Pakistan clinched a 41-run win against United Arab Emirates in Match 10 of Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the do-or-die encounter to book their berth in the Super Four from Group A to do so after India.
Junaid Siddique struck twice in his first two overs to get rid of Pakistan openers Saim Ayub (0 off 2) and Sahibzada Farhan (5 off 12) before a composed half-century from Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36) ensured Pakistan get out of deep waters. However, he was dismissed just after he attained the milestone. A middle-order meltdown meant UAE were on top.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was yet again the savour for the Green Shirts with the bat, much like how he played against India. His unbeaten 14-ball 29 meant that Pakistan got to a respectable total at the end of 20 overs. Siddique (4/18 in four overs) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26 in four overs) were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.
UAE started off their innings quite positively. However, by the end of their powerplay, they lost three wickets. Rahul Chopra and Dhruv Parashar steadied the ship and ensured UAE did not lose wickets in cluster.
However, the spin-duo of Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and Ayub (1/18) kept things tight as both batters failed to break free, scoring below run-a-ball. UAE were eventually bundled out for 105 in 17.4 overs with wickets falling in heap as they crumbled under pressure.
Who Said What?
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Player of the Match)
Just practicing in the nets. Whatever I am practicing, trying to execute the same. Looking forward to the upcoming games. We lost early wickets and then in the middle overs too. My job is to go and hit the ball. The team needed an early breakthrough and I try to provide that.
Muhammad Waseem (Losing Captain)
I would give credit to our bowlers. We restricted them to a low total. We lost the game due to our batting. We were going well despite losing 3 wickets in the powerplay. But then, lost wickets post the 15th over. Our middle-order had to take some responsibility. We had a good experience. We played against India and Pakistan. We learnt so many things and will hope to apply it in the upcoming tournaments.
Salman Ali Agha (Winning Captain)
We got the job done but we needed to bat better in the middle overs. The bowlers did well. We haven’t batted to our best yet. If we batted well, we would have ended up with 170-180. Shaheen is a match-winner. His batting has improved. Abrar has been outstanding. He is someone who is bringing us back into games. We are ready for any challenge. If we play good cricket, we can be good against any side.
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