Pakistan Clinch Crucial Win in Dubai
Pakistan booked their place in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 with a comfortable 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday. The result eliminated the hosts from the tournament, underlining the gulf in experience between the two sides despite moments of spirited resistance from the UAE.
This was the 10th match of the tournament, and it carried high stakes for both teams. Pakistan needed a win to progress, while the UAE were fighting to keep their hopes alive.
Fakhar Zaman Anchors Pakistan’s Innings
After losing the toss, Pakistan were asked to bat first. The top order got off to a mixed start, but opener Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a valuable 50 runs. His knock included three towering sixes and two boundaries, showcasing his trademark power-hitting.
Middle-order contributions, however, remained modest. Salman Ali Agha managed 20 runs, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris chipped in with 18. The lower order faced pressure as wickets fell regularly, but Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late cameo of 29 runs from just 14 deliveries gave Pakistan’s total much-needed impetus.
By the end of their 20 overs, Pakistan posted 146 for eight—a competitive but not insurmountable score on a Dubai surface that offered something for both batters and bowlers.
UAE Bowlers Shine Despite the Loss
For the UAE, right-arm spinner Junaid Siddique was outstanding. He finished with figures of four wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order and keeping the pressure alive. His economical spell was the highlight of the UAE bowling effort.
Supporting him, left-arm seamer Samarjeet Singh claimed three wickets, while Prashant picked up one. Despite their strong bowling performance, the lack of batting depth proved costly for the home team.
UAE Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 147 to win, the UAE began cautiously but soon lost regular wickets. Opener Rahul Chopra fought valiantly, scoring 35 runs and trying to anchor the innings. However, his teammates failed to build partnerships around him.
By the 18th over, the UAE were bundled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, falling well short of the target. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed each picked up two wickets. Salman Ali Agha and young all-rounder Saim Ayub contributed with a wicket apiece.
Saim Ayub’s Struggles Continue
While Pakistan celebrated their progression, concerns remained over the form of opener Saim Ayub. The left-hander once again failed to score, dismissed for a duck. This marked his fifth scoreless innings in 2025, four of which have come in September alone. His string of failures has raised questions about Pakistan’s batting depth and consistency ahead of tougher contests in the Super Four stage.
Historical Context and Rivalry
This victory was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive win over the UAE in Twenty20 internationals, continuing their dominance in this fixture. The UAE, despite improving as a cricketing nation, still find themselves struggling against top-tier opposition in high-pressure tournaments.
For Pakistan, the win was crucial not only for qualification but also for momentum. The Green Shirts have shown flashes of brilliance with both bat and ball, yet concerns about middle-order stability and batting collapses persist.
What’s Next?
With this result, Pakistan have officially qualified for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. The team will now face tougher opponents, including India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, in the next round. These matches will be crucial in building momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s campaign ends here. Although they are eliminated, their bowlers, particularly Junaid Siddique, left a mark with disciplined performances. Analysts believe the experience of playing against top teams could accelerate the growth of cricket in the Gulf nation.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 41-run win was a blend of individual brilliance and collective discipline. Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and Shaheen Afridi’s all-round impact were decisive, while the bowling unit ensured UAE never looked close to the target.
As Pakistan march into the Super Four, fans will hope for more consistency in the batting order, especially from the struggling Saim Ayub. For the UAE, the tournament ends in disappointment but also with lessons for the future.
