Pakistan vs UAE highlights, Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs to set-up clash with India on Sunday
Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi Shines as Pakistan Defeats UAE by 41 Runs, Sets Up Super 4s Clash with India
Dubai, Wednesday — Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a standout all-round performance to help Pakistan cruise past the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs in their final group-stage match of the Asia Cup 2025. The win confirms Pakistan’s place in the Super 4s and sets up a blockbuster showdown against arch-rivals India this Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
The match, however, began under tense circumstances, with a one-hour delay due to reported threats of a Pakistan pull-out stemming from the handshake controversy in their previous fixture against India. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed, and Agha Salman’s side took the field—making their presence count with a clinical display.
Pakistan Stumble, Afridi Lifts Late
Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled against disciplined UAE bowling. Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a fluent 50 off 36 balls, but regular wickets pegged Pakistan back. From 88/5, it took a late flourish from Shaheen Afridi—who smashed an unbeaten 29 off just 14 deliveries—to push Pakistan to a competitive 146/9.
UAE’s bowlers had earlier kept Pakistan in check, with pacer Junaid Siddique (4/18) and Ludhiana-born left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh (3/26) sharing seven wickets between them. Simranjeet grabbed headlines not just for his bowling but also for his flamboyant thigh-slap celebration, made famous by Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala.
UAE Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 147 was always going to be a tall order for UAE, and the pressure told early. Shaheen Afridi was lethal with the new ball, finishing with 2/16 in his four overs. He cleaned up Alishan Sharafu with an inside edge before Abrar Ahmed (2/13) accounted for skipper Muhammad Waseem, thanks to a superb catch by Mohammad Nawaz running backwards.
Saim Ayub, better known for his batting, chipped in with the ball once again—bowling Muhammad Zohaib with a skiddy straight delivery. Despite a fighting 35 from Rahul Chopra, UAE never looked in control and were eventually dismissed for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Super 4s Await
With this result, Pakistan finish second in Group A and now turn their focus to the high-voltage rematch against India in the Super 4s. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Sunday under lights in Dubai.
Shaheen Afridi, with his match-winning contributions both with bat and ball, was the undisputed star of the night, underlining Pakistan’s strength heading into the business end of the tournament.
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