The victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch between Pakistan and arch-rivals India in the next phase of the tournament.
Match Overview and Delayed Start
The crucial Group A encounter began one hour late due to ongoing drama surrounding the handshake controversy with India. Pakistan had threatened to boycott the match over their dispute with match referee Andy Pycroft, but the game eventually proceeded after urgent talks between the Pakistan Cricket Board and International Cricket Council.
Pakistan's Batting Performance
Pakistan posted a modest total of 146/9 in their allotted 20 overs after being invited to bat first by UAE captain Muhammad Waseem. The innings was anchored by veteran batsman Fakhar Zaman, who scored a crucial 50 off 36 balls with three sixes and two fours.
Pakistan endured a shaky start, losing both openers early as Saim Ayub fell for a second-ball duck (his third consecutive duck in the tournament) and Sahibzada Farhan managed just 5 runs. The team was reeling at 9/2 before Zaman and captain Salman Agha (20 off 27 balls) steadied the innings with a vital 61-run partnership for the third wicket.
Shaheen Afridi's explosive finish proved decisive for Pakistan's total. Coming in during the death overs, the left-arm fast bowler smashed an unbeaten 29 off just 14 balls, including two massive sixes and a four in the final over to lift Pakistan past 140. His cameo added 51 runs in the last five overs, giving Pakistan a defendable target.
UAE's bowling attack was led by Junaid Siddique, who claimed impressive figures of 4/18, while left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh contributed 3/26.
UAE's Chase Falls Short
UAE's pursuit of 147 runs ended in disappointment as they were bowled out for just 105 in 17.4 overs. The hosts started promisingly but suffered a dramatic collapse that sealed Pakistan's victory.
Rahul Chopra emerged as UAE's leading run-scorer with a fighting 35 off 35 balls, forming a crucial 48-run partnership with Dhruv Parashar (20 off 23 balls). At one stage, UAE appeared well-positioned in their chase, but Pakistan's bowling attack dismantled the middle and lower order.
The collapse began when Haris Rauf broke the Chopra-Parashar partnership, dismissing the latter to trigger a sequence of wickets. UAE lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs in 23 balls, completely surrendering their advantage.
Pakistan's Bowling Dominance
Pakistan's bowling unit delivered a clinical performance across all departments. Abrar Ahmed led the wicket-taking with figures of 2/13 in 4 overs, consistently applying pressure during the middle phases.
Shaheen Afridi continued his excellent tournament form, claiming 2/16 with the ball after his batting heroics. His early breakthrough removing opener Alishan Sharafu for 12 set the tone for Pakistan's bowling effort.
Haris Rauf contributed crucial wickets at key moments, finishing with 2/19 and breaking the dangerous Chopra-Parashar stand that threatened Pakistan's victory. Captain Salman Agha and Saim Ayub also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring UAE never gained sustained momentum.
Tournament Implications
With this victory, Pakistan finished the group stage with 4 points from 3 games, joining India in the Super Four stage from Group A. India leads the group standings with 4 points from 2 games and will complete their group fixtures against Oman on Friday.
The hosts UAE (2 points from 3 matches) and Oman (0 points from 2 games) have been eliminated from the tournament.
Pakistan will face India in their Super Four opener on Sunday in Dubai, promising another high-voltage encounter between the traditional rivals. The match carries additional significance given the recent handshake controversy and off-field tensions between the two cricket boards.
Group B remains wide open with Sri Lanka currently leading the standings, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan battle for the second qualification spot. The final Group B fixture will determine which teams join India and Pakistan in the decisive Super Four stage.
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