Pakistan Beats UAE by 41 Runs, Sets Up Super-4 Clash Against India on September 21

In a crucial Group Stage match of the Asia Cup held in Dubai on September 17, Pakistan secured a 41-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) to qualify for the Super-4 stage. With this win, both India and Pakistan have advanced from the group, while UAE and Oman are eliminated. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Super-4 encounter is now scheduled for September 21.

The match was marred by controversy before it even began, as it started an hour late. Reports from Pakistani media suggested that the Pakistan team initially refused to play the match. The team did not leave their hotel on time and reportedly demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. However, the ICC did not entertain the demand, and Pakistan was eventually compelled to take the field with Pycroft officiating.

UAE won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pakistan had a shaky start, losing opener Saim Ayub for a duck in the very first over, followed by Sahibzada Farhan in the third. However, Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a crucial half-century. Despite a slow run rate, Shaheen Shah Afridi provided a late boost, scoring 29 runs off just 14 balls, helping Pakistan post a total of 146 runs in their 20 overs.

In response, UAE started well, with openers Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu playing some promising shots. However, the momentum shifted quickly after Sharafu was dismissed in the third over. Waseem followed soon after, and the middle order failed to provide stability. Rahul Chopra was the top scorer with 35 runs, while Dhruv Parashar contributed 20. The rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure, and the team was bowled out for 105 runs, handing Pakistan a comfortable win.

Despite the pre-match drama, Pakistan delivered a professional performance on the field and booked their spot in the next round. All eyes are now on the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash set to take place on September 21 in the Super-4 stage.