KEY POINTS
- Sadaqat starred with a quickfire 37* off 15 balls after taking 2 crucial wickets.
- Pakistan Shaheens bowled out UAE for just 59 thanks to a dominant all-round attack.
- The Shaheens chased the target in 5.2 overs, sealing a commanding nine-wicket victory.
DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens produced a ruthless all-round performance to crush the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in their Asia Cup Rising Stars Group B clash, chasing down a modest 60-run target with a staggering 88 balls to spare.
UAE, opting to bat first, were rattled from the outset and crumbled to 59 all out in 18 overs. Captain Alishan Sharafu (3), Ahmed Tariq (0), and Sohaib Khan (2) fell cheaply as Shaheens’ bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
Syed Haider offered brief resistance with a brisk 20 off 19 balls, while Mohammed Faraazuddin added an unbeaten 12, but no other batter managed to reach double figures.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was clinical and disciplined. Sufiyan Muqeem led the charge with 3 for 12, while Ahmed Daniyal claimed 2 for 7 and Maaz Sadaqat chipped in with 2 for 19.
A wicket each for Shahid Aziz, Arafat Minhas, and Muhammad Shahzad ensured UAE never recovered from their early collapse.
In response, the Shaheens wasted no time. Despite losing Mohammad Naeem for 6, the chase turned into a batting exhibition by Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed an unbeaten 37 off just 15 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.
Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori supported him smoothly with 16 not out as Pakistan raced to 61/1 in only 5.2 overs.
The dominant victory strengthened Pakistan Shaheens’ position in Group B and highlighted their growing confidence and depth in the tournament.
