The much-anticipated tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the host nation, the United Arab Emirates, has concluded. With Pakistan emerging victorious in the final against Afghanistan, the series served as a crucial proving ground for the Men in Green ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. While the results were important, the true value lies in the lessons learned and the emerging talent that has stepped up to the challenge.
Pakistan’s management, under new head coach Mike Hesson, used this series to test their squad depth, and several youngsters grabbed the opportunity with both hands. For the UAE, it was an invaluable experience to compete against two of the best teams in Asia. Let’s dive into the key talking points and takeaways from this pivotal series.
Key Takeaways from the Tri-Series
Abrar Ahmed: The New Mystery Spinner
The standout performer of the series was undoubtedly Pakistan’s leg-spinner, Abrar Ahmed. In his first game of the series against the UAE, he bowled a mesmerizing spell, taking a career-best 4-9 to completely bamboozle the opposition batsmen and secure a place for Pakistan in the final. His ability to consistently take wickets and maintain a low economy rate makes him a formidable asset in the middle overs, providing the team with a much-needed spin option.
Fakhar Zaman’s Resurgence
After a long period of inconsistent form, Fakhar Zaman announced his return with a match-winning, unbeaten 77 against the UAE. The innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting and saw him hit 10 fours and two sixes. His resurgence at the top of the order provides a huge boost to Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially with the Asia Cup on the horizon.
Squad Balance and What’s Next
While the tri-series provided a chance to experiment, the core squad for the Asia Cup is now clearer. The performances of players like Abrar and Fakhar have likely sealed their spots. However, questions remain about the middle order, which showed flashes of brilliance but also moments of instability. The team will be looking to solidify these positions in the coming matches.
Asia Cup 2025 Outlook:
- Batting: The return to form of Fakhar Zaman is a huge plus. The middle order still needs to prove its mettle under pressure.
- Bowling: The new-ball pairing of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf remains a strength, and Abrar Ahmed adds a new dimension to the spin attack, supporting Mohammad Nawaz.
- Team Strategy: The team has shown a more aggressive brand of cricket under new captain Salman Ali Agha, a positive sign for future tournaments.
Impact on World Cup & Future Tournaments
This tri-series was more than just a warm-up. It was a litmus test for the team’s depth and a crucial part of their long-term strategy for the World Cup 2025. The confidence gained from a series win, combined with the successful testing of new talent, puts Pakistan in a strong position. For the UAE, their valiant performances, including a fantastic 77 from Asif Khan in one of the matches, show they are a team on the rise and will be a challenge for any opponent they face.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s win is a great result, but the real story is about the individual performances that have answered key questions for the selectors. With the Asia Cup just around the corner, Pakistan looks well-prepared and confident. The series has set the stage for an exciting run in the coming months.