Pakistan sealed their spot in the final of the Sharjah T20 series with a 31-run victory over UAE, thanks to powerful batting from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz, alongside a brilliant bowling performance from Abrar Ahmed. The win confirmed both Pakistan and Afghanistan’s place in the final, while hosts UAE were eliminated after a sloppy fielding display and faltering chase.
Pakistan 171 for 5 (Zaman 77*, Nawaz 37*, Haider 2-17) beat UAE 140 for 7 (Sharafu 68, Abrar 4-9, Afridi 1-23) by 31 runs
Pakistan’s Early Stumble and Explosive Finish
Pakistan, after winning the toss and batting first, found themselves under pressure at 80 for 5. Sahibzada Farhan once again made a brisk start but couldn’t convert it into a big score, while Saim Ayub fell cheaply. UAE’s bowlers initially kept things tight, especially through Haider Ali’s economical spell, but dropped catches changed the course of the game.
Both Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz were given lifelines in the 16th over — chances that UAE badly needed to grab. What followed was carnage. In the final five overs, Pakistan plundered 74 runs, with Fakhar smashing a rapid half-century and Nawaz finishing strong. The pair turned the tide, lifting Pakistan to a challenging 171 for 5.
UAE’s Chase Falters
Chasing 172, UAE’s batting never gained momentum. Muhammad Waseem started cautiously, while Alishan Sharafu tried to revive hopes with an entertaining fifty. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed, ensured there was no way back for the hosts.
Abrar was outstanding, using his variations perfectly on a spin-friendly surface. His spell of 4 for 9 in 4 overs ripped through the UAE’s top and middle order, including key wickets of Waseem, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra, and Harshit Kaushik. The UAE folded well short, handing Pakistan a commanding win.
Abrar Ahmed’s Statement Return
Having missed out earlier in the series, Abrar Ahmed returned with his career-best T20 figures. Mixing googlies, flight, and control, he showcased why Pakistan value his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His brave decision to toss the ball up to aggressive batters reaped rewards, marking him as a standout performer ahead of the final.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Into the Final
With this win, Pakistan join Afghanistan in the tournament final, setting up what promises to be an exciting clash. For UAE, their campaign ended in disappointment, with dropped catches and misfielding proving costly at critical junctures.
Key Takeaways
- Fakhar Zaman (51) and Mohammad Nawaz (41)* powered Pakistan’s late surge.
- Abrar Ahmed’s 4/9 dismantled UAE’s batting lineup.
- UAE’s dropped catches in the 16th over changed the game completely.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan advance to the final, UAE bow out.
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