Pakistan vs UAE: Do-or-Die clash for Asia Cup 2025 Super Four spot

The winner secures a coveted Super Four spot, while the loser faces elimination from the tournament’s group stage. With both sides on 1-1 after defeats by India, only victory guarantees progression from Group A.

Asia Cup 2025 organizers confirmed the match will begin at 8:00 PM IST, following resolution of Pakistan’s pullout controversy involving a disputed handshake protocol and match referee appointment. Cricket fans can expect an electric atmosphere under the Dubai lights as the Men in Green aim to maintain their unbeaten record against the UAE in T20 internationals.

Pakistan have dominated the head-to-head, winning all three prior T20 meetings, including a comfortable 31-run triumph in the recent T20 Tri-series. Their confidence is bolstered by tournament standout Mohammad Haris, the leading run-scorer, and breakthrough pacer Saim Ayub, who leads Pakistan’s wicket tally. Fakhar Zaman’s explosive batting and Shaheen Afridi’s lethal pace complete a formidable lineup featuring Salman Agha (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Hassan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Sufiyan Muqeem, and spinner Abrar Ahmad.

For the UAE, captain Muhammad Waseem has been the engine of their batting, topping the team’s run charts thus far. All-rounder Junaid Siddiqui leads the bowling attack, supported by Alishan Sharafu’s stroke play and Haider Ali’s middle-order prowess. The UAE XI also includes Muhammad Zohaib, wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra, Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, and Muhammad Jawadullah.

Dubai International Stadium, host to 97 previous T20Is, has seen 50 successful chases and 47 successful defenses, making toss-winning decisions critical. The last T20I on this ground saw Sri Lanka chase 150 in 18.5 overs against Hong Kong.

As Pakistan seek to reaffirm their dominance and UAE chase a historic upset, all eyes will be on tonight’s drama. Cricket enthusiasts can follow live updates and expert analysis on Dainik Jagran’s Digital Desk for comprehensive coverage of this decisive Asia Cup 2025 showdown.