AFG vs PAK 1st T20I: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

Afghanistan is all set to engage in a highly anticipated T20I series against last year's T20 World Cup finalists Pakistan in UAE. The Asian sides will tussle in the first match of the three-match series on Friday, March 24, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

It is worth noting that the three-match T20I series was scheduled after Cricket Australia withdrew their men's team from a scheduled three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The Men in Yellow were originally scheduled to indulge in the ODI series, part of the ICC Super League, after the conclusion of the India tour.

Thankfully, the PCB intervened, and thanks to their efforts, Afghanistan will be able to compete against a world-class opposition. This will be Pakistan's first appearance in the shortest format of the game since their loss against England in the T20 World Cup final in November 2022. 

Although they are without some key senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan will pose a tough challenge for the Afghans. Meanwhile, the addition of globetrotting all-rounder Mohammad Nabi to the T20I squad is a big boost for Rashid Khan's men for the upcoming series.

Pitch and Conditions

The last international contest at this venue produced a low-scoring thriller between the same two sides last year. The pitch has something to offer for everyone but the team winning the toss will be inclined to bowl first at this venue as dew might come into effect later in the game.

Probable Playing XI for AFG vs PAK, 1st T20I

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's record against their Asian counterpart makes for grim reading as they have failed to beat the Men in Green in their three attempts so far. However, the return of veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi is a shot in the arm for the Afghans.

Probable Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan

Even though the Pakistani team are without some of their big names, Shadab Khan's side features some young dashing cricketers, who will be keen to impress in the international arena after catching the eye in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League.

Probable Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan(c), Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah

AFG vs PAK Head-to-Head in T20I

Played- 3 | Afghanistan- 0 | Pakistan- 3 

AFG vs PAK Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 9:30 PM IST

Live Streaming- FanCode App and Website