Key Points
- Fakhar Zaman’s 50 and Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 powered Pakistan to 146/9 after early batting setbacks
- Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed (2/13), Shaheen (2/16) and Haris Rauf (2/19), dismissed UAE for 105 in 17.4 overs
DUBAI: Pakistan sealed a commanding 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a do-or-die Asia Cup 2025 Group A match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, storming into the Super Four stage of the tournament.
Batting first after UAE chose to field, Pakistan posted a competitive 146/9 in their 20 overs, led by a half-century from Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36) and a late-innings onslaught by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who smashed an unbeaten 29 off 14 to boost the total.
Despite early setbacks, including Saim Ayub’s third consecutive duck, Pakistan recovered with crucial contributions from captain Salman Ali Agha (20) and Mohammad Haris (18). UAE’s Junaid Siddique starred with the ball, grabbing 4 wickets for 18 runs, while Simranjeet Singh claimed 3/26.
In reply, UAE were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, failing to build partnerships under mounting scoreboard pressure. Rahul Chopra (35) was the lone resistance, while Pakistan’s bowlers dominated proceedings.
Abrar Ahmed shone with 2/13, Shaheen Afridi bagged 2/16, and Haris Rauf picked 2/19, dismantling the UAE middle and lower order with aggressive and disciplined bowling. This was the lowest match aggregate (251) involving Pakistan & U.A.E. in T20Is.
With this win, Pakistan keeps their Asia Cup title hopes alive, joining the Super Four and setting the stage for high-stakes matches ahead.
