Sharjah – Pakistan showcased their batting firepower and bowling resilience to secure a commanding 31-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second match of the ongoing T20I tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan delivered an imposing total of 208 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub provided a blistering start with a fine half-century, while middle-order enforcer Hasan Nawaz matched his energy, scoring another fifty to push the total beyond the 200-run barrier. Despite Saghir Khan and Junaid Siddique claiming three wickets apiece, UAE bowlers failed to contain Pakistan’s aggressive approach, conceding runs at a rapid pace.
Chasing a mammoth target, UAE responded with grit and determination. Skipper Muhammad Waseem gave the hosts a strong start, but regular wickets halted their momentum. Asif Khan stood out with a fighting knock in the latter half of the innings, but UAE eventually fell short, managing 176 for eight, thus handing Pakistan their second successive win of the tournament.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, missing key pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, relied heavily on spinners to restrict UAE’s progress. Mohammad Nawaz bowled economically and picked up crucial wickets, while Hasan Ali, though expensive, wrapped up the innings with a couple of strikes in the final over.
With two consecutive victories, Pakistan now sit in a commanding position in the tri-series, while UAE remain winless, sharing the same predicament as Afghanistan. The result further boosts Pakistan’s confidence as they continue to test their bench strength ahead of crucial international assignments.