Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Edge Past UAE to Book Super Four Spot

Pakistan survived a tense battle against a spirited United Arab Emirates (UAE) side to clinch a 41-run victory and secure their place in the Asia Cup Super Four on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities were once again exposed. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan fell cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 2-5 inside three overs. Captain Salman Agha (20 off 27) and young Hasan Nawaz (3) added little resistance before Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a brisk 50 off 36 deliveries.

Shaheen Afridi’s All-Round Brilliance

The middle order faltered once again, with Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nawaz scoring only four runs each, reducing Pakistan to 110-7 by the 17th over. Just when a modest total seemed inevitable, Shaheen Shah Afridi launched a counterattack, smashing 29 runs from 14 balls, including two sixes and three boundaries. His late cameo pushed Pakistan to a competitive 146-9 in 20 overs.

UAE’s bowlers impressed, with Junaid Siddique (4-18) and Simranjeet Singh (3-26) keeping Pakistan under pressure for much of the innings.

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UAE Collapse After Strong Start

Chasing 147, UAE looked poised for an upset after Rahul Chopra (35) and Dhruv Parashar (20) stitched together a 48-run stand. At 85-3, the hosts were well within reach. However, Pakistan’s bowlers turned the tide, as Haris Rauf removed Parashar, sparking a dramatic collapse that saw UAE lose seven wickets for just 20 runs.

Pakistan defeat UAE by 41 runs in Dubai to qualify for the Super Four.

Fakhar Zaman anchors innings with 50 off 36 balls after early batting collapse.

Shaheen Afridi shines with 29 off 14 balls and two key wickets.

UAE fight back through Rahul Chopra’s 35 but collapse to 105 all out.

Pakistan set to face arch-rivals India on Sunday in Super Four clash.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered a miserly spell of 2-13, while Afridi and Rauf chipped in with two wickets each. The UAE were eventually bundled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, falling well short of the target.

Next Challenge: India Await

The victory ensures Pakistan advance as the second-best team from Group A, behind India, setting up a blockbuster Super Four clash with their arch-rivals on Sunday.

In Group B, Sri Lanka have already qualified, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan will battle for the final spot.

While Pakistan’s bowlers continue to deliver, the fragile top order remains a concern as the Men in Green prepare for high-stakes encounters in the next stage of the tournament.

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