T20I tri-series opener: Pakistan win toss, bat first against Afghanistan

Sharjah (Web Desk): Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first against Afghanistan in the opening game of the T20 International tri-nation series, being held in Sharjah on Friday.

This triangular series features Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), running from August 29 to September 7. It serves as crucial preparation ahead of the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

Initially scheduled as a bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expanded the tournament to a three-team format to provide players with more game time in regional conditions. The objective is to help teams fine-tune their strategies and combinations before heading into the high-profile Asia Cup.

Historically, the rivalry between Pakistan and Afghanistan in T20 Internationals has been closely contested. Out of their seven previous encounters, Pakistan has won four, while Afghanistan has claimed victory in three, making today's match another potential thriller.

Beyond just match practice, this series offers all teams a platform to test their line-ups, build momentum, and establish psychological dominance ahead of the continental tournament.

Teams

Pakistan:

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (captain), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmed