A commanding performance by opener Fakhar Zaman and a career-best bowling spell from mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed guided Pakistan to a crucial 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the fifth match of the ongoing tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.
With this win, Pakistan have secured their place in the tri-series final, where they will lock horns with Afghanistan on Sunday, 7 September.
Pakistan Bat First, Fakhar Leads the Charge
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan made a brisk start, reaching 28 within the first three overs. However, early wickets, including that of Sahibzada Farhan (16 off 11), Saim Ayub (11), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (7), saw the side slump to 50-3 by the end of the powerplay.
In came the experienced Fakhar Zaman, who anchored the innings with a masterclass in controlled aggression. Partnering first with Mohammad Haris (14) and later with Mohammad Nawaz, Fakhar remained unbeaten on 77 off just 44 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes. This knock also marked his 12th T20I half-century.
Mohammad Nawaz added a vital unbeaten 37 off 27 balls, including 3 boundaries and 2 sixes. The duo’s 91-run stand for the sixth wicket propelled Pakistan to a competitive 171-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
UAE’s left-arm spinner Haider Ali impressed with figures of 2 for 17 in his 4 overs.
Abrar Ahmed Dismantles UAE Batting Line-Up Chasing 172, UAE started solidly, putting up 41 without loss in the powerplay. But once Abrar Ahmed entered the attack, the momentum shifted dramatically.
The 26-year-old leg-spinner removed UAE captain Muhammad Waseem with his very first delivery. He followed it up with a brilliant 13th over, claiming two wickets in two balls — Asif Khan (7) and Rahul Chopra (0). Abrar completed his spell by dismissing Harshit Kaushik in the 16th over, finishing with career-best T20I figures of 4-9 in four overs — a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Although UAE opener Alishan Sharafu fought hard with a gritty 67 off 51 balls, the required run rate kept climbing. His dismissal by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 17th over sealed UAE’s fate. They eventually managed 140 for 7 in 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs.
With this win, Pakistan have secured their berth in the tri-series final where they will face Afghanistan on Sunday, 7 September, again at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM local time.
Match Summary:
Pakistan 171-5 in 20 overs
(Fakhar Zaman 77 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 37 not out; Haider Ali 2-17, Muhammad Rohid 1-21)
UAE 140-7 in 20 overs
(Alishan Sharafu 67, Muhammad Waseem 19; Abrar Ahmed 4-9, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-23)
Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
