Pakistan vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match delivered thrilling moments, key performances and a dramatic finish as Pakistan secured victory to enter the Super 4 stage.
The match brought not just cricketing drama but also off-field controversies, dramatic performances and decisive moments that shaped the outcome. Here’s a comprehensive review of what happened, who stood out, and what it means going forward.

Match Overview

• Match: Pakistan vs UAE, Group A, Asia Cup 2025

• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

• Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs and secured a place in the Super 4s alongside India.

• Delay: The match was delayed by about one hour due to Pakistan’s initial threat to withdraw over a referee dispute following the India vs Pakistan match. Eventually, after assurances and an apology, the team turned up.

Innings Summary

Pakistan Batting First

• Total: 146 for 9 wickets in 20 overs.

• Key Contributions:

  • Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a fluent 50 off 36 balls, giving Pakistan a strong foundation. 

  • Shaheen Afridi played a critical cameo down the order: 29 not out off 14 balls, which added late momentum.

• Bowling by UAE:

  • Junaid Siddique took 4 wickets for 18 runs, putting Pakistan under significant early pressure.

  • Simranjeet Singh also impressed with his spin, taking 3 for 26.

UAE Batting in Response

• Total: all out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

• Top Performer: Rahul Chopra scored 35 off 35 balls, the standout batting effort for the UAE.

• Pakistan’s Bowlers:

  • Shaheen Afridi picked up 2 wickets for 16 runs in his spell.

  • Abrar Ahmed also claimed 2 wickets (2 for 13).

  • Haris Rauf chipped in with 2 as well, helping to break partnerships and keep the chase under control.

Turning Points & Key Moments

1. Early Collapse of Pakistan’s Middle Order
   After a decent start, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, putting them on the back foot. However, Fakhar’s 50 and Shaheen’s late fireworks recovered some respectability for the total.

2. UAE’s Bowling Excellence
   With Siddique and Simranjeet swinging momentum early, UAE made strong inroads. The pitch offered some assistance to bowlers, especially in middle overs. But UAE couldn’t capitalise fully.

3. Shaheen’s All‐Round Impact
   His lower‐order blitz with the bat shifted momentum when Pakistan needed it. Then with the ball, he applied pressure on UAE’s tail. His contributions balanced the match. Player of the match honours were well earned.

4. UAE’s Batting Under Pressure
   Despite Chopra’s resistance, UAE’s middle order couldn’t form lasting partnerships. As the required rate climbed, Pakistan’s bowlers choked scoring and UAE were unable to recover.

5. Off-Field Drama
   The handshake controversy from the India vs Pakistan match added tension. Pakistan threatened to withdraw, delaying this game by an hour. Eventually, an apology from the match referee resolved it. This likely affected Pakistan’s mindset and preparation.

Player of the Match

• Shaheen Afridi – for his exceptional all-round display: a quickfire 29* with the bat when needed, plus 2 key wickets with the ball to stifle the UAE chase.

What This Means

• Pakistan: With this win, Pakistan advance to the Super 4 stage alongside India, raising hopes for their campaign. However, inconsistencies—especially in batting—remain a concern. They’ll need more stability if they hope to challenge for the title.

• UAE: Ousted from the tournament, UAE will look back with mixed feelings. The bowlers showed promise, but batting let them down. Valuable lessons, nonetheless, for associate teams in high-pressure matches.

• Tournament Implication: This match sets up a high-stakes clash between Pakistan and India in the Super 4s. Given recent tensions and performance trends, that match is now under even more scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

Yesterday’s Pakistan vs UAE match underscored both the glory and the fragility of cricket. On one hand, individual brilliance (Fakhar’s fifty, Shaheen’s dual impact), spirited bowling, and a fightback rescued Pakistan from a potential collapse. On the other, UAE showed they can trouble big teams but will need to tighten up their batting, especially in the middle overs.

For Pakistan, the win will bring relief—but also awareness that their batting depth still has gaps. As the Super 4s loom, they must address those before they face tougher opposition.

For cricket fans, the match was a mix of off-field controversy and on-field drama: delays, threats of withdrawal, and then execution under pressure. It’s this unpredictable blend that keeps Asia Cup matches compelling.

Match Highlights