Shaheen Afridi’s All-Round Show Powers Pakistan Into Asia Cup Super Four

Pakistan survive UAE scare to book Super Four spot

Pakistan battled through drama both on and off the field to secure a 41-run win over UAE in Dubai, ensuring their place in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four.

The match began with controversy after a one-hour delay following PCB’s stand-off over match referee Andy Pycroft. But once play got underway, Pakistan’s performance remained scratchy with the bat before their bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, restored order.

Fakhar and Shaheen steady Pakistan’s innings

Sent in to bat, Pakistan’s top order faltered badly, slipping to 17/2 inside four overs. UAE’s pace spearhead Junaid Siddique (4/18) rattled the batting with early strikes, removing Saim Ayub for his third duck of the tournament. Simranjeet Singh (3/26) added to the pressure, keeping Pakistan’s scoring rate in check.

Fakhar Zaman offered some resistance with a determined 50 off 36 balls, guiding Pakistan past the early collapse. But wickets continued to fall, and at 110/7 in the 17th over, Pakistan looked in danger of posting an under-par total.

That’s when Shaheen Afridi unleashed a late cameo, smashing 29 not out off 14 balls, including back-to-back sixes in the final over. His flourish lifted Pakistan to 146/9 in 20 overs, giving their bowlers a cushion to work with.

UAE’s hopes fade under Pakistan’s bowling heat

The hosts began their chase confidently with 19 runs off the first two overs. Captain Muhammad Waseem and opener Alishan Sharafu threatened to set the tone, but Afridi once again intervened, dismissing Sharafu to spark a collapse.

From 35/1 after four overs, UAE slid to 38/3 by the end of the powerplay, undone by sharp spells from Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and Saim Ayub (1/18). A partnership between Dhruv Parashar (20 off 23) and Rahul Chopra (35 off 35) briefly revived hopes with a 48-run stand. But once Haris Rauf broke through, the innings unraveled.

The last seven wickets fell for just 20 runs in 23 balls, as Afridi returned to finish with 2/16, sealing Pakistan’s emphatic defense. UAE were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 146/9 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Afridi 29*; Junaid Siddique 4/18, Simranjeet Singh 3/26)
UAE: 105 all out in 17.4 overs (Rahul Chopra 35, Dhruv Parashar 20; Shaheen Afridi 2/16, Abrar Ahmed 2/13)
Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi (29* & 2/16)