In Sharjah, Pakistan and the UAE clashed in a crucial encounter that decided the fate of the tournament. The stakes were high. Pakistan needed a win to confirm their place in the final, while the hosts had to win to stay alive. The electric atmosphere reflected the importance of the game. Fans filled the stands, and every ball carried weight.
Pakistan started shakily with the bat but turned things around in spectacular fashion. Despite being reduced to 80 for 5, they managed to post 171 for 5, thanks to a counterattacking partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz. UAE’s chase never really picked up momentum. They ended at 140 for 7, falling 31 runs short. This result ensured Pakistan’s place in the final alongside Afghanistan while knocking the UAE out of the competition.
The match was not just about runs and wickets. It was a showcase of mental strength, turning points, and costly errors. Pakistan capitalised on the UAE’s sloppiness in the field, while their bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed, seized control with precision.
How the Win Shapes the Final
This victory gives Pakistan momentum going into the final. Fakhar’s explosive innings not only saved Pakistan from collapse but also proved that the middle order can fire under pressure. Nawaz’s cameo further adds confidence to their finishing ability. Most importantly, the return of Abrar Ahmed provided Pakistan with a world-class spin option that could play a vital role against Afghanistan.
For the UAE, the loss highlights areas that need urgent attention. Fielding lapses at crucial moments denied them the chance to dominate. Despite Sharafu’s brilliant half-century, they never looked close to chasing the target. Their elimination is a harsh reminder that in high-level cricket, mistakes are punished severely.
This result sets up a mouth-watering final between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both teams are full of confidence and boast strong bowling attacks. The final promises to be a battle of nerves, tactics, and individual brilliance.
Pakistan’s Innings – From Collapse to Recovery
Early Setbacks in the Powerplay
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to post a strong total. But things didn’t go to plan early on. Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan a brisk start but once again failed to convert it into a big score. He holed out to the boundary, leaving Pakistan searching for stability. Saim Ayub followed soon after, and the pressure began to mount.
By the end of the power play, Pakistan were struggling. Wickets kept tumbling as Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz failed to stick around. The scoreboard showed 80 for 5, and the innings looked destined for failure. The UAE bowlers, especially Haider Ali, bowled tight lines and kept Pakistan’s scoring rate in check.
At this stage, Pakistan desperately needed a partnership. The crowd was restless, sensing that another wicket could derail Pakistan completely. But as cricket often proves, one partnership can change the entire complexion of the game. And that’s exactly what happened when Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz came together.
Fakhar Zaman’s Match-Winning Knock
Fakhar Zaman walked in with pressure all around him. Pakistan’s innings was crumbling, and the UAE bowlers had their tails up. But Fakhar showed why he is considered one of Pakistan’s most dangerous hitters. He started cautiously, playing himself in before launching into the bowlers later in the innings.
The turning point came after the UAE dropped two crucial chances in the 16th over. Fakhar was given a lifeline, and he grabbed it with both hands. He punished the bowlers with a series of boundaries, turning the game around in spectacular fashion. His unbeaten 77 off just 45 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He targeted the right bowlers, picked his shots wisely, and ensured Pakistan posted a competitive total.
Fakhar’s innings wasn’t just about power hitting. It was about temperament. At 80 for 5, many batsmen would have panicked, but Fakhar kept his cool. He showed maturity, playing the role of an anchor before exploding at the death. His knock will be remembered as the innings that sealed Pakistan’s passage to the final.
Nawaz’s Timely Support
While Fakhar stole the headlines, Mohammad Nawaz’s contribution was equally important. Initially, Nawaz struggled to find rhythm. He played and missed, failing to connect cleanly. But cricket is often about persistence, and Nawaz did not give up.
In the 19th over, everything changed. Facing Junaid Siddique, Nawaz unleashed a flurry of boundaries—two fours and two sixes off the final four balls. Suddenly, his innings looked transformed. He finished unbeaten on 37 off 26 balls, providing the perfect support for Fakhar.
Their partnership added 91 runs, lifting Pakistan from a hopeless situation to a commanding total. Nawaz’s late hitting ensured Pakistan went past 170, a score that psychologically deflated the UAE. It was a reminder that in T20 cricket, one good over can completely shift the momentum.
The Fakhar-Nawaz partnership will go down as one of the defining moments of the series. Without it, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final would have been slim.
