Amidst boycott tensions, Pakistan secured a 41-run victory over the UAE in the Asia Cup Group A match, advancing to the Super Four Stage at Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
The game, initially slated for 6:30 pm, commenced at 7:30 pm after the UAE won the toss and elected to field.
Facing immense pressure due to the boycott incident over their demand to replace match referee Andy Pycroft after the handshake issue with India, Pakistan struggled with their batting performance.
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Salman Agha’s squad was at a precarious 93 for six by the 16th over, despite Fakhar Zaman’s 50 off 36 balls.
However, a brilliant late innings from Shaheen Shah Afridi (29 not out off 14 balls, with 4 fours and 2 sixes) helped Pakistan post a competitive score of 146 for nine.
For the UAE, Pakistan-born fast bowler Junaid Siddique (4-0-18-4) and left-arm spinner Simranjit Singh (4-0-26-3) shone with the ball.
Yet, the UAE’s batting lineup couldn’t meet the challenge, collapsing to 105 all out, concluding a day that started unpredictably.
