The air in Dubai was thick with tension. It was a high-stakes, do-or-die contest for both teams. For Pakistan, a win was non-negotiable to secure their place in the Super 4s. For the United Arab Emirates, an upset victory against the cricketing giants would be a historic moment, catapulting them into the next stage of the Asia Cup.
The match that followed was a classic T20I thriller, a true test of nerve and skill that delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of both sides. This is a deep dive into the Pakistan vs UAE T20I Asia Cup 2025 highlights and Points Table, revealing the key moments that defined the outcome and the final tournament standings.
A Rollercoaster of an Innings: Pakistan’s Batting Summary
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan’s innings got off to a calamitous start. The top order, a source of strength in recent times, crumbled under the relentless pressure from a disciplined UAE bowling attack. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, and the middle order failed to build any significant partnerships. It seemed as though the pressure of the moment had gotten to the Men in Green, and the prospect of an early exit from the tournament loomed large.
At one point, Pakistan was reeling at 88 for 5, and the team’s total looked unlikely to cross the 120-mark. However, resilience is a hallmark of this Pakistani side, and they found heroes in the unlikeliest of places.
Fakhar Zaman’s Anchor Role
In the midst of the collapse, Fakhar Zaman stood firm. He weathered the storm and absorbed the pressure, crafting a crucial half-century that provided the much-needed stability to the innings. His 50 off 36 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he rotated the strike and punished the loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Without his knock, Pakistan’s total would have been far more modest.
Shaheen Afridi’s Explosive Finish
The real turning point, however, came in the final overs. When Pakistan’s innings seemed to be sputtering out, a magnificent display of power-hitting from none other than their star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, changed the game’s complexion entirely. Arriving at the crease, he unleashed an unbelievable flurry of boundaries.
His unbeaten 29 off just 14 balls, including three fours and two towering sixes, single-handedly propelled Pakistan’s score to a respectable 146 for 9. His performance was not just about the runs; it was a psychological boost that visibly lifted the spirits of his team.
Also Read: India Dominates: Pakistan vs India Asia Cup 2025 T20 Match Highlights
Credit must also be given to the UAE bowlers who executed their plans with remarkable precision. Pacer Junaid Siddique was the standout performer, finishing with exceptional figures of 4 for 18. He was well-supported by the left-arm spin of Simranjeet Singh, who bagged 3 wickets for 26 runs, including the crucial scalps of Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah.
UAE’s Valiant Chase: A Fight to the End
Chasing a target of 147, the UAE’s openers started with intent, looking to maximize the powerplay. The home side’s batting line-up, though less experienced, showed no fear and kept pace with the required run rate in the early overs. However, once the initial partnership was broken, Pakistan’s world-class bowling unit took over, proving why they are one of the most feared attacks in T20 cricket.
The Spin Web of Abrar Ahmed
The middle overs belonged to the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. His variations and control proved too much for the UAE batters. He stifled the scoring, not allowing any partnerships to flourish. With his subtle changes of pace and flight, he finished with outstanding figures of 2 for 13 in his four overs, effectively breaking the back of the UAE chase. His spell highlighted the depth of Pakistan’s bowling talent and their ability to dominate in the crucial middle phase of the game.
Dominance of Pakistan’s Pace Attack
After Abrar’s strangling spell, the likes of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi returned to mop up the tail. Rauf’s fiery pace and Afridi’s disciplined line and length ensured there was no late fightback. The UAE’s resistance crumbled, and they were eventually bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs. The 41-run victory margin for Pakistan, though significant, does not fully reflect the close contest for a large part of the match.
Man of the Match, Shaheen Afridi, was deservedly awarded for his sensational all-round performance with both bat and ball. When asked about his late hitting, Afridi credited his practice, stating, “I have been working hard on my batting in the nets, so it feels good to see the hard work pay off in a match.” His heroics were the difference-maker.
To learn more about the history of T20 cricket and its evolution, click here.
The Final Standings: Asia Cup 2025 Points Table
With this crucial win, Pakistan has sealed the second and final Super 4s spot from Group A, joining arch-rivals India. The points table now paints a clear picture of the group’s final standings.
Asia Cup 2025 Group A Points Table
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +10.483 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +1.790 |
| 3 | UAE | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1.984 |
| 4 | Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -3.375 |
As you can see, India’s dominant performances throughout the group stage, including a convincing win over Pakistan, secured them the top spot. Pakistan’s win against Oman and now UAE was enough to see them through, despite their loss to India.
The points table for all groups in the tournament can be found on the official ACC website.
The Road Ahead: Super 4s and Beyond
The stage is now set for a highly anticipated Super 4s clash between India and Pakistan. This win was not just about points; it was about regaining momentum and confidence after a heavy defeat to their rivals. While UAE’s Asia Cup journey has ended, their performance in this tournament has been commendable, showcasing a team that is rapidly improving and capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents. They can take pride in their fight, especially the bowlers who put up a spectacular show.
This match was a perfect example of why T20 cricket is so unpredictable and exciting. It had everything: early wickets, a comeback knock, a stunning late cameo, and a dominant bowling display. Pakistan’s ability to win ugly when the chips were down bodes well for their chances in the Super 4s.
What was your favorite moment from the Pakistan vs UAE T20I Asia Cup 2025 highlights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
