In this match, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz scored impressive half centuries as Pakistan secured a 31-run victory over UAE.
Pakistan clinched a convincing 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in a thrilling Twenty20 match, which was part of a tri-series also involving Afghanistan. The match took place on August 31, 2021, in Sharjah.
The United Arab Emirates, after being put into bat, struggled to keep up with Pakistan's formidable bowling attack. The opening over saw Farhan being dismissed by Siddique, setting the tone for the UAE innings.
Saghir Khan and Ali, the Pakistani bowlers, were the standouts, taking three and two wickets respectively. Ali finished with impressive figures of 2-32, while Saghir Khan conceded 44 runs for his three wickets. Hasan Ali, despite being expensive in the match, still managed to take 3 wickets for 47 runs.
Junaid Siddique, who grabbed two wickets in the final over, was particularly tough on the UAE batsmen, conceding 22 runs in his second over to Saim Ayub, who was aggressive throughout his innings.
Saim Ayub, who raised his half century off 25 balls, was the top scorer for Pakistan, making 69 off 38 balls. Hasan Nawaz, who made 56 off 26 balls, hit six sixes in his innings before being caught behind. Pakistan's total of 207 runs in 20 overs proved to be too much for the UAE.
The UAE's batting lineup struggled to keep up, with Asif Khan scoring 77 off 35 balls being the highest score of the innings. No. 11 batter Mirza was run out off the final ball of the innings, ending the UAE's hopes of a miraculous win.
Both teams will face off at least once more in the tri-series, with Afghanistan playing against UAE on Monday, following a rest day. Meanwhile, India, who faced Pakistan in the last game of the series, will have another opponent to face after the Twenty20 series, as they will then participate in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan rested two premier fast bowlers, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, for the match, but their absence did not seem to affect their performance on the field. Fakhar Zaman was clean bowled by Haider Ali, but the Pakistani batsmen and bowlers combined to put in a strong performance and secure the victory.
