(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Fakhar Zaman, Abrar Ahmed Shine as Pakistan Beat UAE to Reach Tri-Series Final
Sharjah: Pakistan secured their spot in the T20I tri-series final with a commanding 31-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, thanks to a brilliant batting effort from Fakhar Zaman and a career-best bowling spell by Abrar Ahmed.
Fakhar, Nawaz Lead Pakistan’s Revival
Batting first, Pakistan were struggling at 80-5 in the 12th over before Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz turned the innings around. Fakhar smashed an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls — his 12th T20I half-century — while Nawaz struck a quick 37 off 27 deliveries.
Their 91-run partnership lifted Pakistan to 171-5 in 20 overs. Fakhar’s knock included 10 fours and 2 sixes, while Nawaz added 3 fours and 2 sixes. The late flourish produced 74 runs in the last five overs, with Fakhar hitting five consecutive boundaries in the final over.
Abrar Ahmed Spins Pakistan to Victory
Defending the total, spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered a sensational spell, taking 4-9 in four overs, his best T20I figures to date. His performance dismantled the UAE middle order and restricted them to 140-7.
Despite a fighting 68 off 51 balls from UAE opener Alishan Sharafu, who hit four fours and four sixes, the hosts fell short. Other key UAE batters — Mohammad Waseem (19) and Asif Khan (7) — could not build partnerships.
Captain’s Praise
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha praised the match-winners after the game.
“Fakhar and Nawaz played outstandingly well. Fakhar is a match-winner — he doesn’t always get the respect he deserves but he showed his class today.”
Match Summary
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Pakistan: 171-5 (Fakhar 77*, Nawaz 37*, Haider Ali 2-17)
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UAE: 140-7 (Alishan 68, Abrar 4-9, Shaheen 1-23)
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Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
This was Pakistan’s third win in four games, confirming their place in Sunday’s tri-series final. The result also ensured Afghanistan’s qualification, with the two teams set to meet UAE in the final group clash on Friday.
With Fakhar back in form and Abrar showing his match-winning ability, Pakistan will be confident heading into the final and preparing for bigger challenges, including the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026.
