Sharjah: Pakistan is set to face Afghanistan in the opening match of the Tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. The series, which includes the United Arab Emirates as the third team, will serve as a preparatory ground for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup.

The tournament will conclude with a final on Sunday, September 7, featuring the top two teams. All matches in the series will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan team, led by Salman Ali Agha, arrived in the UAE on August 20. The 17-member squad has been preparing with training sessions and practice matches in Dubai.

The tri-series is seen as an important tune-up for the teams ahead of the ACC Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28.

In terms of past encounters, Pakistan has played Afghanistan in seven T20 Internationals, securing four victories. Their only T20I meeting against the UAE came during the 2016 Asia Cup, which Pakistan won.

Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain, expressed optimism on the eve of the tournament. “This tri-series will greatly help us in our preparations for the Asia Cup,” he said. “Leading the Pakistan team is an honour and a great responsibility. The team is playing good cricket, and I am hopeful we will continue to deliver strong performances.”

The Pakistan squad includes players like Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman, among others. Matches will begin at 7 p.m. local time, with the schedule spanning from August 29 to September 7.

The series not only promises competitive cricket but also offers the teams an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the larger continental competition.