Pakistan defeated UAE by 41 runs in a must-win match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai. The team overcame a spirited UAE fightback to claim a crucial victory and secure their place in the Super Four stage. Pakistan managed to post 146/9 in 20 overs, powered by a superb blazing knock from Fakhar Zaman and a late-firework cameo from Shaheen Afridi.
UAE bowlers Junaid Siddique (4/18 in 4 overs) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26 in 4 overs) did not allow the Pakistani batsmen to play freely. While chasing, UAE was bundled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, with Rahul Chopra (35) emerging as their highest scorer.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s all-round brilliance, combined with a collective bowling effort, eventually guided Pakistan to safety. Afridi played a vital late cameo with the bat and delivered a match-turning spell with the ball to shut the door on UAE’s chase. The victory came after a tense contest, during which UAE briefly threatened an upset with a fiery bowling performance.
Match Starts Amid Off-Field Drama
The game started an hour late after tensions flared over Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) objections to match referee Andy Pycroft’s status. Once play began, Pakistan struggled to find rhythm.
Their batting performance was below par once again. They stumbled early, scoring just 17 for 2 in the first four overs. Junaid Siddique struck twice early, while Simranjeet Singh removed three middle-order batters, leaving Pakistan’s innings in trouble.
Fakhar Zaman stood firm, scoring a 36-ball 50 to stabilize the innings. However, the scoring rate remained sluggish, hovering around a run a ball.
Afridi came to the rescue late on, smashing an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls. His late hitting pushed Pakistan to 146, giving their bowlers a total to defend.
UAE’s Bowlers Shine, Siddique Leads the Attack
UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique continued his excellent form, taking four wickets in a masterclass of pace and variations.
Fresh from his 4 for 23 against Oman, Siddique rattled Pakistan’s top order. He dismissed Saim Ayub for his third consecutive duck and outfoxed Sahibzada Farhan with clever changes of pace.
Pakistan were reduced to 9 for 2 by the third over. Later, Waseem smartly saved two overs of Siddique for the death, where he struck again. He dismissed Mohammad Haris with a slower ball and then trapped Mohammad Nawaz with another deceptive delivery, finishing with four wickets.
Afridi Sparks Late Momentum With the Bat
When Pakistan were struggling at 110 for 7 in the 17th over, Afridi once again stepped up.
He punished Siddique with two boundaries before cutting loose in the final over against Muhammad Rohid. Afridi smashed back-to-back sixes — one over mid-off and another over square leg — to collect 18 runs off the over.
In the last two overs, Pakistan scored 28 runs, with Afridi contributing 27 of them. His heroics lifted Pakistan to 146, giving them crucial scoreboard pressure to work with.
UAE’s Chase Begins Brightly
UAE made a confident start to their chase. Alishan Sharafu hit Afridi’s first delivery for four, and the first two overs produced 19 runs without loss.
Afridi, however, struck back by dismissing Sharafu, sparking a shift in momentum. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem tried to rebuild, taking advantage of five wides from Haris Rauf and hitting him for a boundary.
At the end of the fourth over, UAE were 35 for 1 and well on track.
Pakistan’s Spinners Turn the Game
The momentum shifted decisively in the final two overs of the powerplay. Abrar Ahmed deceived Waseem with a carrom ball, and Mohammad Nawaz took a spectacular low catch, dealing a major blow to UAE’s hopes.
In the very next over, Saim Ayub bowled Muhammad Zohaib, reducing UAE to 38 for 3.
Despite a steady 48-run fourth-wicket stand, Haris Rauf broke the partnership by dismissing Dhruv Parashar. With the required rate climbing, UAE began to falter.
Abrar and Ayub bowled brilliantly in helpful conditions, combining for 3 wickets while conceding just 31 runs in their eight overs.
UAE Collapse Under Pressure
With six overs remaining, UAE needed 62 runs with six wickets in hand. The chase was still alive, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept their nerve.
As pressure mounted, UAE’s batting line-up collapsed dramatically. They lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs in 23 balls, ending their hopes of a famous win.
Afridi finished with a crucial spell, while the rest of the attack supported him well to secure a hard-fought victory.
Brief Scorecard
Although UAE impressed with both bat and ball, their lack of experience showed in the closing stages. Pakistan’s superior bowling depth ultimately proved decisive, helping them clinch a spot in the Super Four. The result also highlighted Pakistan’s continued batting struggles, with Afridi emerging as both their savior with the bat and a match-winner with the ball. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!