News Desk
The News Desk provides timely and factual coverage of national and international events, with an emphasis on accuracy and clarity.
Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan watches the ball after playing a shot during the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 international cricket match between United Arab Emirates and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on September 17, 2025.
AFP
Pakistan secured a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to set up a high-stakes Asia Cup rematch with India.
The win came after a brief delay linked to a handshake row with their rivals earlier in the tournament. Pakistan advanced to the Super Four stage, eliminating the UAE in the process.
Batting first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan posted 146-9 in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 50 off 36 balls, including two fours and three sixes. Captain Salman Ali Agha added 20, while Shaheen Shah Afridi smashed an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls late in the innings with three fours and two sixes.
Pakistan had stumbled to 9-2 after Junaid Siddique dismissed openers Saim Ayub for zero and Sahibzada Farhan for five. Fakhar and Agha steadied the innings with a 61-run stand before wickets tumbled again. Mohammad Haris chipped in with 18 before Shaheen’s late hitting pushed Pakistan past 140.
For the UAE, Junaid was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 18 runs. Simranjeet Singh claimed three, and Dhruv Prashar picked up one.
Chasing 147, UAE were bundled out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra fought hard with a run-a-ball 35, while Prashar scored 20, skipper Muhammad Waseem 14, and opener Alishan Sharafu 12. None of the others reached double figures.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control, with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed taking two wickets each. Saim Ayub and captain Agha Salman picked up one apiece.
The result means Pakistan will now meet India again in the Super Four phase of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday.
Comments
See what people are discussing