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Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah backs Afghanistan to win UAE tri-series

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has voiced strong confidence in his team’s ability to claim victory in the upcoming UAE tri-nation ODI series, set to take place from October 17 to 23, 2026. The tournament, featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, will see each team play one match against the others before the top two contest the final on October 23.

Shah emphasized Afghanistan’s familiarity with the conditions in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, as a key advantage, calling it a significant factor in their favor. The team’s recent resilience was on display in a hard-fought one-off Test against Bangladesh, where Afghanistan staged a dramatic recovery to secure a draw—a result Shah described as a historic achievement, particularly given the challenging conditions and Bangladesh’s early dominance.

The momentum from that Test, along with the return of star players Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan for the ODI series, has bolstered Afghanistan’s confidence heading into the limited-overs competition. Both bowlers, rested during the Test for workload management, are expected to play pivotal roles in the series, with Shah highlighting their world-class credentials and track record in Afghanistan’s recent successes.

The series opens with a clash between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 17, setting the stage for what Shah predicts will be a closely contested tournament.

Shah acknowledged the high level of preparation across all three teams, stressing that while Afghanistan may enter as favorites, the competition will be fierce. The captain credited the batting performances in the Test draw, particularly in the grueling heat, as a testament to the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

With the tri-series serving as a crucial warm-up ahead of future fixtures, Afghanistan’s campaign in the UAE will be closely watched, especially as they look to build on their recent form and capitalize on their home-like conditions.

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