In a match full of drama at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan faced a tough day in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. The Group A clash against the United Arab Emirates started an hour late on Wednesday, September 17, and off-field controversies didn’t help. But Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi shone bright as Pakistan managed 146/9 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s woes began early after they won the toss and chose to bat first. UAE’s Junaid Siddique fired up with the new ball, dismissing both openers in the first three overs. Saim Ayub fell for a silver duck after just two balls, desperate to shake off his recent golden ducks. Abdullah Shafique couldn’t hold on either, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at the top.
Enter Fakhar Zaman at number three. The aggressive left-hander fought back with smart risks and powerful shots. He smashed his way to a crucial half-century—50 off 36 balls, including two fours and three sixes. Teaming up with captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored a gritty 20 off 27, Zaman built a vital 61-run stand for the third wicket. It gave Pakistan a fighting chance after their shaky start.
Sadly, the momentum fizzled once that partnership ended. Salman tried to accelerate but got out, and the middle order crumbled fast. UAE’s Simranjeet Singh Kang joined Siddique in dismantling the lineup, picking up key wickets as Pakistan’s batsmen struggled under pressure.
Mohammad Haris, fresh off a match-winning fifty in Pakistan’s opener, came in at number seven and hit 18 off 14 balls. But he couldn’t turn it into something bigger. Just when things looked grim, Shaheen Shah Afridi stepped up. The star fast bowler showed his all-round skills, blasting an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls with two massive sixes and a four in the final over. His late fireworks pushed Pakistan’s total to a more respectable 146/9.
Now, Pakistan’s bowlers have their work cut out to defend this score. UAE, boosted by their sharp new-ball attack and energetic fielding, will chase with confidence. Can the Men in Green pull off a win amid the Asia Cup 2025 drama?
Brief scores: Pakistan 146/9 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 29*; Junaid Siddique 4/18, Simranjeet Singh 3/18) vs UAE.
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