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Pakistan continued their strong run in the ongoing T20I tri-series, clinching their second consecutive victory after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 31 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. It was a contest dominated by big hitting, momentum swings, and standout individual performances, but Pakistan ultimately proved too strong for the hosts.
Pakistan’s Innings: Explosive Knocks from Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz
Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as Sahibzada Farhan fell early for eight runs, dismissed by Junaid Siddique in the first over.
The second-wicket stand between Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman showed promise but ended quickly as Fakhar departed for six off seven balls to Haider Ali. With Pakistan at 38-2 in the fourth over, the innings was in danger of losing momentum.
However, Saim Ayub’s aggressive stroke play turned the tide. The left-hander smashed his way to a brilliant half-century off just 25 balls at a strike rate of 200. His knock of 69 off 38 deliveries, studded with seven fours and four sixes, anchored Pakistan’s innings.
Captain Salman Ali Agha fell cheaply for five, but Hasan Nawaz took charge in the middle overs. He lit up the 16th over with three consecutive sixes, reaching his fifty off just 24 balls. His fiery knock of 56 off 26 balls included six towering sixes and two boundaries, providing Pakistan with the late acceleration they needed.
Contributions also came from Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) and Faheem Ashraf (16 off 11), but Pakistan lost wickets in clusters towards the end. The side was bowled out for 207 in 19.5 overs, setting UAE a daunting target of 208.
Among UAE’s bowlers, Saghir Khan stood out with 3/29, while Junaid Siddique picked up two wickets.
UAE’s Response: Asif Khan’s Power Hitting Keeps Hosts Alive
Chasing 208, UAE openers Muhammad Zohaib and skipper Muhammad Waseem gave their side a bright start with a 39-run opening stand. Waseem played fearlessly, cracking 33 off just 18 balls, but his innings was cut short by a run-out following a mix-up with Zohaib.
Zohaib himself never settled, managing only 13 off 14 before falling to Mohammad Nawaz. Pakistan’s bowlers capitalized on the breakthroughs, with Hasan Ali and Saim Ayub striking in quick succession to remove Ethan D’Souza and Alishan Sharafu. At 68-4 inside nine overs, UAE were in deep trouble.
Pakistan outclass Afghanistan to begin tri-series with emphatic win in Sharjah
The middle order collapsed further when Rahul Chopra was dismissed by Nawaz for 11, leaving UAE reeling at 80-5. But Asif Khan and Dhruv Parashar mounted a spirited fightback, adding 54 runs for the sixth wicket.
Asif Khan, in particular, turned the game on its head with a blistering knock. He reached his half-century in just 25 balls, hammering sixes with ease. His innings of 77 off 35 deliveries, featuring six fours and six sixes, kept UAE within touching distance of an improbable chase.
However, wickets at crucial stages derailed the momentum. Parashar was dismissed for 15 by Salman Mirza, and the lower order failed to provide support. Despite Asif Khan’s heroics, UAE could only manage 176-8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs.
Pakistan’s Bowling: Hasan Ali Leads from the Front
Pakistan’s bowling unit showed resilience under pressure, with Hasan Ali leading the attack. Despite conceding runs in one expensive over, Hasan finished with figures of 3/47, including the crucial wicket of Asif Khan in the final over.
Mohammad Nawaz continued his superb all-round form, claiming 2/21 in his four overs. Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket each, ensuring Pakistan maintained control despite UAE’s middle-order resistance.
Key Performances of the Match
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): 69 off 38 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes)
- Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan): 56 off 26 balls (2 fours, 6 sixes)
- Asif Khan (UAE): 77 off 35 balls (6 fours, 6 sixes)
- Hasan Ali (Pakistan): 3/47 in 4 overs
- Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan): 2/21 in 4 overs
What This Win Means for Pakistan
This victory marked Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tri-series, boosting their confidence ahead of the upcoming matches. The team’s batting depth, highlighted by explosive knocks from Ayub and Nawaz, and their ability to withstand pressure in the field, are promising signs.
For UAE, the performance of Asif Khan was a huge positive, but the team will need greater support from the top and middle order if they are to challenge stronger opponents in the series.
