Pakistan recovered from their earlier loss to Afghanistan to book a place in the tri-series final, beating the United Arab Emirates by 31 runs in Sharjah on Wednesday. The win was built on Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant batting and Abrar Ahmed’s superb bowling. With UAE knocked out, Afghanistan also qualified for the final, setting up a Pakistan–Afghanistan showdown.

Fakhar was the star of Pakistan’s innings, staying unbeaten on 77 from 44 balls. He reached his fifty in just 34 deliveries and hit 10 fours and two sixes. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, with skipper Agha Salman (7) and Mohammad Haris (14) dismissed cheaply.

Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, UAE tri-series Match 5 Highlights

But Fakhar held one end and found good support from Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 37 not out from 27 balls. Their partnership of 91 runs pushed Pakistan to 171/5 from their 20 overs. UAE’s Haider Ali was the best bowler with figures of 2/17, though others went for plenty, especially Junaid Siddique who gave away 52 runs.

Sharafu plays lone hand for UAE

Chasing 172, UAE depended on Alishan Sharafu, and he did not disappoint. The opener scored 68 off 51 balls, bringing up his fifty in 38 balls with four fours and four sixes. However, he lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Skipper Muhammad Waseem made 19 before falling to Abrar Ahmed, who turned the match with a brilliant spell. The leg-spinner finished with 4/9 in his four overs, dismissing Waseem, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra and Harshit Kaushik.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/23) gave Pakistan an early wicket, while Nawaz also chipped in. UAE could only manage 140/7 in their 20 overs despite Alishan’s fight, falling well short of the target.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 171/5 in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman 77*, Mohammad Nawaz 37*; Haider Ali 2/17, Muhammad Rohid 1/21

UAE: 140/7 in 20 overs. Alishan Sharafu 68, Muhammad Waseem 19; Abrar Ahmed 4/9, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/13

Result: Pakistan beat UAE by 31 runs.

– Ends