Pakistan secured a 41-run victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final group stage match of the Asia Cup 2025, setting up a highly anticipated Super 4s clash with arch-rivals India. The match, held on Wednesday, saw Pakistan overcome a shaky start to post a defendable total, which their bowlers then defended effectively.
The match was delayed by an hour due to reported concerns from Pakistan following a controversy in their previous game against India. Eventually, the team participated and made their presence felt. UAE won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan's innings was marked by regular loss of wickets, with Junaid Siddique (4/18) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26) of the UAE bowling impressively. Fakhar Zaman top-scored for Pakistan with 50 runs. Shaheen Afridi provided a late surge with an explosive, unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, lifting Pakistan to 146/9 in their 20 overs. Afridi's late hitting was crucial, as he struck two consecutive sixes and a four in the final over.
Chasing 147, the UAE's innings never gained momentum, and they were eventually bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Rahul Chopra fought valiantly with 35 runs, but received little support. Shaheen Afridi spearheaded the Pakistani bowling attack, taking 2/16. Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and Haris Rauf (2/19) also contributed with two wickets each. Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket as well.
The UAE's chase began steadily, reaching 35/1 in the fourth over. However, Shaheen Afridi's early dismissal of Alishan Sharafu, who inside-edged a yorker onto his stumps, set the tone for the rest of the innings. Abrar Ahmed then removed UAE captain Muhammad Waseem with a sharp leg-break, brilliantly caught by Mohammad Nawaz. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and the UAE struggled to build partnerships. The last time UAE won a match chasing was against Kenya in July 2025.
Pakistan's fielding was also sharp, with Mohammad Nawaz taking a sensational catch running backwards to dismiss Muhammad Waseem. In the end, Muhammad Rohid was run out in comical fashion to end the match.
With this victory, Pakistan advanced to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025, joining India. The Super 4 clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday. This match is expected to be a high-voltage encounter. The Asia Cup 2025 is being held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, 2025.
