Shaheen’s all-round brilliance powers Pakistan past UAE and into the Super Four stage
DUBAI: Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a brilliant all-round display, scoring a quickfire 29* and later returning with 2/16, to guide Pakistan to a crucial 41-run triumph over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday and secure a berth in the Super Four stage of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
Defending 146 on a tricky surface at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack bundled UAE out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Rahul Chopra offered some resistance with a fighting 35 off 35 balls, while Dhruv Prashar (20), skipper Muhammad Waseem (14) and opener Alishan Sharafu (12) chipped in with starts. However, none could convert as wickets kept tumbling regularly.
Apart from Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed also grabbed two wickets each, while Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha contributed with one apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan struggled with the bat after being asked to bat first, finishing on 146/9 in 20 overs. The innings began poorly when Junaid Siddique struck twice early, dismissing openers Saim Ayub (0) and Sahibzada Farhan (5) to leave Pakistan reeling at 9/2.
Captain Salman Ali Agha then combined with Fakhar Zaman to steady the innings, adding 61 runs for the third wicket before Agha departed for a patient 20 (27 balls, 2 fours). Fakhar remained the standout batter with a 36-ball 50 that included three sixes and two fours, but his dismissal triggered another collapse, reducing Pakistan to 110/7.
Mohammad Haris (18) provided brief support before Shaheen’s late fireworks lifted the total beyond 140. Afridi’s 29 not out from just 14 balls featured three boundaries and two sixes, proving decisive in the end.
For UAE, Junaid Siddique was the star with the ball, claiming 4/18 in four overs. Simranjeet Singh bagged three wickets, while Dhruv Prashar added one to his name.
