Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz Power Pakistan to Comfortable Win Over UAE

Pakistan made it two wins in two days at the UAE T20I Tri-Series, defeating the hosts by 31 runs in Sharjah. The night belonged to Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz, whose blistering half-centuries set up Pakistan’s imposing total of 207—their joint third-highest in T20Is.

Ayub Shows His Class

Saim Ayub played his most fluent knock since returning from injury, producing a stunning 69 off 38 balls. His onslaught began in the third over, carting Junaid Siddique for two sixes and a four. Even after the Powerplay, his boundary-hitting did not relent, racing to a 25-ball half-century. Though his dismissal came amid controversy after being adjudged caught behind, Ayub had already given Pakistan a commanding platform.

Hasan Nawaz Continues the Charge

If Ayub set the tone, Hasan Nawaz ensured the tempo never dipped. The young right-hander smashed 56 from just 26 balls, dismantling UAE’s most economical bowler, Haider Ali, with three consecutive sixes. His strike rate of 215 was instrumental in keeping Pakistan above nine runs per over throughout the innings.

Pakistan’s finishing push came from the lower order, as Mohammad Nawaz (25), Faheem Ashraf (16), and Hasan Ali (9) added 45 in the last four overs. This late flourish took the total beyond 200 and left UAE with a mountain to climb.

UAE Fightback Led by Asif Khan

UAE’s hopes rested on their skipper Muhammad Waseem, who blazed 33 off 18 before being run out in the Powerplay. His exit derailed the chase, but then came a sensational counterattack from Asif Khan.

The hard-hitting middle-order batter smashed 77 off 35 balls, peppered with six fours and six sixes. His last 22 deliveries produced 66 runs as he punished Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Salman Mirza. But the required rate was always beyond reach, and despite his fireworks, UAE ended on 176/8, 31 short of Pakistan’s total.

Saim Ayub Named Player of the Match

For his match-winning innings and a tidy bowling spell that saw him take 1/6 in two overs, Ayub was named Player of the Match.

Pakistan’s back-to-back wins leave them in pole position in the Tri-Series, while UAE, despite showing fight, must regroup quickly.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 207 (20 overs) Saim Ayub 69 (38), Hasan Nawaz 56 (26), Mohammad Nawaz 25 (15); Saghir Khan 3/44, Junaid Siddique 3/49

UAE 176/8 (20 overs) Asif Khan 77 (35), Muhammad Waseem 33 (18); Hasan Ali 3/47, Mohammad Nawaz 2/21, Saim Ayub 1/6

Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
Player of the Match: Saim Ayub (69 & 1/6)