Dubai: Pakistan stormed into the Super Fours of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 after Fakhar Zaman’s explosive half-century and a strong bowling display crushed UAE by 27 runs, setting up a high-voltage clash against India.
The much-anticipated Pakistan vs India Super Four match will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
UAE Collapse After Restricting Pakistan
Chasing a target of 147, UAE failed to capitalize on their bowling efforts and were bowled out for just 119 in 17.4 overs. Despite Pakistan’s modest total, UAE batters couldn’t handle the pressure.
Alishan Sharafu (12) fell early to Shaheen Afridi, followed by skipper Muhammad Waseem (14) and Zohaib (4), leaving UAE at 37-3 in the powerplay.
A slow partnership between Dhruv Parashar and Rahul Chopra (48 runs off 51 balls) further increased the required run rate. Chopra top-scored with 35 runs, but once he departed, UAE collapsed rapidly.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, ensuring a comfortable victory.
Pakistan’s Innings: Fakhar Zaman Shines
Put into bat first, Pakistan had a poor start with Saim Ayub falling for another duck — his third in a row and fifth in eight innings. Sahibzada Farhan also departed cheaply for 5, leaving Pakistan at 9-2 inside three overs.
Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36, 3 sixes, 2 fours) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (20 off 27) steadied the innings with a 61-run stand. But once Salman was dismissed, UAE’s bowlers regained control.
Junaid Siddique (4 wickets) and Simranjeet Singh (3 wickets) rattled Pakistan’s middle order, but a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi (29 off 14 balls) helped Pakistan post 146-9 in 20 overs.
Playing XIs
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed
UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan, Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique
