Pakistan reached the next round of the Asia Cup after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 146 for nine in their 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 50 runs off 36 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 138.88. Captain Salman Agha contributed 27-ball 20 runs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi impressed with a quick 29 not out from 14 balls, including three fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 207.14.
The United Arab Emirates struggled in response, all out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Rahul Chopra scored 35 runs from 35 balls, and Dhruv Parashar made 20. Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets for 16 runs in three overs, while Abrar Ahmed also claimed two wickets conceding only 13 runs. Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets for 19 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, limiting the opposition to a run rate of just under six per over. Extras contributed 13 runs to Pakistan’s total, while the UAE managed only 11 extras.
The victory secured Pakistan’s place in the next stage of the tournament. The UAE will look to regroup after a disappointing chase.
PLAYING XI
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Khushdil Shah, 7 Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
