Match 10 | Pakistan vs U.A.E. | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025 | ZF13
Setting the Scene
The stakes were high in Dubai on 17 September 2025. Pakistan needed a win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join India in advancing from Group A to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, off the field, there was controversy brewing. Pakistan had threatened to pull out of the tournament over a handshake dispute with India after their earlier match. The match was delayed by an hour as officials dealt with Pakistan’s grievance over the presence of match referee Andy Pycroft and asked for his removal. Eventually, the game went ahead under his supervision. Wisden+3NDTV Sports+3ESPN+3
So when Pakistan finally took the field, they were not only under pressure to win but also under watch amid diplomatic and sporting tensions. UAE, on the other hand, were already out of contention for Super Four qualification; this match was more about pride and giving a good account of themselves. Cricket World+1
Toss, Batting First & Pakistan’s Innings
UAE won the toss and chose to field first, looking to exploit early movement and perhaps put Pakistan under pressure with the ball. Cricket World+1
Pakistan’s top order got off to a rocky start. Saim Ayub, returning from two golden ducks in previous matches, unfortunately registered his third consecutive duck in the tournament in the very first over, falling to a delivery from Junaid Siddique. Sahibzada Farhan followed shortly after for a meagre 5, also to Siddique. Pakistan were reeling at 9/2 within moments. ESPN+3Cricket World+3Wisden+3
At this point, Fakhar Zaman took charge. With composure and some big hitting, he anchored the innings. He made 50 off 36 balls, with 2 fours and 3 sixes, his steady assault giving Pakistan some momentum. ESPN+2Wisden+2
Captain Salman Agha provided valuable support, putting on a useful partnership with Zaman. But as is often in T20s, after this third‑wicket stand, the UAE bowlers clawed back. Simranjeet Singh struck thrice in the middle overs, snaring Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, and Fakhar (for 50) to destabilize Pakistan. Meanwhile, Junaid Siddique continued to torment Pakistan’s batters, also taking the wicket of Mohammad Haris (18). ESPN+3Cricket World+3Wisden+3
With the lower order exposed, Pakistan desperately needed a late flourish. That came in the form of Shaheen Afridi, who played a cameo off just 14 balls, scoring 29 not out, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. His late hitting raised Pakistan to a modest but competitive 146/9 in 20 overs. Given the early collapse, it was a score they would hope was defendable. Cricket World+2Wisden+2
UAE’s Chase & Pakistan’s Bowling
Chasing 147, UAE started with intent. Alishan Sharafu and captain Muhammad Waseem added 21 runs in the first three overs — a platform they would have liked to build on. But that attempt was cut short. UAE lost early wickets and were under pressure soon. Outlook India+3CricTracker+3Wisden+3
Shaheen Afridi struck early, cleaning up Sharafu, while Abrar Ahmed removed Waseem as Pakistan took the initiative. UAE’s batting looked shaky, and pressure mounted. Wisden+2The Indian Express+2
A promising partnership between Rahul Chopra (35 off 35) and Dhruv Parashar (20 off 23) for the fourth wicket gave UAE hope. They managed around 48 runs together, slightly stabilizing the chase. But once Chopra departed — to a clever piece of bowling + fielding — the pressure became too much. Cricket World+2Wisden+2
Pakistan’s spin attack (led by Abrar Ahmed) and bowling support from Haris Rauf chipped away at the middle order. UAE lost wickets in clusters. And as the required rate climbed, cracks started showing. Eventually, the hosts were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, losing by 41 runs. ESPN+2Wisden+2
Key Performers
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi — For his all‑round impact. He scored 29* off just 14 balls, accelerating the tail of Pakistan’s innings, and then with the ball, he picked up crucial wickets (2 for 16 in 3 overs) to derail UAE’s chase. Wisden+2ESPN+2
Junaid Siddique (UAE) — A standout bowler, his opening burst (4 for 18) including the two early Pakistan openers, gave UAE a strong chance by reducing Pakistan to limping figures early. Cricket World+2CricTracker+2
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) — Anchored the innings under pressure with his fifty, showing grit and experience when Pakistan’s top order had collapsed. Cricket World+1
