Pakistan Set 147-Run Target For UAE In Crucial Asia Cup Clash

KEY POINTS

Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a solid 50 off 36, as Pakistan recovered from early setbacks
UAE bowlers, led by Junaid Siddique’s 4/18 and Simranjeet Singh’s 3/26, kept Pakistan in check

DUBAI: Pakistan posted a competitive total of 146 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a Group A encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Asia Cup 2025.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s explosive late-innings batting helped Pakistan set a target of 147 runs, leaving the UAE with a challenging chase in this must-win match for both sides.

UAE, after winning the toss and electing to field first, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets, including opener Saim Ayub for a third consecutive duck in the competition.

Despite early losses, Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a brilliant 50 off 36 balls, featuring two boundaries and three sixes, providing much-needed momentum.

Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 20 runs, while Mohammad Haris chipped in with 18 valuable runs lower down the order.

However, it was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery 29 not out from just 14 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes at an impressive strike rate of over 207, that accelerated Pakistan’s innings in the final overs.

Pakistan’s innings was marked by frequent wickets, losing nine wickets before the 20th over, but timely partnerships and Afridi’s aggressive hitting helped push the score to 146.

UAE’s bowlers made strong inroads with Simranjeet Singh claiming three wickets for 26 runs and Junaid Siddique impressing with four wickets while conceding only 18 runs in his four overs. Dhruv Parashar and Haider Ali also bowled economically, taking crucial wickets at key moments.

With a target of 147, the pressure is now on the UAE batting line-up as both teams fight for survival in the tournament.