In the Group A match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday, Pakistan won by 41 runs and confirmed its spot in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup.
Yesterday’s match had it all — a delayed start, off-field controversy, and fiery bowling spells — all of which added to the excitement. The fixture was delayed by an hour after Pakistan threatened to boycott following the ICC’s decision to retain referee Andy Pycroft.
The controversy around Pycroft began with the “handshake incident.” Reportedly, during the India–Pakistan group match, Pycroft, who was the match referee, had instructed the two captains to avoid shaking hands at the toss. In protest, Pakistan threatened a boycott, and the game only went ahead after Pycroft apologised to Pakistan’s management, later calling the incident a “miscommunication.”
Shaheen Afridi & Fakhar saved the match
Once play began, Pakistan’s batting never found momentum under pressure from the UAE bowlers. Fast bowler Junaid Siddique (4 for 18) dismantled the line-up, while Simranjeet Singh (3 for 26) made things even tougher.
It was only Fakhar Zaman’s 50 off 36 balls and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s unbeaten cameo of 29 off 14 balls that helped Pakistan post a competitive total.
UAE elimination confirmed
UAE started positively, with opener Aryan Chopra scoring 35 and sharing a 48-run stand with Dhruv Parashar. At 85 for 3, the hosts looked steady, but Shaheen Afridi struck at a crucial stage, dismissing Alishan Sharafu. From there, Pakistan’s bowlers ran through the line-up as UAE collapsed, all out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
UAE’s spirited performance with the ball was a highlight, but this defeat confirmed their elimination.