Fakhar, All-Round Afridi Lead Pakistan into Super Four
The Asia Cup is never short of drama, and Pakistan’s clash against the UAE proved just that. On a day filled with tension, Pakistan’s stars shone just enough to secure a place in the Super Four. It wasn’t a straightforward victory. The match saw collapses, comebacks, and bursts of brilliance. Fakhar Zaman held Pakistan’s innings together with a gritty 50, while Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered an all-round performance that rescued his side with both bat and ball. UAE, despite their spirited showing, fell short by 41 runs in a chase that promised much but ended in collapse.
This was not just another group-stage match. For Pakistan, it was a must-win encounter to confirm their place in the Super Four. For the UAE, it was their last chance to dream big and keep their campaign alive.
Significance of the Match
The stakes were high. Pakistan entered this game under pressure, having delivered subpar batting performances in their earlier matches. The team needed momentum, confidence, and a convincing display. On the other hand, the UAE had everything to gain. A victory over Pakistan would not only extend their stay in the Asia Cup but also mark one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
What Was at Stake for Both Teams
For Pakistan, the Super Four wasn’t just about qualification—it was about sending a message. Questions were already circling about their batting form. If their bowlers had carried them in earlier games, fans wanted to see the batters step up. UAE, meanwhile, had been punching above their weight. Their bowlers were in form, their spirit was high, and they came into the game with nothing to lose. That freedom made them dangerous.
Pakistan’s Early Batting Struggles
Pakistan’s innings started with hesitation. Instead of a confident display, their batting looked shaky right from the start. UAE’s pacers sensed weakness and pounced.
Junaid Siddique’s New-Ball Spell
Junaid Siddique was the man with the golden arm. Already the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, he once again showed why he’s regarded as a T20 specialist. In his very first over, he trapped Saim Ayub into yet another failure. The left-hander’s dismissal for a duck left Pakistan reeling at 9 for 2 inside three overs. Siddique wasn’t just bowling quick—he was clever. By varying his pace and angles, he created doubts in the minds of Pakistan’s top order. His control at the start meant Pakistan were forced to rebuild slowly.
Simranjeet Singh’s Impact in the Middle Overs
If Siddique opened the wound, Simranjeet Singh deepened it. Coming into the bowl during the middle overs, he struck crucial blows that kept Pakistan under the pump. His accuracy was impeccable, and his ability to extract movement off the surface troubled even the experienced Pakistani batters. Three middle-order wickets from him meant Pakistan couldn’t build meaningful partnerships.
Fakhar Zaman’s Crucial 50
In the middle of chaos, Fakhar Zaman stood tall. He played with composure, mixing caution with aggression when needed. His 50 off 36 balls may not have been his most fluent knock, but it was priceless. He punished loose deliveries and rotated the strike to keep Pakistan afloat. More importantly, he absorbed the pressure that could have caused a full-blown collapse. Without Fakhar’s innings, Pakistan might never have crossed 120.
Afridi’s Explosive Batting Finish
When Fakhar departed, Pakistan were still in danger of posting a below-par total. That’s when Afridi stepped up—not with the ball this time, but with the bat.
Afridi’s Cameo in Context
Afridi isn’t known for consistent batting contributions. Yet, every now and then, he produces a cameo that turns the game. Against India, he had shown flashes of power. Against the UAE, he turned saviour once again. Coming in with Pakistan struggling at 110 for 7, he changed the complexion of the innings with his fearless hitting.
Turning the Tide in the Final Overs
Afridi unleashed his natural hitting power in the final overs. He took on the UAE’s best bowler, Junaid Siddique, and then hammered Muhammad Rohid in the last over. With his long levers and clean swing, he smashed sixes over mid-off and square leg, leaving the crowd buzzing. In just 14 balls, he scored an unbeaten 29, with 27 of those runs coming in the last 10 deliveries he faced.
Scoreboard Pressure on UAE
Afridi’s blitz lifted Pakistan to 146, a score that looked unlikely halfway through the innings. While not massive, it created scoreboard pressure on the UAE. Chasing 147 against a quality bowling attack was always going to be tricky. Afridi’s late fireworks gave Pakistan’s bowlers the cushion they needed.
UAE’s Strong Start with the Bat
Chasing 147, the UAE started confidently. They knew the target was achievable, and their openers came out with intent.
Alishan Sharafu’s Confident Beginning
The very first ball of the UAE’s innings set the tone. Alishan Sharafu smashed Afridi for a boundary, showing that the UAE weren’t intimidated by reputations. The opening stand provided energy to the chase. Within two overs, they were 19 without loss, ticking along smoothly.
UAE’s Early Momentum
Captain Waseem joined the party by taking on Haris Rauf. A boundary and a set of wides gave the UAE quick runs. By the end of the fourth over, they were 35 for 1, very much in control of the chase. Pakistan looked rattled for a moment, and the UAE dugout sensed an opportunity.
Abrar and Saim Ayub’s Breakthroughs
But cricket is a game of quick shifts. Abrar Ahmed’s carrom ball deceived Waseem, and a stunning low catch by Nawaz turned the match. In the very next over, Saim Ayub cleaned up Zohaib, halting UAE’s charge. From 35 for 1, they slipped to 38 for 3, losing both momentum and confidence.
Afridi and Pakistan Bowlers Seal the Win
With the UAE’s top order gone, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip. They knew wickets were the key, and they hunted in pairs.
Afridi’s Early Strike
Afridi, already pumped from his batting cameo, delivered with the ball too. He removed Sharafu, breaking the UAE’s promising start. His energy lifted Pakistan, and the fielders rallied behind him.
Haris Rauf’s Crucial Wicket
Haris Rauf, playing his first match of the tournament, was under scrutiny. He leaked runs early but came back strong. His dismissal of Dhruv Parashar broke a 48-run stand that had threatened Pakistan. That wicket was the final nail in the UAE’s chase.
UAE Collapse in the Final Overs
The last six overs were a nightmare for the UAE. From 85 for 3, they lost seven wickets for just 20 runs. Pressure and inexperience got the better of them. Abrar and Saim bowled brilliantly, and Afridi returned to clean up the tail. In the end, the UAE folded for 105, giving Pakistan a 41-run win and a ticket to the Super Four.
