before toss, and fans can catch every ball from their screens.
In Pakistan, coverage is easier to access with sports channels and online streams carrying the match. Those near Sharjah have the best seat: inside the stadium, with flags, horns, and noise rising from every corner. For many expatriates, walking into the ground feels like stepping into a mini-Lahore, the chants echoing so loud that they drown out the players’ calls in the middle.
Recent Performance & Head-to-Head Insights
Pakistan’s previous match saw them falter against Afghanistan, losing by 18 runs. Ibrahim Zadran’s 65 set the tone, while Faheem Ashraf’s four wickets were the only bright spot. UAE’s campaign has been harder, their batsmen unable to stay long at the crease. They have relied heavily on Muhammad Waseem’s starts, but one man cannot carry the entire batting order through.
Pakistan and UAE share a lopsided history. The gulf in experience and depth has often made contests one-sided. Yet cricket in Sharjah carries its own surprises, and smaller teams have been known to punch above their weight here. The head-to-head record shows Pakistan in control, but UAE still chase their first win in this format.
- Pakistan fell to Afghanistan in their last game by 18 runs.
- Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket haul was the standout performance.
- UAE have shown sparks through Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan.
- Pakistan dominated past encounters, UAE yet to claim a victory.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Games like this hinge on a handful of names. Pakistan’s seasoned hitters and bowlers must stand tall, while UAE will bank on their captain and a few brave hands to stretch the contest.
Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman: Known for starting quick and punishing short bowling.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Capable of breaking through early with the new ball.
- Mohammad Nawaz: Brings balance with spin in middle overs and finishing power.
United Arab Emirates
- Muhammad Waseem: Their captain and most reliable run-getter.
- Asif Khan: Middle-order hitter who can shift the game in a few overs.
- Junaid Siddique: Tall pacer who can surprise with bounce and pace changes.
What’s at Stake?
The match tonight is more than points on paper. Pakistan know a win secures their final spot against Afghanistan. UAE, on the other hand, are hanging by a thread. One win here keeps their campaign alive and brings the crowd into play for their last fixture. Afghanistan wait in the wings, watching closely, knowing the momentum of tonight could affect the title clash.
Stay Tuned for Live Updates
As the lights flicker on at Sharjah and the first roar rises from the stands, all eyes will turn to the middle. The clash of Pakistan vs UAE in this tri-series is not just about qualification, but about pride, fight, and the noise of thousands who came to see a contest worth remembering. For those watching at home or inside the ground, the story will unfold ball by ball, and Sharjah will once again live up to its reputation as a place where cricket never feels quiet.