In the Asia Group 2025 Group A match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the former won by 41 runs and reserved their place in the Super 4 round. Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan recorded
a horrendous start as they lost their openers Saim Ayub (0 off 2) and Sahibzada Farhan (5 off 12) within the first three overs. Veteran Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha stood at the crease and stitched 61-run stand off 50 balls for the third wicket and strove to stabilise Pakistan’s innings. Agha, who was looking nervous, lost his wicket against the off-spinner Dhruv Parashar. The right-handed batter could score only 20 off 27.
Fakhar’s knock concluded after contributing 50 off 36. Left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh got the better of him and Hassan Nawaz (3 off 4) in the 14th over of the match. He also sent Khushdil Shah (4 off 6) back to the pavilion on his single-digit score. In the final overs of the innings, Shaheen Shah Afridi displayed fighting spirit and notched up a quick 29 off 14. His innings included five boundaries (three fours and two maximums). Riding on his batting effort, Pakistanerected a fighting total of 146/9 in their 20 overs. Junaid Siddique emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the innings; registering 4/18 figures in his four-over spell.
UAE surrendered on in response to the total of 146/9
Pursuing the target, the UAE lost their first wicket to pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who delivered the first breakthrough to Pakistan. He cleaned up opener Alishan Sharafu, who was looking in fine touch. The right-handed batter could score only 12 off eight. Abrar Ahmed took the crucial scalp of captain Muhammad Waseem, whose innings ended after hoarding 14 runs.
Saim Ayub cleaned up Zohaib Khan and put more pressure on the UAE. Rahul Chopra and Dhruv Parashar stood at the crease and built a 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Eventually, Haris Rauf stepped up and broke the partnership. The speedster got Parashar caught at the hands of Khushil Shah.
After Parashar’s departure, UAE faltered and capitulated at a score of 105 in 17.4 overs. With this triumph, Pakistan have become the second team to qualify for the Super 4 round alongside India.
