By Maryam Bibi
SHARJAH: Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten half-century and Abrar Ahmed’s career-best four-wicket haul guided Pakistan to a convincing 31-run victory over the UAE in the fifth match of the tri-nation T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday evening.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan made a brisk start, reaching 28 within the first 2.4 overs. However, they lost early momentum as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a quick-fire 16 off 11 balls (2 fours, 1 six). Saim Ayub (11) and captain Salman Ali Agha (7) soon followed, leaving Pakistan in a spot of bother at 50 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.
Fakhar Zaman then steadied the innings alongside Mohammad Haris, who contributed 14 runs from 17 balls (1 four, 1 six), adding 24 runs for the fourth wicket. Haris was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Haider Ali on the last ball of the 10th over, who also removed Hasan Nawaz (4) shortly after.
Mohammad Nawaz joined Fakhar at the crease and the pair put together an unbeaten 91-run stand for the sixth wicket, propelling Pakistan to a competitive 171 for 5 in their 20 overs. Nawaz finished with a fluent 37 not out off 27 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), while Fakhar starred with a match-defining 77* off 44 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and two sixes. It marked his 12th T20I half-century.
Haider Ali was the pick of the bowlers for the UAE, returning impressive figures of 2 for 17 from his four overs.
In response, UAE began their chase strongly, posting 41 without loss in the powerplay. But the breakthrough came immediately after, as Abrar Ahmed dismissed UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem with the first ball of the seventh over. Mohammad Nawaz then struck in the 11th over, removing Ethan D’Souza with the score at 72 for 2.
Abrar returned to inflict further damage in the 13th over, claiming the wickets of Asif Khan (7) and Rahul Chopra (0), reducing the hosts to 84 for 4. He capped off a remarkable spell by dismissing Harshit Kaushik on the final ball of his quota, finishing with career-best T20I figures of 4 for 9 from four overs.
Alishan Sharafu fought valiantly for UAE with a 51-ball 67, anchoring the innings. However, his dismissal in the 17th over — courtesy of a slower delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi — all but ended UAE’s hopes. The hosts eventually closed on 140 for 7 in their 20 overs.
With this win, Pakistan advanced to the tri-series final, where they will face Afghanistan on Sunday, 7 September at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan beat UAE by 31 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan 171-5, 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 77*; Mohammad Nawaz 37*; Haider Ali 2-17, Muhammad Rohid 1-21)
UAE 140-7, 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 67; Muhammad Waseem 19; Abrar Ahmed 4-9, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-23)
Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
