Despite Alishan Sharafu’s impressive half-century, the UAE exited the tri-series with a 31-run loss to Pakistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
This victory secured Pakistan’s spot in Sunday’s final against Afghanistan.
The UAE aims for a consolation win in their final, yet inconsequential, league game against Afghanistan on Friday.
Sharafu’s Standout Performance
Chasing a target of 172, the UAE ended at 140 for seven despite Sharafu’s remarkable 68 off 51 balls, featuring 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Sharafu, blending caution with aggression, excelled against the formidable Pakistani bowling, including the renowned Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Alishan Sharafu executes a shot.
Unfortunately, other batters, including captain Muhammad Waseem (19), failed to support Sharafu effectively.
Pakistan’s spinner Abrar Ahmed took four wickets for only nine runs, earning the man-of-the-match title for his exceptional spell.
Zaman’s Brilliance
Earlier, Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 77 off 44 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, salvaged Pakistan after being reduced to 5/80 in the 12th over.
Haider Ali, a Pakistan-born left-arm spinner, bowled a remarkable spell with figures of 4-0-17-2, capturing two key wickets. Pace bowler Muhammad Rohid (4-0-21-1) and Dhruv Parashar (4-0-35-1) also impressed, giving the UAE a chance to restrict Pakistan to a low score.
Fakhar Zaman attempts a big shot.
However, Zaman rose to the occasion, forming a crucial, unbroken 91-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz (37 not out off 27 balls), neutralizing the UAE threat.
The Sharjah tri-series serves as a key warm-up event for the Asia Cup (September 9-28) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
