Pakistan continued their strong form in the ongoing tri-series in Sharjah, recording a 31-run win over the UAE to make it two wins in two matches. Key contributions from Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz powered Pakistan to 207 runs, with the pair hitting a combined 10 sixes between them.
Pakistan’s Powerhouse Batting
After losing Sahibzada Farhan early in the first over, Pakistan found momentum through Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, who scored 22 runs off Junaid Siddique in the third over. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali then struck, removing Zaman while conceding just two runs in his next over.
Salman Agha joined Ayub to take Pakistan to 51/2 in the PowerPlay, before Agha’s dismissal in the eighth over. Ayub continued to dominate through the middle, taking Pakistan to 93/3 at halfway.
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Ayub scored 69 off 38 balls, hitting several boundaries before being dismissed by Saghir Khan
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Hasan Nawaz stepped up, scoring 56 off 26 balls, including six sixes and two fours
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Mohammad Nawaz partnered Hasan to add a quick 57-run partnership off 25 deliveries
Despite tight bowling in the final over from Siddique, Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark comfortably, finishing at 207 in 20 overs.
UAE Fightback Falls Short
UAE started positively with Muhammad Waseem scoring 33 off 18 balls. However, early wickets from Mohammad Nawaz and a run-out saw the chase stumble.
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UAE were 76/5 in the middle overs
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Asif Khan played a brilliant innings of 77 off 35 balls, hitting six sixes and six fours
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Key wickets from Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz kept UAE under pressure
UAE could not close the gap, falling short at 176/8 in 20 overs, handing Pakistan a 31-run victory.
Brief Scores
Pakistan: 207/— in 20 overs
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Saim Ayub 69
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Hasan Nawaz 56
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Saghir Khan 3-44
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Junaid Siddique 3-49
UAE: 176/8 in 20 overs
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Asif Khan 77
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Muhammad Waseem 33
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Hasan Ali 3-47
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Mohammad Nawaz 2-21
Pakistan’s batting firepower, led by Ayub and Hasan, has set the tone for their Asia Cup preparations, while UAE showed resilience but fell short in the chase.
