Pakistan secured their spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday night. Despite a shaky start with the bat, Pakistan managed to post a competitive 146/9 before bowling out UAE for 105 in 17.4 overs. With this result, Pakistan qualify for Super Four and will now gear up for the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on September 21.
Batting first, Pakistan struggled early as UAE pacer Junaid Siddique (4/18) ripped through the top order, dismissing Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan cheaply. Fakhar Zaman provided stability with a brisk 50 off 36 balls, including three towering sixes. However, wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, leaving Pakistan at 110/7 by the 17th over.
Just when the innings looked to be slipping away, Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a stunning cameo. The left-arm pacer smashed 29 not out from 14 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, dragging Pakistan to 146/9. Simranjeet Singh also impressed for UAE, finishing with 3/26.
In reply, UAE began brightly with Alishan Sharafu striking an early six, but Shaheen quickly made amends by bowling him out. Spinner Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and pacer Haris Rauf (2/19) tightened the screws in the middle overs. Skipper Muhammad Waseem and Dhruv Parashar showed some resistance, but UAE faltered under scoreboard pressure. Wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra top-scored with 35, but once he fell in the 16th over, the chase collapsed.
Shaheen capped off a fine all-round performance with 2/16, earning him the Player of the Match award. His late hitting and disciplined bowling proved the difference in what was otherwise a spirited effort from UAE.
The victory ensures Pakistan qualify for Super Four alongside India from Group A, setting the stage for another high-voltage Indo-Pak encounter on September 21 in Colombo. With both teams in form, fans can expect fireworks when the arch-rivals meet again.
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