Cricholic
Fakhar Zaman produced a brilliant unbeaten 77 off 44 balls, while Abrar Ahmed spun a web with 4 for 9, as Pakistan registered a stunning 31-run victory over hosts UAE in the tri-series clash at Sharjah. The win confirmed Pakistan’s spot in the final against Afghanistan on Sunday (September 7).
Fakhar Zaman leads Pakistan’s recovery 🌟
After Pakistan opted to bat first, early wickets pegged them back. Sahibzada Farhan started with a few boundaries but couldn’t carry on. Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan under pressure in the PowerPlay.
At 81/5 after 12 overs, Pakistan were in trouble. But Fakhar Zaman found stability in Mohammad Nawaz, and the duo rebuilt the innings. Their 91-run unbeaten stand shifted momentum, with Zaman’s boundaries and Nawaz’s late flourish adding 42 runs in the last two overs. Pakistan closed on 171/5 in 20 overs.
Abrar Ahmed backs Fakhar Zaman with ball 🎯
UAE’s chase started steadily as Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem put on 41 runs in the PowerPlay. However, Abrar Ahmed’s entry broke the rhythm. He dismissed Waseem and then tore through the middle order with mystery spin, ending with 4/9.
Even though Sharafu fought hard with a 68 off 48 balls, wickets kept tumbling. From 72/1, UAE collapsed to 102/5. Shaheen Afridi’s dismissal of Sharafu in the 17th over sealed the result. Despite some late hitting, UAE managed only 140/7, handing Pakistan a 31-run win.
Brief Scores 📊
Pakistan 171/5 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 77*, Mohammad Nawaz 37*; Haider Ali 2-17, Muhammad Rohid Khan 1-21)
UAE 140/7 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 68, Muhammad Waseem 19; Abrar Ahmed 4-9, Shaheen Afridi 1-23)
Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
