Pakistan Beat UAE to Set Up Asia Cup Clash with India
The Asia Cup 2025 has taken another dramatic turn, and cricket fans everywhere are buzzing with excitement. In Dubai, Pakistan secured a hard-fought 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates, a result that not only carried them into the Super Four stage but also confirmed another showdown with arch-rivals India this coming Sunday. The build-up to this game was already tense, but the events on and off the field have made the story even more compelling.
The match itself didn’t start on time. It was delayed by an hour, and the reason goes back to what happened in the previous India–Pakistan fixture. Reports suggest that after Sunday’s match, India’s players refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team, something that stirred controversy because of the political tensions between the two nations. On top of that, Pakistan claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft advised their captain, Salman Agha, not to shake hands at the toss. Pakistan demanded his removal from officiating, and while Pycroft remained in charge for this game against the UAE, he eventually issued an apology to Pakistan’s team management. Only after this off-field drama was settled did the players finally make their way to the stadium.
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Once the cricket began, the contest had its ups and downs. Pakistan’s innings started poorly. Within minutes, they were reduced to 9 for 2, with UAE seamer Junaid Siddique producing a remarkable spell, ending with 4 wickets for just 18 runs. Fakhar Zaman provided some stability with a quickfire 50 off 36 balls, but Pakistan again stumbled to 93 for 6 shortly after his dismissal. Just when it seemed like they might collapse completely, Shaheen Afridi came in with a late cameo, smashing three sixes in his 29 off 14 balls. Thanks to his efforts, Pakistan reached 146 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Afridi’s contribution didn’t stop there. With the ball, he struck early as Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled the UAE’s top order. A partnership between Rahul Chopra and Dhruv Parashar briefly gave the hosts hope, adding 48 runs and keeping the chase alive. But as the required run rate rose, wickets fell in quick succession. The UAE were eventually bowled out for 105 in the 18th over, handing Pakistan a 41-run win.
Beyond the numbers, though, this victory means far more. Pakistan’s qualification ensures that their rivalry with India will be played out once again on the big stage. The tensions between the two countries have long spilled into cricket, with bilateral series suspended and matches only taking place in tournaments like this. Now, with both sides set to meet again on Sunday in Dubai, anticipation couldn’t be higher.
The Asia Cup has always been about more than just cricket, and this edition is proving that once again. The drama of delayed starts, political tensions, and nail-biting finishes is setting the stage for another unforgettable India–Pakistan clash.
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