Dubai, Sep 18 (IANS) — Pakistan overcame early jitters and off-field drama to beat hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, sealing their place in the Asia Cup Super Four from Group A alongside India.
After being asked to bat, Pakistan stumbled early as Saim Ayub (0) and Abdullah Shafique (4) fell cheaply to a fiery opening burst from Junaid Siddique. But Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a counter-attacking half-century. His 50 off 36 balls, laced with two fours and three sixes, provided much-needed momentum before the middle order collapsed against Siddique (4-18) and left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh (3-26).
At 117/9, Pakistan looked in danger of folding cheaply, but Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a late cameo of 29 not out off 14 balls, including two sixes in the final over, to lift his side to 146/9 in 20 overs.
The modest total proved more than enough. UAE’s chase, anchored briefly by Rahul Chopra (35) and Dhruv Parashar (20), unraveled in dramatic fashion. From a position of relative control, they lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs, collapsing to 105 all out in 17.4 overs.
Shaheen struck with the ball too, dismissing Harshit Kaushik, while sharp fielding — including a direct hit from Sahibzada Farhan — and breakthroughs from Haris Rauf (2-19) and Abrar Ahmed (2-13) sealed the win.
With the victory, Pakistan joined India in the Super Four stage, while UAE exited despite spirited performances from Siddique and Simranjeet.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 146/9 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 29*; Junaid Siddique 4-18, Simranjeet Singh 3-26)
UAE 105 all out in 17.4 overs (Rahul Chopra 35, Dhruv Parashar 20; Abrar Ahmed 2-13, Haris Rauf 2-19)
Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs
