Pakistan posted a strong total and defended it successfully against the United Arab Emirates in an entertaining T20 contest.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan had a shaky start, losing three wickets inside the Powerplay even as runs flowed briskly. The scoreboard read 50/3 in just 5.2 overs. By the 10-over mark, Pakistan were 74/4, with Fakhar Zaman holding the innings together on 24.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Zaman soon shifted gears, bringing up his half-century in just 34 balls with a mix of boundaries and towering sixes. He found valuable support from Mohammad Nawaz, and together they stitched a 50-run stand for the sixth wicket off just 40 deliveries. The acceleration was timely, lifting Pakistan past 150 in the 19th over. Zaman remained the anchor, finishing with a fluent 77, while Nawaz’s unbeaten 37 ensured Pakistan closed at 171/5 from their 20 overs.
In reply, UAE started solidly, scoring 41 runs in the Powerplay without losing a wicket. Alishan Sharafu was the standout performer, playing with intent as he reached his fifty off 38 balls, striking both fours and sixes freely. However, the middle order struggled to keep pace once Pakistan introduced their spinners. From a promising 100/2 in the 15th over, UAE lost momentum and slipped to 140/7 by the end of their innings.
Sharafu top-scored with a fighting 68, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and Zaman’s brilliance with the bat proved the difference, sealing a comfortable win for the visitors.
