Did Shaheen and Fakhar Propel Pakistan to Victory over UAE in the Asia Cup?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan overcame the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs, securing their spot in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025. Key performances from Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi turned the tide in favor of Pakistan, as they showcased remarkable skill under pressure. Read on to discover how the match unfolded in Dubai!
Key Takeaways
- Fakhar Zaman scored a crucial half-century.
- Pakistan's bowlers were effective in restricting UAE.
- Shaheen Afridi played a vital role in both batting and bowling.
- The match showcased Pakistan's resilience under pressure.
- Pakistan's victory ensured progression to the Super Four.
Dubai, Sep 18 (NationPress) After a series of off-field incidents and a one-hour delay to commence play, Pakistan successfully advanced to the Super Four stage from Group A of the Asia Cup 2025, securing a victory over the host nation, United Arab Emirates (UAE), by 41 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite a challenging contest, standout performances from Fakhar Zaman with the bat and Shaheen Shah Afridi in both bowling and batting swayed the match in favor of Pakistan.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan faced a rough start. Saim Ayub, eager to avoid a third consecutive golden duck, managed to score only a silver duck — dismissed on his second delivery. Soon after, Abdullah Shafique followed as Junaid Siddique unleashed a fiery spell with the new ball, leaving the Men in Green in a precarious situation within just three overs.
However, Fakhar Zaman stepped up, counter-attacking with confidence. Batting at number three, he struck a vital half-century, scoring 50 off 36 balls, which included two fours and three sixes. Alongside skipper Salman Ali Agha, who contributed 20 runs from 27 balls, they forged a partnership of 61 runs for the third wicket, providing temporary stability to the innings.
After Salman was dismissed in an attempt to accelerate the scoring, Pakistan stumbled again. The middle-order faltered, with Simranjeet Singh Kang claiming figures of 3-26 and Siddique wreaking havoc. Mohammad Haris, who had previously scored a match-winning fifty earlier in the tournament, managed only 18 runs off 14 balls.
It was only Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late onslaught that propelled Pakistan to a respectable total, as he smashed an unbeaten 29 off just 14 balls, hitting two sixes and a boundary in the final over, leading Pakistan to 146/9 in their 20 overs.
While the total was modest, it proved sufficient for Pakistan, bolstered by a disciplined bowling and fielding effort. The UAE's chase took a nosedive after a steady start, witnessing a dramatic collapse where they lost their last seven wickets for a mere 20 runs.
Shaheen returned to bowl, claiming the wicket of Harshit Kaushik after a review showed he was caught down the leg side. Sahibzada Farhan’s direct hit from mid-wicket caught Simranjeet Singh short, while Haris Rauf dismissed Haider Ali, extinguishing the UAE's hopes. The final wicket was a runout, highlighting a stunning collapse.
All of Pakistan’s frontline bowlers contributed, with the exception of Mohammad Nawaz, collectively preventing the UAE from taking control. The 41-run victory ensured Pakistan's progression to the Super Four alongside India, while UAE exited despite commendable performances from Siddique and Simranjeet.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 146/9 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 29 not out; Junaid Siddique 4-18, Simranjeet Singh 3-18) defeated UAE 105 all out in 17.4 overs (Rahul Chopra 35, Dhruv Parashar 20; Abrar Ahmed 2-13, Haris Rauf 2-19) by 41 runs.
Point of View
I believe that this match exemplifies the resilience and talent present in the Pakistan cricket team. Their ability to rise above challenges, both on and off the field, demonstrates their commitment to excellence. This victory not only secures their position in the Super Four but also reinforces their status as a formidable competitor in international cricket.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Pakistan vs UAE match?
Pakistan scored 146/9 in 20 overs, while UAE was bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Fakhar Zaman scored 50 runs, and Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed with an unbeaten 29 runs and took crucial wickets.
How did Pakistan secure their place in the Super Four?
With this victory, Pakistan advanced to the Super Four stage alongside India, following their win against UAE.
What were the bowling figures for Pakistan's bowlers?
Abrar Ahmed took 2 wickets for 13 runs, and Haris Rauf picked up 2 wickets for 19 runs.
What challenges did Pakistan face during the match?
Pakistan faced early batting collapses and struggled against UAE's bowling attack, particularly from Junaid Siddique and Simranjeet Singh.
