Pakistan Defeat UAE to Qualify for Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, India Clash Next
Dubai – September 17, 2025:
Pakistan have booked their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs in a must-win Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Green Shirts will now face arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Super Four encounter on Sunday.
Fakhar Zaman’s Fifty and Shaheen Afridi’s Fireworks Lift Pakistan
Batting first after being put in, Pakistan posted 146/9 in 20 overs on a tricky Dubai surface. The innings started poorly as Junaid Siddique struck twice early, removing Saim Ayub (0) and Sahibzada Farhan (5) to leave Pakistan reeling at 9/2.
Captain Salman Ali Agha (20 off 27) and Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36) steadied the innings with a 61-run stand. Fakhar’s knock, studded with two fours and three sixes, gave Pakistan momentum, but wickets tumbled in the middle overs as UAE’s bowlers tightened control.
When Pakistan slipped to 110/7 in the 17th over, Shaheen Shah Afridi played a stunning cameo, smashing 29* off just 14 balls, including three fours and two sixes. His late surge pushed Pakistan to a defendable total.
For UAE, pacer Junaid Siddique starred with 4/18, while Simranjeet Singh claimed three wickets.
UAE Collapse in Run Chase
Chasing 147, UAE faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra (35 off 35) fought hard, while Dhruv Prashar (20) and captain Muhammad Waseem (14) offered brief resistance. However, no other batter crossed 12 as UAE were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a collective effort:
Shaheen Afridi – 2/22
Haris Rauf – 2/20
Abrar Ahmed – 2/19
Salman Ali Agha & Saim Ayub – 1 wicket each
Pakistan Set for Super Four Clash with India
The result means Pakistan advance to the Super Four stage, eliminating UAE from the tournament. Group A now sees India and Pakistan progressing, setting up another blockbuster Pakistan vs India clash on Sunday in Dubai.
With Fakhar back among the runs, Shaheen in form with both bat and ball, and Haris Rauf returning to rhythm, Pakistan will enter the Super Four with renewed confidence.
Match Summary
Asia Cup 2025 – Group A, Dubai
Pakistan 146/9 (20 overs): Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Afridi 29*, Salman Ali Agha 20; Junaid Siddique 4/18, Simranjeet Singh 3/25
UAE 105 all out (17.4 overs): Rahul Chopra 35, Dhruv Prashar 20; Shaheen Afridi 2/22, Haris Rauf 2/20, Abrar Ahmed 2/19
Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs
Pakistan qualify for Super Four; UAE eliminated