Abrar Ahmed Spins Pakistan to T20 Tri-Series Final Win

Pakistan cricket team sealed its place in the final of the T20 tri-series with a commanding 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, thanks to a sensational bowling performance by leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. Ahmed, making his first appearance in the series, delivered a career-best return of 4 wickets for just 9 runs, leaving UAE batters completely baffled.

Fakhar Zaman Stars with a Half-Century

The match began with UAE captain Salman Ali Agha winning the toss and choosing to field first. Pakistan’s opening batters started cautiously, but the momentum shifted when left-hander Fakhar Zaman played a remarkable innings. Zaman scored an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls, marking his first T20 half-century after 15 games. His aggressive batting helped Pakistan reach a total of 171 for 5 in their 20 overs, despite some sloppy fielding from UAE.

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Mohammad Nawaz also played a vital role, scoring 37 not out, and together with Zaman, formed Pakistan’s highest-ever sixth-wicket partnership in T20 international history, adding 91 runs off just 51 balls.

UAE Struggle Against Abrar Ahmed’s Spin

When Abrar Ahmed came into bowl during the batting powerplay, UAE’s top-order batters struggled to read his deliveries. Ahmed used a mix of carrom balls and googlies, which completely mystified the batters. UAE captain Mohammad Waseem was the first to fall, scoring 19 before slicing a simple catch to point off Ahmed’s second over.

Other batters like Alishan Sharafu and Ethan D’Souza also struggled to build momentum. D’Souza managed just 9 runs off 14 balls before holing out at deep square leg in the 11th over. Ahmed then returned to bowl two more brilliant overs, picking up the wickets of Asif Khan and Rahul Chopra in the space of three balls. He wrapped up his spell by dismissing Harshit Kaushik with his final delivery, leaving UAE at 102 for 5 in 15 overs.

Late Resistance from Sharafu

Sharafu tried to revive UAE’s innings with a counterattack, scoring 68 off 51 balls. However, it came too late as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control. Captain Salman Ali Agha caught Sharafu over his head at mid-off off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s off-cutter, ending UAE’s hopes of a comeback.

The pressure created by Abrar Ahmed and other Pakistani bowlers ensured that UAE could not recover from the early collapse. The UAE innings ended at 140 for 7, giving Pakistan a comfortable 31-run victory.

Pakistan’s Batting Powerplay Strategy Pays Off

Pakistan’s innings followed a new strategy under head coach Mike Hesson, focusing on aggression during the batting powerplay. Pakistan reached 50 for 3 quickly, but wickets of Mohammad Haris (14) and Hasan Nawaz (4) saw the team slump to 80 for 5 in the 12th over.

Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz then took charge, scoring freely in the final overs. They smashed eight boundaries and a six off the last 10 balls, turning the innings around. Zaman’s brilliant stroke play included five consecutive fours in Mohammad Jawadullah’s last over, while Nawaz added crucial runs by hitting three successive fours and a six in the 19th over.

Despite some dropped catches by UAE fielders, the pair ensured Pakistan posted a challenging total of 171 for 5. Their partnership highlighted Pakistan’s ability to recover under pressure and execute a strong finishing strategy.

Key Moments in the Match

• Fakhar Zaman scored his first T20 half-century (77* off 44 balls)

• Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37 and formed a record sixth-wicket partnership with Zaman

• Abrar Ahmed took 4 wickets for just 9 runs in a brilliant spell

• UAE lost early wickets due to Ahmed’s carrom balls and googlies

• Sharafu’s 68 came too late to influence the outcome

• Pakistan’s aggressive batting powerplay strategy was executed successfully

UAE’s Struggles Against Spin

UAE’s top-order batters were unable to handle Abrar Ahmed’s spin, especially during the initial overs. The carrom ball, in particular, caused confusion, leading to early wickets. The middle order tried to fight back but failed to maintain a steady run rate. Misfields and dropped catches also added to UAE’s challenges, ultimately allowing Pakistan to dominate the game from start to finish.

What’s Next in the Series

With this victory, Pakistan has qualified for the final of the T20 tri-series. Afghanistan, which already has four points, will face UAE in the last league match on Friday. The winner of that game will meet Pakistan in the final on Sunday.

Pakistan’s performance demonstrates their strong combination of aggressive batting, tactical bowling, and fielding discipline. The team’s ability to recover from mid-innings setbacks and post competitive totals shows they are in excellent form ahead of the Asia Cup next week.

Thursday’s match showcased Abrar Ahmed’s emergence as a mystery spinner capable of turning games single-handedly. Fakhar Zaman’s powerful innings, alongside Mohammad Nawaz’s calm finish, highlighted Pakistan’s depth in batting. UAE, despite some promising individual performances, could not cope with Pakistan’s all-round dominance.

This T20 tri-series victory not only secures Pakistan’s place in the final but also sends a strong message to their upcoming opponents. Fans can look forward to an exciting finale, with Pakistan entering the match with confidence and momentum.

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