Pakistan Defeat UAE by 31 Runs in T20 Clash

Pakistan posted 171/5 in the first innings and later won the match by 31 runs after a good batting performance by Fakhar Zaman and a disciplined bowling effort during the second innings.

Having been invited to bat first, Pakistan did not have a very good start. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub got off to a rapid start at the top; however, the wickets fell regularly. Pakistan slipped to 74/4 within the first 10 overs, which put a burden on the middle order.

It was Fakhar Zaman who stedied the innings with a ringing knock of 77 runs on a mere 44 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes. The scoreboard continued to move with his clean stroke play and aggressive intent. Mohammad Nawaz, who supported him well, scored an unbeaten 37 off 27 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. They combined to create a assisted, which assisted Pakistan in finishing at 171/5 in 20 overs.

In pursuit of 172, the UAE began slowly with Alishan Sharafu at the forefront. He smashed a brilliant 68 off a total of 51 balls and mixed the boundaries and clever singles to keep his team in the hunt. UAE were 58/1 at the halfway mark and appeared well-placed to cause an upset.

But it was after the drinks break that Pakistan bowlers got into their rhythm. Abrar Ahmed starred with 4 wickets for just 9 runs in his 4 overs. His spell completely derailed the UAE’s chase. Key wickets from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf further tightened Pakistan’s grip.

Although the UAE made a valiant attempt through Dhruv Parashar who remained unbeaten on 18 off 15 balls, they fell short of their full quota of 140/7 by 31 runs.

This outcome highlighted Pakistan’s strength in both batting and bowling. The explosive performance of Fakhar Zaman set a great pace, and the bowlers, particularly Abrar Ahmed, made sure that the hosts could not reach the target that was set.

Pakistan demonstrated with this victory that they could combine offensive batting with disciplined bowling and secure the match in convincing fashion.