Sharjah, August 30, 2025 —
Pakistan vs UAE – 2nd T20I: Pakistan Seal 31-Run Win at Sharjah with Saim Ayub’s Fireworks
Pakistan continued their winning momentum in the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025, notching up a 31-run victory over UAE in the second T20I at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. A commanding batting display, powered by Saim Ayub’s classy 69 off 38 deliveries and Hasan Nawaz’s blistering 56 off just 26, ensured Pakistan piled up an imposing total of 207 runs. Despite a spirited response led by Asif Khan’s 77 off 35, the UAE fell short and finished at 176/8, handing Pakistan their second win in as many games.
The triumph not only consolidated Pakistan’s position at the top of the Tri-Series points table but also served as a confidence booster ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where sterner tests await.
Toss and Team Compositions
Winning the toss, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first on a traditionally batting-friendly Sharjah surface. His decision was aimed at exploiting the shorter boundaries in the Powerplay and putting scoreboard pressure on the hosts.
Pakistan fielded a balanced XI, blending experienced campaigners with youngsters brimming with talent. Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman provided the top-order muscle, while the middle order included captain Salman Ali Agha, promising hitter Hasan Nawaz, and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. The bowling attack combined the pace of Hasan Ali and Salman Mirza with spin options like Sufiyan Muqeem.
UAE, led by their talismanic skipper Muhammad Waseem, fielded a side banking on domestic performers and rising talents. With Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, and Rahul Chopra in the batting lineup, their hopes of competing against Pakistan rested heavily on building partnerships. The bowling attack featured Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah to lead the pace department.
Pakistan’s Explosive Start
Pakistan’s innings began with intent. Saim Ayub, known for his elegance and ability to pierce gaps at will, wasted no time settling in. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries through the off-side and was equally brutal against anything short, clearing the midwicket ropes with ease. His knock of 69 off 38 balls was a delightful mix of class and aggression, leaving the UAE bowlers with few answers.
At the other end, Hasan Nawaz matched his partner’s aggression with a fearless approach. The young power-hitter displayed exceptional range, hammering sixes straight down the ground and over midwicket. His 56 off 26 balls shifted momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favor and ensured the scoring rate never dipped.
Although Pakistan lost wickets in clusters towards the death overs, useful cameos from Mohammad Haris and Faheem Ashraf kept the scoreboard ticking. From being 180/5 in the 17th over, they eventually posted 207 all out in 20 overs.
For UAE, Junaid Siddique and Jawadullah managed a couple of breakthroughs each, but their economy rates suffered under relentless hitting.
UAE’s Chase – Hope and Heartbreak
Chasing a mammoth 208, UAE needed a strong start. Their captain Muhammad Waseem attempted to lead from the front, striking cleanly for a quickfire 33, but his dismissal came at a crucial time.
The spotlight then shifted to Asif Khan, who played one of the finest T20 innings by a UAE batter against a top-tier side. His 77 off 35 balls included audacious strokes over extra cover, lofted drives, and powerful slogs into the stands. At one point, with Asif in full flow, the Sharjah crowd began to believe in a famous upset.
Unfortunately for the hosts, lack of partnerships derailed their momentum. The dismissals of Sharafu, Chopra, and D’Souza in quick succession meant Asif was left fighting a lone battle. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline, mixing slower balls with yorkers to curtail the scoring.
Hasan Ali (3/47) proved vital with breakthroughs at the death, while Mohammad Nawaz’s spin (2 wickets) tied down the middle overs. UAE eventually finished at 176/8, falling short by 31 runs.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 207/10 | 20 | — |
| UAE | 176/8 | 20 | Lost by 31 runs |
Player of the Match: Saim Ayub (69 off 38 balls)
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Pakistan’s Fearless Start: Ayub and Nawaz’s aggression in the Powerplay tilted the match in Pakistan’s favor from the outset.
- UAE’s Fightback Through Asif: His 77 briefly threatened Pakistan’s total, but lack of support limited its impact.
- Hasan Ali’s Wickets: His timely breakthroughs, especially removing Asif Khan in the 18th over, ended UAE’s last hopes.
- Sharjah’s Boundaries: While small boundaries aided batters, Pakistan’s superior depth allowed them to maximize the advantage.
Context and Significance
For Pakistan, this victory means more than just points in the Tri-Series. It demonstrates their bench strength and the rise of young talents like Hasan Nawaz. With the Asia Cup around the corner, such performances provide a psychological edge and build confidence within the camp.
For UAE, while the result was disappointing, the match highlighted the growing stature of players like Asif Khan. His fearless stroke play against Pakistan’s international-quality bowlers will inspire young cricketers in the Gulf region. However, the lack of middle-order resilience remains a pressing concern if they wish to compete consistently against stronger teams.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with its 16,000 capacity and decades of cricketing heritage, once again proved why it is cherished by fans. From Javed Miandad’s famous six in the 1980s to modern-day power-hitting spectacles, Sharjah continues to be a stage where cricketing history is written.
Statistical Highlights
- Highest Score: Asif Khan’s 77 was the top score of the match.
- Strike Rates: Hasan Nawaz’s 215+ strike rate underlined Pakistan’s intent.
- Wickets Spread: Pakistan’s bowlers shared wickets evenly, highlighting balance in attack.
- Boundary Count: The match saw over 25 sixes, underlining Sharjah’s reputation as a batter’s paradise.
What’s Next?
With Pakistan now 2–0 up in the Tri-Series, they have virtually booked a place in the final. UAE will need to regroup quickly for their next match against the United Arab Emirates’ other opponent, Afghanistan, if they are to stay alive in the competition.
For cricket fans, the Tri-Series is proving to be an entertaining lead-up to the high-profile Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan will face elite Asian sides under greater pressure.
Source
you can read more details from ESPN Cricinfo
