Particularly in Bangladesh, the 2025 UAE Tri-Nation Tournament is a trendy hot topic among cricket fans, like the T20 World Cup 2024 was. Featuring outstanding A-sides from Ireland, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, the event highlights rising players with promise for future international action.
As you might expect, bettors are already making predictions and placing bets on these games. Platforms like 888Starz Bangladesh provide an interesting entry into sports betting for those who want to enjoy both the activity and smart betting. This article discusses what you need to know about this event, including predictions and betting tips.There are also other interesting events worth following, like IND vs SL, IND vs ZIM, BAN vs IND, ENG vs IND, IND vs NZ, AUS vs IND, today IPL matches and more.
Tournament Format and Schedule Overview
Held from April 13 to April 25, the tightly contested limited-overs event, the 2025 UAE Tri-Nation Series, features Sri Lanka A, Ireland A, and Afghanistan A. Scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, this stadium offers consistent playing conditions for every team in all the matches.
Every team faces the other twice in a round-robin structure, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation of team strengths across different match situations. Six round-robin matches are scheduled; hence, every win will be vital to guarantee a spot in the finals. If teams end with equal points, net run rate could also be used to determine positions.
Confirmed Fixtures and Key Results So Far
Here’s a rundown of the key matches:
- Apr 13: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland A—Sri Lanka A won by 45 runs.
- Apr 15: Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A—Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets.
- Apr 17: Afghanistan A vs Ireland A—Upcoming.
- Apr 19: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland A—Upcoming rematch.
- Apr 21: Afghanistan A vs Ireland A—Upcoming.
- Apr 23: Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A—Final round-robin match.
- Apr 25: Final (Teams TBC)
Detailed Match Breakdown
This section breaks down the two matches played so far.
Sri Lanka A vs Ireland A
Sri Lanka A started the Tri-Series with a strong 45-run victory over Ireland A at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Driven by a composed 78 from Sahan Arachchige, who also contributed with the ball to earn Player of the Match honors, they made 264 runs in 49.3 overs after being put in.
While Thomas Mayes and Liam McCarthy grabbed three wickets apiece for Ireland A, key contributions came from Lahiru Udara (32) at the top and a vital lower-order 35 from Tharindu Rathnayake. Ireland A responded by starting somewhat reasonably but failing in the middle overs.
Sam Topping (39) and Jordan Neill (38*) knocked spiritedly, but they were bowled out for 219 in 44.5 overs. Rathnayake and Dushan Hemantha each grabbed four wickets to confirm the victory as the Sri Lankan spinners controlled the second innings.
Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
With a brilliant six-wicket victory over Afghanistan A at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sri Lanka A maintained their excellent run in the Tri-Nation Series. Afghanistan A put in 248 for 8 in 50 overs after being put in to bat, mostly because of a great 155-run effort by captain Darwish Rasooli, who single-handedly kept the innings together when wickets dropped regularly around him.
With the ball, Dilshan Madushanka shined with 4 for 37; Mohamed Shiraz chipped in with two important wickets to prevent Afghanistan from compiling a more impressive total. Sri Lanka A responded by overcoming early top blunders to slide to 2 for 2 during the second over.
With a scorching 129* off just 110 balls, captain Sadeera Samarawickrama found the boundary with ease and kept the pursuit well ahead of the necessary pace, though. In a pivotal 163-run third-wicket partnership, Lahiru Udara (81) gave him great support, such that Sri Lanka A comfortably reached the mark in 41.3 overs.
Top Performers to Watch
After seeing the first two matches, experts believe these are the players to watch.
- Sahana Arachige: With a calm 78 off 96 balls and also contributing with the ball by getting a vital wicket, Sahan Arachchige of Sri Lanka A made an instant impression in the tournament opener. His all-around ability underlines his importance in limited-overs cricket and qualifies him as a strong candidate for senior national team review.
- Thomas Mayes: With an understated 3 for 40 in 9.3 overs, Thomas Mayes was Ireland A’s best bowler. Ireland’s bowling department gains depth from his ability to maintain pressure and strike at key intervals.
