Pakistan secured a 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Saim Ayub’s blistering 38-ball 69 and Hasan Nawaz’s fiery 26-ball 56 were crucial in setting a challenging target of 208 runs.
Pakistan’s Innings
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first. Opener Saim Ayub reached his fifty in just 25 deliveries, contributing to a strong powerplay score of 51 runs. Hasan Nawaz also played an aggressive knock, scoring 56 from 26 balls. Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 25 runs from 15 balls before getting out. Pakistan’s innings saw several wickets fall, with Fakhar Zaman getting out for just 6 runs. Saim Ayub’s innings ended at 69 runs from 38 balls, which included 7 fours and 4 sixes. Pakistan finished their innings with a total of 207 runs.
United Arab Emirates’ Innings
Chasing a massive target of 208, the UAE put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short, finishing at 176 for 8. Asif Khan was the top scorer for the hosts, smashing 77 runs off just 35 balls. Opener Muhammad Waseem also played a quick innings, scoring 33 from 18 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Hasan Ali was the most effective bowler, taking 3 wickets for 47 runs. Mohammad Nawaz also bowled well, taking 2 wickets for just 21 runs. Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub each chipped in with one wicket.
Other UAE batsmen, including Ethan D’Souza (3), Alishan Sharafu (3), Rahul Chopra (11), Dhruv Parashar (15), and Saghir Khan (11), failed to show much resistance. In the end, the UAE could only manage 176 runs in their 20 overs.
Toss and Teams
Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, won the toss and chose to bat first, stating his team’s goal was to post a big total. He added that the team’s morale was high after their recent 39-run victory over Afghanistan at the same venue.
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem.
UAE Squad: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
