DUBAI (The COW News Digital) Pakistan sealed their spot in the Asia Cup Super Four stage with a commanding 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 10th match of the tournament at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
Batting first after being invited by UAE, Pakistan managed to post 146 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran batter Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a fighting 50 runs, while star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi played a crucial cameo, remaining unbeaten on 29 to give Pakistan a defendable total.
Other contributions came from skipper Salman Agha (20 runs) and Mohammad Haris (18 runs), but the middle order struggled against disciplined UAE bowling. Junaid Siddique was the pick of the UAE bowlers, grabbing 4 wickets, while Samarjeet Singh chipped in with 3 wickets and Dhruv Parashar took 1.
In reply, UAE’s chase never gained momentum as Pakistan’s bowling attack struck at regular intervals. UAE were bundled out for 105 runs in 17.4 overs, falling short by 41 runs.
Rahul Chopra top-scored with 35 runs, followed by Dhruv Parashar’s 20, but no other batter could put up significant resistance. Skipper Muhammad Waseem scored 14 while Ali Shan Sharafu contributed 12 before falling to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Nawaz starred with the ball, each claiming two wickets. Young opener Saim Ayub and all-rounder Salman Agha also took a wicket apiece to wrap up UAE’s innings.
This victory not only confirmed Pakistan’s place in the Super Four stage but also boosted their confidence ahead of crucial matches against stronger opponents like India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
Cricket analysts have praised Pakistan’s balanced performance, highlighting Fakhar Zaman’s return to form and Shaheen Afridi’s all-round contribution as major positives heading into the next phase of the tournament.
Pakistan will now face India in a highly anticipated clash in the Super Four round, a game expected to draw massive attention from cricket fans worldwide.
