Pakistan defeated the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs at the Asia Cup, securing a place in the Super Four stage and setting up another highly anticipated match against rivals India on Sunday.
After the match in Dubai began with a one-hour delay, Pakistan’s innings started poorly. UAE seamer Junaid Siddique delivered a superb spell of 4-18, removing both openers to leave them at a precarious 9-2.
Fakhar Zaman anchored a recovery with a 36-ball 50, but his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse as the team slumped to 93-6. A crucial late cameo from Shaheen Afridi, who smashed three sixes in a rapid 29 from 14 balls, lifted Pakistan to a competitive total of 146-9.
Afridi then made an immediate impact with the ball, claiming one of three wickets to fall during the powerplay as the UAE stumbled to 37-3 in their chase.
A 48-run stand between Rahul Chopra and Dhruv Parashar provided some resistance, but the steadily climbing required run rate led to their dismissals. This sparked a final collapse, with the UAE being bowled out for 105 in the 18th over.
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