Pakistan Crushes UAE by 31 Runs in Sharjah: Ayub and Nawaz Lead the Charge
Pakistan continued their dominant run in the T20I series with a 31-run victory over the UAE in Sharjah, marking their second win in as many days. The match was defined by explosive batting performances from Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz, who laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total of 207. Despite a valiant counterattack from UAE’s Asif Khan, the home side fell short, ending their chase at 176 for 8.
Ayub’s Vintage Return
Saim Ayub’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive opening batting. Returning from injury earlier this year, Ayub finally delivered a knock reminiscent of his vintage form. His assault began in the third over, where he dismantled Junaid Siddique for 22 runs, including two sixes and a four. Ayub didn’t slow down after the powerplay either. He continued to find boundaries against left-arm quick Muhammad Jawadullah, reaching his half-century in just 25 balls.
Ayub’s innings ended controversially at 69 off 38 balls, given out caught behind despite visible uncertainty—there is no DRS in this series. Nevertheless, his contribution ensured Pakistan maintained a run rate above nine, setting the tone for the rest of the innings.
Hasan Nawaz Takes Over
Once Ayub departed, Hasan Nawaz stepped up and took control of the innings. He became the destroyer-in-chief in the second half, particularly targeting UAE’s most economical bowler, spinner Haider Ali. Nawaz smashed 18 runs off the first three balls of Haider’s final over before falling to an inside edge. His 56 off 26 balls was a thrilling display of power-hitting and helped Pakistan recover from a mid-innings wobble.
Lower-Order Contributions Seal the Deal
Pakistan’s innings wasn’t just about Ayub and Nawaz. After losing their sixth wicket at 163, the team still had 26 balls to play with. Coach Mike Hesson’s strategy of packing the lineup with batting depth paid off. Mohammad Nawaz (25), Faheem Ashraf (16), and Hasan Ali (9) chipped in with valuable runs. Their combined effort added 44 runs in the final four overs, pushing Pakistan’s total to 207—joint third-highest in their men’s T20I history.
UAE’s Early Hope Fizzles Out
UAE’s chase began with promise, largely thanks to captain Muhammad Waseem. He raced to 33 during the powerplay, igniting brief optimism. However, a disastrous mix-up led to his run-out just before the end of the sixth over. The very next ball saw another wicket fall, and UAE’s innings began to unravel.
Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz bowled with discipline, stifling UAE’s scoring opportunities and making the chase increasingly difficult.
Asif Khan’s Late Fireworks
Asif Khan was the lone bright spot in the UAE’s batting lineup. Known for his superior strike rate, he lived up to his reputation with a brutal 77 off 35 balls. After a slow start—just 11 runs off his first 12 balls—he exploded in the 14th over, smashing a six and a four off Sufiyan Muqim.
He then tore into Hasan Ali, Muqim, and Salman Mirza, scoring 66 runs off his last 22 deliveries. Although his innings came too late to change the outcome, it helped the UAE improve their net run rate, placing them above Afghanistan in the standings.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Best Bowlers |
| Pakistan | 207 all out | Ayub 69, Nawaz 56 | Saghir 3-44 |
| UAE | 176/8 | Asif 77, Waseem 33 | Hasan Ali 3-47 |
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s strategy of aggressive batting and a deep lineup continues to pay dividends. Ayub’s return to form and Nawaz’s explosive hitting have added new dimensions to their top order. The lower-order contributions and disciplined bowling sealed the win, making Pakistan a formidable force in this series.
UAE, despite the loss, showed glimpses of potential. Asif Khan’s late blitz was a reminder of the talent in their ranks. With improved coordination and fewer run-outs, they could pose a stronger challenge in future matches.
