Fakhar Zaman Stars as Pakistan Beat UAE to Reach T20I Final

In an exciting T20I tri-series match on Thursday, Pakistan secured a convincing 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE), booking their place in the final. The match saw brilliant performances with both bat and ball from the Pakistan team, with Fakhar Zaman and spinner Abrar Ahmed leading the way.

Fakhar Zaman’s Brilliant Knock

Fakhar Zaman played a remarkable innings, scoring an aggressive 77 not out from just 44 balls. This was his 12th T20I half-century and his first in 14 innings, with the last one coming against Ireland in Dublin in May last year. Zaman’s innings included two sixes and ten fours, showcasing his ability to score quickly and keep the team on track despite early setbacks.

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Zaman came in to bat when Pakistan was struggling at 80 runs for 5 wickets in 11.3 overs. The team had lost wickets quickly, and a big total seemed difficult. However, Zaman’s attacking style and composure under pressure stabilized the innings.

Mohammad Nawaz Joins the Party

Mohammad Nawaz played a supporting yet vital role, scoring an unbeaten 37 from 27 balls. Nawaz’s knock contained two sixes and three fours, and he partnered with Zaman to revive Pakistan’s innings. Together, they added 91 runs for the sixth wicket in just 51 balls, turning the game in Pakistan’s favor.

The pair’s late-innings acceleration was spectacular. In the last five overs, Pakistan scored 74 runs, and in the last two overs, they added 42 runs. Nawaz was particularly aggressive in Junaid Siddique’s penultimate over, hitting three fours and a six, while Zaman finished in style by smashing five consecutive boundaries in Muhammad Jawadullah’s last over.

Thanks to their efforts, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 171-5 in 20 overs, giving their bowlers a defendable score.

Early Setback for Pakistan

Pakistan lost wickets quickly in the early part of the innings. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan managed only 11 and 16 runs, respectively. Captain Salman Agha could score just 7, while Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz added 14 and 4 runs.

At 80-5, it looked like Pakistan might struggle to reach a total above 150. But Zaman and Nawaz’s partnership changed the momentum completely.

Abrar Ahmed’s Exceptional Bowling

After setting a challenging target, Pakistan’s bowlers took control of the game. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was the star with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 9 runs in his four overs. His bowling was economical and precise, making it difficult for UAE batsmen to score freely.

Abrar’s performance was a career-best, surpassing his previous best figures of 3-19, achieved against Bangladesh earlier this year in Lahore. His spin bowling played a crucial role in restricting UAE to 140-7 in 20 overs.

UAE’s Batting Response

For UAE, opener Alishan Sharafu fought bravely, scoring a steady 68 from 51 balls. Sharafu’s innings included four sixes and four fours, and he tried to anchor the UAE innings.

However, the rest of the UAE batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers. Power-hitters Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan were dismissed cheaply for 19 and 7 runs, respectively. Despite Sharafu’s effort, UAE fell short by 31 runs, marking their third defeat in as many games in the series.

Spinner Haider Ali also contributed to Pakistan’s bowling effort, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs, further tightening the screws on the UAE batsmen.

Pakistan’s Journey in the Tri-Series

This win was Pakistan’s third victory in four matches in the T20I tri-series. With this result, Pakistan advanced to the final on Sunday. The victory also ensured that Afghanistan would progress to the final, as they were set to play the host nation in the last group match on Friday.

Pakistan’s performance highlighted their resilience, especially after losing quick wickets in the early stages. The combination of aggressive batting from Zaman and Nawaz, along with tight and effective bowling from Abrar Ahmed and Haider Ali, showed that the team could handle pressure situations well.

Highlights of the Match

• Fakhar Zaman: 77* off 44 balls (2 sixes, 10 fours)

• Mohammad Nawaz: 37* off 27 balls (2 sixes, 3 fours)

• Abrar Ahmed: 4-9 in 4 overs

• Haider Ali: 2-17 in 4 overs

• Alishan Sharafu (UAE): 68 off 51 balls (4 sixes, 4 fours)

Key Moments

1. Pakistan lost five wickets for just 80 runs in 11.3 overs.

2. Zaman and Nawaz partnership added 91 crucial runs, reviving Pakistan’s innings.

3. Last five overs of Pakistan innings produced 74 runs, including 42 in the final two overs.

4. Abrar Ahmed’s career-best bowling 4-9 restricted UAE’s chase.

5. Sharafu’s 68 was the only significant UAE contribution.

Pakistan’s dominant performance against UAE was a perfect combination of experience, skill, and composure under pressure. Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant batting and Abrar Ahmed’s exceptional bowling made the difference, leading Pakistan to a 31-run victory and a spot in the T20I tri-series final.

This match not only demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to fight back from difficult positions but also highlighted the talents of emerging players like Abrar Ahmed. The final promises to be an exciting contest as Pakistan prepares to face strong opposition.