Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan enter Super 4s after 41-run win over UAE

DUBAI: Pakistan have progressed to the Super 4s in the Asia Cup 2025 by securing a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a high-paced T20 clash, with their bowlers dominating the hosts after a competitive batting effort.

Chasing a target of 147, UAE managed only 105 in 17.4 overs, falling well short of the mark set by Pakistan.

Fakhar Zaman led the home side’s batting with a quickfire 50 off 36 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, while Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late surge added 29 not out from 14 deliveries, boosting Pakistan’s total to 146 for nine in 20 overs.

Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 20 runs, and Mohammad Haris chipped in with 18.

Pakistan pick up a tremendous win and make it to the next stage! ✌️

The 🇵🇰 bowlers put up a terrific fight to hold back the opposition & power through to victory!#PAKvUAE #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/KZHBRrxIgH

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 17, 2025

Early wickets, however, exposed some fragility in Pakistan’s batting line-up, with Saim Ayub dismissed for a duck in the opening over.

UAE’s chase began cautiously, with Alishan Sharafu scoring 12 off eight balls before falling to Afridi.

Rahul Chopra top-scored for the visitors with 35 runs, while Dhruv Parashar added 20.

However, wickets fell at regular intervals, including key dismissals by Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.

Extras added 11 runs to UAE’s total, but the visitors struggled to build partnerships or maintain momentum.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf shared four crucial wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub also struck at important moments to restrict UAE’s scoring.

Simranjeet Singh was UAE’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs in four overs.

The victory highlighted Pakistan’s strong bowling depth and the impact of aggressive finishing, despite losing quick wickets early in their innings.

🌟 Pakistan defeat UAE by 41 runs and progress to the Super 4s in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 🏏#BackTheBoysInGreen | #PAKvUAE | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/2SOi1eKBVH

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2025

Fakhar Zaman’s explosive knock and Afridi’s late cameo ensured Pakistan posted a competitive total, giving their bowlers enough runs to defend comfortably.

UAE, on the other hand, will look to improve their middle-order resistance and shot selection after failing to convert starts into meaningful partnerships. Their fielding lapses and inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities made the chase increasingly difficult.