Simranjeet Singh (UAE) — Three‑wicket haul to disturb Pakistan’s middle order, especially after Pakistan looked to be recovering. His spell made Pakistan tense again. Cricket World+2CricTracker+2
Turning Points
Early collapse of Pakistani openers – Losing both openers (Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan) cheaply made the innings very fragile and under pressure from the outset. If UAE could have added more momentum then, the match could have swung their way. Cricket World+1
The Fakhar‑Salman partnership – Their stand for the third wicket halted the bleeding, added stability and lifted the run rate just enough to allow Pakistan to reach something defendable. Without that, Pakistan might have limped to an even lower total. Cricket World+1
Shaheen’s cameo – Coming in late, with wickets falling around him, his brisk hitting enabled Pakistan to set a target that was not low enough for UAE to chase easily. That allowed the bowlers more room to work. Wisden+1
The collapse of UAE’s middle order – After Chopra‑Parashar partnership, UAE’s chase imploded, with key wickets falling in quick succession. The spinners were able to choke options, and their momentum was lost. Wisden+1
Beyond the Pitch: Drama & Stakes
The match wasn’t just about runs and wickets. There was off‑field tension:
The match‐referee crisis: Pakistan’s threat to withdraw from the match because of dissatisfaction with referee Andy Pycroft loomed large. It delayed play by an hour. In the end, Pakistan accepted to play. NDTV Sports+2ESPN+2
Handshake controversy: Earlier, after the India vs Pakistan match, Indian players had declined to shake hands, sparking strong reactions from Pakistan. That incident was part of the lead‑up to this game. Reuters+2NDTV Sports+2
These off‑field issues added psychological weight on Pakistan — they were playing not only for Super Four qualification but also under scrutiny. And despite shaky batting at times, Pakistan held their nerve.
Implications & What’s Next
With this 41‑run win:
Pakistan joins India from Group A in the Super Four. The result ensures they proceed, meaning one of the two big regional rivals will be among the final four in the tournament. Cricket World+1
UAE’s tournament ends here; they are eliminated. Though they showed fight, especially with Siddique’s and Singh’s bowling, they didn’t have enough depth in batting or capacity to handle pressure. Wisden+1
Pakistan will now face India in a marquee Super Four clash on 21 September. Given the recent tensions, media attention will be intense; expectation will be high for both teams. Wisden+1
Assessment & Reflection
Pakistan’s performance was mixed. On the positive side, the bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and supported by Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and others, showed the kind of discipline needed in big tournaments: they dug in, applied pressure, and took wickets at key moments. Their death‑overs bowling, particularly, prevented UAE from getting any late flourish.
But batting, especially at the top, continues to be a concern. Saim Ayub’s three straight ducks signal poor form and perhaps mental fragility in early overs. Middle order contributions were sparse except for Fakhar Zaman’s fifty, and dependence on late hitting from Shaheen suggests problems in setting higher first‑innings totals.
UAE, for their part, can take positives from Siddique and Singh, and their brief resistance in the chase. But the failure to build strong starts, to convert good partnerships, and to close out games under pressure has been their undoing.
Final Thoughts
Match 10 of Asia Cup 2025 between Pakistan and UAE was a tense encounter, not just for what happened on the field but because of what was happening around it. Pakistan, under pressure, delivered what was required: a win, however unconvincing at times, to ensure progression in the tournament. UAE showed fight but lacked consistency and depth.
Shaheen Afridi’s all‑round show, Fakhar Zaman’s fifty, and Junaid Siddique’s four‑wicket burst will be remembered. But Pakistan must address their top order troubles and middle‑overs batting to make a serious push in the Super Four stage — especially with India and perhaps other strong sides waiting.
It was a necessary win rather than a glorious one, a match that Pakistan will look at as a stepping stone. As for UAE, they exit the tournament knowing they fought gallantly but didn’t do enough when it mattered most.
