In the second match of the UAE-Pakistan-Afghanistan T20I Tri-Nation Series at Sharjah on 30 August 2025, Pakistan secured a dominant second win, beating UAE by 31 runs. With both teams eyeing strong starts to their Asia Cup preparations, this clash delivered the spark Pakistan needed.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Innings
Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat and posted a formidable total of 207 all out in 20 overs. The innings featured explosive performances from both ends of the order:
- Saim Ayub led the charge with a blistering 69 off 38 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes. His fourth T20I fifty came at a strike rate of 181.58, anchoring a much-needed rescue after early wickets.
- Hasan Nawaz followed suit with a destructive cameo—56 off 26 balls (two fours, six sixes), striking at 215.38—rescuing the innings in the middle overs.
Other contributors included Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Faheem Ashraf (16), helping Pakistan accelerate to a powerful finish (64 runs in the last 5 overs).
UAE Bowling Highlights:
- Junaid Siddique claimed 3 wickets (4 overs, 49 runs)
- Saghir Khan also finished with 3 wickets (4 overs, 44 runs)
- Haider Ali backed them with 2 key wickets.
🇦🇪 UAE Response
UAE’s chase began promisingly as Asif Khan produced a stunning 77 off 35 balls, providing the only real threat to Pakistan’s total. He struck sixes at will and pushed the chase until the final over. Skipper Muhammad Waseem also chipped in with a brisk 33 (18).
However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Pakistan’s bowlers made timely breakthroughs:
- Hasan Ali starred with 3 wickets,
- Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 2,
- Saim Ayub added another breakthrough.
UAE ended at 176 for 8 in 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs.
Player of the Match
Saim Ayub earned the Player of the Match award for his game-changing fifty and overall impact on the match.
Series Implications
- Pakistan now leads the tri-series with two wins from two matches, setting the tone ahead of their Asia Cup preparations.
- For UAE, while Asif Khan’s fireworks showcased future potential, the collective batting failure highlighted areas needing urgent improvement.
- Pakistan’s aggressive batting, coupled with effective bowling, makes them clear favorites to advance to the final.
Quick Stats
| Metric | Pakistan | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 207 all out (20 overs) | 176/8 (20 overs) |
| Top Score | Saim Ayub 69 (38) | Asif Khan 77 (35) |
| Wickets | Hasan Ali 3, Junaid Siddique 3, Mohammad Nawaz 2 | – |
| Margin of Victory | – | Pakistan won by 31 runs |
