Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs to reach Asia Cup Super Four
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s all-round performance guided Pakistan to a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and into the Super Four stage of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 146/9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 50 off 36 balls, while skipper Salman Ali Agha added 20.
Shaheen’s late cameo of 29 not out from 14 deliveries lifted the total after a middle-order collapse. UAE’s Junaid Siddique shone with the ball, taking 4/18.
In reply, the UAE were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Rahul Chopra made 35, while Dhruv Prashar scored 20, but the rest of the batting struggled.
Shaheen Afridi impressed with 2/16, supported by Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, who also picked two wickets each.
The victory ensured Pakistan’s qualification for the Super Four in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan set 147-run target for UAE
In the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan set a target of 147 runs for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan finished their 20 overs at 146 for 9 wickets, thanks to a late rally by Shaheen Afridi.
The UAE bowlers performed strongly, with pacer Junaid Siddique taking 4 wickets for 18 runs and spinner Simranjeet Singh picking up 3 for 26.
Pakistan’s batting struggled early, losing quick wickets. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck on the first ball.
Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 50 runs, while Shaheen Afridi added a quick 29 off 14 balls to push the total to a more respectable score.
This is a crucial “do or die” match. The UAE now needs to chase 147 runs to secure a place in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
Pakistan and India set to clash again on Sunday in Asia Cup super-4 stage
Pakistan and India are set to face each other once again on Sunday in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage.
The high-stakes clash is expected to draw massive attention from fans across both nations.
Shaheen Afridi emerges as surprise power-hitter with 200+ strike rate in last 2 matches
Shaheen Afridi has emerged as a surprise power-hitter, smashing at a strike rate of over 200 in his last two matches.
Known as Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, he is now making headlines not just with the ball but also with his explosive batting.
With his bowling rhythm back and pace sharp, Shaheen’s all-round impact is proving invaluable for Pakistan.
Pakistan beats UAE by 41 runs, secures spot in super-4 stage
Pakistan beats UAE by 41 runs to seal their place in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup.
The team delivered a fair all-round performance, dominating with the ball while struggling with the batting.
With this victory, Pakistan gains momentum and confidence heading into the next stage of the tournament.
Saim Ayub: from batter to leading bowler in Pakistan’s cricket team
Saim Ayub, once known primarily as a batter, is now emerging as a key bowler in Pakistan’s cricket team.
Despite falling for two consecutive ducks as an opener, he has impressed with strong bowling performances.
However, while his bowling contributions are valuable, Pakistan needs his batting form to click even more.
Pakistan loose its first wicket on 3 runs
Junaid Siddique dismissed Saim Ayub after he chased a short and wide delivery, hitting it straight into the hands of deep third.
He attempted to clear the fielder but failed to get the required elevation, resulting in a flat shot.
Saim’s struggles with consistency continued as he once again missed the chance to provide a quick start.
Known for his strength on the leg side, he looked uncomfortable against the wider deliveries, and despite going for his shots.
UAE win toss, choose to field against Pakistan
In the Asia Cup, UAE won the toss and decided to field against Pakistan.
Umpire Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan cricket team manager, captain
Umpire Andy Pycroft has apologised to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain.
Pakistan team to wear black armbands in protest
The Pakistan National cricket team has decided to wear black armbands in protest during today’s match against the UAE. The toss is expected to take place in some time.
Pak vs UAE Asia Cup 2025: toss delayed
The Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to take place today, September 17, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The toss has been rescheduled for 08:00 PM PKT, and the match will begin at 08:30 PM PKT, according to the reports.
This is a must-win game for both sides, as the winner will join India in the Super Four stage, while the losing team will be knocked out of the tournament.
Reports earlier suggested that Pakistani players were preparing to leave for the stadium. Their luggage had already been loaded onto the team bus, and some players had even taken their seats.
However, the plan was suddenly changed, and the squad was told not to travel. The bus left the hotel without the players, and their belongings remained inside.
Sources said that high-level consultations are underway within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Salman Naseer, and other senior officials are currently in a meeting to decide the next steps.
According to reports, the matter may be resolved if match referee Andy Pycroft issues an apology. In that case, Pakistan could consider going ahead with the match against the UAE.
Will Pakistan play Asia Cup match today
Pakistan’s Asia Cup match against the UAE faces fresh uncertainty.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the game has been delayed by one hour due to a dispute over the match referee.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also called former chairmen Rameez Raja and Najam Sethi for consultations.
Players were first told to leave their hotel for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium but were later asked to stay in their rooms until further notice.
Sources suggest the issue could be resolved if match referee Andy Pycroft offers an apology.
Mohsin Naqvi is expected to hold a press conference in Lahore soon.
Read more: Mohsin Naqvi to hold press conference in Lahore shortly
