Shaheen Afridi allround performance was the difference as Pakistan defeated UAE by 41 runs to qualify for the Super Four of the 2025 Asia Cup. Afridi’s late fireworks with the bat lifted Pakistan to 146 before his incisive bowling ensured UAE’s chase collapsed.
Where Shaheen Afridi Allround Performance Won the Match
Both sides were under pressure at the 15-over mark, but Shaheen Afridi allround performance turned the game. His 29* off just 12 balls pushed Pakistan beyond 140, before his two wickets broke UAE’s batting backbone in the death overs.
Pakistan Innings: Afridi Provides the Boost
- Powerplay – Early Trouble
Pakistan stumbled to 17/2 inside four overs as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan fell cheaply. Fakhar Zaman steadied with a brisk fifty. - Middle Overs – UAE Fight Back
UAE’s spinners struck, removing Salman Agha and Fakhar. Pakistan slipped to 93/5 after 15 overs. - Death Overs – Shaheen Afridi Allround Performance Shines
Afridi blasted two sixes and a four in the last over, scoring a priceless 29* (12). His counterattack ensured Pakistan posted a defendable 146/9.
UAE Innings: Afridi Strikes Again
- Powerplay – Top Order Shaken
UAE looked solid at 19/0, but Afridi dismissed Alishan Sharafu. The dismissal of captain Muhammad Waseem soon after left UAE reeling. - Middle Overs – Spinners Apply Pressure
Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub bowled tightly, dismissing Asif Khan at a key stage. - Death Overs – Shaheen Afridi Allround Performance Finishes Job
Afridi returned to pick another wicket, while run-outs sealed UAE’s collapse to 105 all out in 17.4 overs.
Match Summary
- Pakistan: 146/9 (Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Afridi 29*; Junaid Siddique 4/18)
- UAE: 105 all out (Rahul Chopra 35; Abrar Ahmed 2/13, Shaheen Afridi 2/16)
- Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs
What’s Next?
Pakistan, buoyed by Shaheen Afridi allround performance, now join India in the Super Four. The much-awaited Pakistan vs India clash takes place in Dubai on September 21.
✅ Internal Link Example: See also: Jasprit Bumrah India Balance Point
✅ External Resource Example: Learn more about Shaheen Afridi’s career stats on ESPNcricinfo.