- Jordan Neill: Jordan Neill also contributed two wickets; however, he proved costly, highlighting both his promise and areas for improvement.
- Darwish Rasooli: With 8 fours and 8 sixes, Darwish Rasooli (Afghanistan A) commands a striking 155 off 147 balls. With maturity and firepower, Rasooli’s captain’s knock rescued Afghanistan A’s entire innings and prevented a terrible 4–3 start.
When choosing future members for full national teams in events like Australia vs India or IND vs PAK during the ICC World Cup, selectors search for this kind of performance.
Favorites
Based on early performances:
Sri Lanka A—Strong Contenders
Clearly the early tournament favorite is Sri Lanka A. Their strong 45-run victory over Ireland A displayed the squad’s balance, highlighted by disciplined middle-order batting from Sahan Arachchige and Lahiru Udara and sharp spin bowling from Tharindu Rathnayake and Dushan Hemantha, who each claimed four wickets.
Particularly in spin-friendly Abu Dhabi conditions, this blend of experience and depth provides Sri Lanka A with an advantage in both batting and bowling departments.
Afghanistan A—Unpredictable but Dangerous
Afghanistan A should not be underestimated, even though they can be less predictable. Afghanistan’s A team is well-known for producing powerful middle-order batters and high-impact spinners, so they frequently turn games to their advantage with unexpected momentum changes.
Ireland A—Inconsistent Yet Capable
Ireland A has exhibited sparks of promise, especially in Thomas Mayes’s and Jordan Neill’s solo performances. They found it difficult, though, to pull together a consistent overall effort in their opening game. Unless they adjust quickly to UAE conditions, their lack of depth in managing spin and creating middle-order partnerships could prove a challenge in the tournament.
Upcoming Matches to Keep an Eye On
Although all the matchups are important, you shouldn’t miss these:
Afghanistan A vs Ireland A (April 17)
For both sides, this match is probably a do-or-die one, especially if Sri Lanka A wins against Afghanistan. Afghanistan A will be pressured to show their ability with both bat and ball, particularly in dealing with Ireland’s new-ball speed attack.
On the other hand, Ireland A has to overcome their inconsistencies and adjust to the spin-friendly Abu Dhabi track; otherwise, their chances of making the final could be dashed.
Prediction: Afghanistan A’s better batting line and spin strength help them to narrowly win the game.
Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A (April 23)
At this point, Sri Lanka will be at the top of the points table, with Afghanistan trying to secure the second spot or even jump into the top spot. This game might be a preview of the championship final.
Sri Lanka A’s stability in the top order and ability to strangle opponents with spin make them a more dependable unit. However, Afghanistan A’s ability to pull off upsets, particularly if their spinners get help from the pitch, keeps the match open.
Prediction: With disciplined bowling and strong middle-order contributions, Sri Lanka A edges Afghanistan A to secure first place.
Final (April 25)—Likely Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
If predictions come true, the competition will end with a high-stakes rematch between Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A. Afghanistan A will try to take advantage of any complacency with aggressive stroke play and varied spin, even though Sri Lanka A will enter the final with a psychological advantage and stronger form. Key powerplay overs and middle-order resilience might determine the final result.
Prediction: Driven by team balance and tactical superiority in clutch moments, Sri Lanka A will lift the title.
How This Impacts Future Selections
Performances here could affect national selections for big events like the ICC World Cup and the T20 World Cup. Players like Arachchige could find themselves up against elite competition if he is selected for the national team.
Why Bangladesh Fans Should Watch Closely
In international warm-ups, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team often encounters similar A-team rivals. Matchups like Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard T20 World Cup get fiercer as these players mature. Viewers of this event get a preview of the next generation of cricket players.
Conclusion
The 2025 UAE Tri-Nation Tournament has already produced outstanding performances and obvious front-runners, with Sri Lanka A looking to dominate. With important fixtures still coming, including possible rematches in the final, the competition will only get more serious from here.
