Dahani's 5-wicket haul against UAE seals Pakistan Shaheens' semi-final spot in Emerging Asia Cup T20

Pakistan Shaheens secured a dominant 114-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup on Wednesday, confirming their place in the semi-finals.

The match, held at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat, saw outstanding performances from captain Mohammad Haris and fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani.

Opting to bat first, Shaheens posted a competitive total of 179-4 in their 20 overs, with Haris leading from the front with an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls.

Early contributions from Omair Bin Yousuf (21 off 11) and Yasir Khan (25 off 13) set the tone, before Haris anchored the innings. He shared a 62-run partnership with Qasim Akram (23 off 28) before UAE’s Muhammad Farooq struck twice in the 14th over, reducing Shaheens to 112-4.

Haris then partnered with Haider Ali for a 67-run fifth-wicket stand, with Haider finishing on 32* from 17 balls. Haris hit six fours and three sixes, while Haider added three sixes and one four. Farooq was the standout bowler for UAE, taking 3-27 from his four overs.

In response, UAE struggled against a relentless Shaheens bowling attack, with Dahani leading the charge. He claimed his maiden T20 five-wicket haul, finishing with career-best figures of 5-12, including two maidens, as UAE were bowled out for just 65 in 15.5 overs.

Skipper Rahul Chopra top-scored with 20 off 18 balls, but the rest of the batting order faltered, with only Tanish Suri (15) and Syed Haider (12) reaching double figures.

Sufiyan Moqim took two wickets, while Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Arafat Minhas each claimed one.

Pakistan Shaheens now advance to the semi-finals, set for Friday, October 25.