Pakistan qualify for Super Four with 41-run victory over UAE

Shaheen Shah Afridi's all-round brilliance propelled Pakistan to a commanding 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their Asia Cup Group A clash on Wednesday in Dubai.

Pakistan, sent in to bat for the second straight game, slumped to 110 for seven inside 17 overs despite a 61‑run third‑wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and captain Salman Agha. Shaheen, with a swift knock of 29 off 14 balls, added crucial late runs to reach 146/9 in the 20‑over innings.

Afridi bolstered Pakistan's total to 146/9, following a resilient half-century from Zaman. In response, the UAE's chase faltered despite spirited efforts from Rahul Chopra (35) and Dhruv Parashar (20), with the hosts being bowled out for 105.

Shaheen was named Man of the Match for his 14-ball 29 and a brilliant spell of 2/16 as Pakistan won by 41 runs. The win means Pakistan join India in the Super Four from Group A. They will meet again in Dubai on Sunday.

Read More: PCB chief Naqvi urges politics-free cricket after ICC referee apology

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket team arrived at the Dubai Cricket Stadium for their must-win game against the UAE after permission from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was chairing a high-level meeting to decide the team’s future in the tournament.

The game began one hour late as the fallout rumbles on from a handshake row with arch-rivals India.

Former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, alongside Aaqib Javed, were present at the high-level hurdle in Lahore. In a post on X, Naqvi said: “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”

The development was also confirmed by the Asian Cricket Council confirmed in a statement that the match would go ahead at 8:30 pm PST. According to ESPNcricinfo, Andy Pycroft remains the match referee for the game.

Terming the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Pycroft had earlier barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands at the end of their match.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that took place during the September 14 match.

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir earlier confirmed that the match was delayed by one hour amid uncertainty over whether the Men in Green would play or not.

“The consultation process is ongoing and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is discussing with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi and on the other hand, online negotiations are also going on with Dubai. Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” he said.

Media reports had said the Pakistan cricket team would not play their men’s Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE. Things heated up after the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, despite multiple requests from the PCB.

The controversy started after India refused to shake hands with Pakistani players after their clash in Dubai. The incident triggered outrage across Pakistan, with captain Salman Ali Agha boycotting his post-match media duties and the PCB filing a formal protest with the ICC.

PCB chairman also suspended their Director International Usman Wahla, citing his failure to manage the situation during the game. The PCB had demanded the removal of Pycroft as match referee for the Asia Cup, but the ICC turned down the request, insisting he would continue in his role.

This led to a delay in today’s game, when Pakistan players were asked to stay in the hotel just an hour before the game. The team had earlier cancelled their pre-match press conference, citing the heavy presence of Indian media and fears of escalating the issue.