Dubai, September 18, 2025 – Pakistan secured their place in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025 after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs in the 10th match of the tournament.
It was a hard-fought contest at Dubai International Stadium, where both teams battled with intensity, but Pakistan ultimately proved too strong with a disciplined bowling display.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 146 for 9 in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman’s gritty 50 anchored the innings, while Shaheen Afridi’s explosive unbeaten 29 off just 14 balls in the final overs lifted the total to a defendable score. UAE’s bowlers were impressive, with Junaid Siddique picking up 4 for 18 and Simranjeet Singh claiming 3 wickets to keep Pakistan under pressure for most of the innings.
Chasing 147, UAE started positively and reached 35 for 1 within the powerplay. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck back, applying relentless pressure. Shaheen Afridi led from the front with 2 for 16, while Abrar Ahmed’s miserly 2 for 13 further dented UAE’s hopes. Haris Rauf also chipped in with crucial wickets as UAE were eventually bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Shaheen Afridi was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. Speaking after the game, he credited hard work in the nets for his batting form and emphasized his strategy of keeping things simple with the ball. Skipper Salman Agha praised his bowlers for defending a modest total but admitted the batting unit still needs improvement. He expressed confidence that if Pakistan play to their full potential, they can beat any team, including their arch-rivals in the next stage.
For UAE, captain Muhammad Waseem acknowledged that while the bowlers kept them in the contest, their batting failed to rise to the occasion. He highlighted the need for greater responsibility from the middle order but remained optimistic, saying his team has gained valuable experience playing against top opponents like India and Pakistan.
The win not only boosts Pakistan’s morale but also sets up a highly anticipated clash with India in the Super Fours on Sunday, September 21. For UAE, despite yet another defeat while chasing, there were positives in their spirited bowling and glimpses of resilience that will serve them well in future tournaments.
With Group A settled, the focus now shifts to Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan face Sri Lanka in a decisive Group B encounter.