The much-anticipated Pakistan vs UAE T20 clash in the tri-nation tournament turned into another thrilling contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan defeated the host United Arab Emirates by 31 runs, securing their second consecutive victory and strengthening their chances of qualifying for the final. Young all-rounder Saim Ayub played a starring role in this win, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
Pakistan vs UAE T20: Pakistan Posts Second-Highest Score in Sharjah
Winning the toss for the second time in the tournament, Pakistan opted to bat first and set a commanding total. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the visitors managed to post 207 runs in their allotted 20 overs — the second-highest score ever recorded in a Pakistan vs UAE T20 clash in Sharjah.
Saim Ayub once again proved his growing reputation, scoring 69 runs off 38 balls, including 7 boundaries and 4 sixes. His innings marked his fourth T20 international half-century, further cementing his role as a rising star for Pakistan. Alongside him, Hassan Nawaz played a blistering knock of 56 off just 26 balls, smashing 6 sixes and 2 fours to put the UAE bowlers under immense pressure.
However, the rest of Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to contribute significantly. Fakhar Zaman (6), skipper Salman Ali Agha (5), Sahibzada Farhan (8), and Faheem Ashraf (16) all failed to make big scores. Mohammad Nawaz added a quick-fire 25 off 15 balls, while Hasan Ali (9) and Salman Mirza (3) contributed small cameos. Two batters were also run out during the innings.
For the hosts, Saghir Khan and Junaid Siddique picked up three wickets each, while Haider Ali took two, but Pakistan’s explosive batting ensured a daunting total of 207.
UAE Fights Back in Pakistan vs UAE T20
Chasing 208 was always going to be a difficult task, but the UAE batters started aggressively. Opener Zohaib and captain Mohammad Wasim put on 39 runs for the first wicket, giving their side hope of pulling off an upset. Zohaib fell for 13 to Mohammad Nawaz, while skipper Wasim played a quick-fire innings of 33 off 18 balls, including 2 sixes and 3 fours, before being run out by Hasan Ali.
Hasan Ali then struck again immediately, dismissing D’Souza, while wickets continued to tumble as Ali Shan (3) and Chopra (11) failed to resist the Pakistani bowlers. At 76 for 5, the hosts looked out of the contest.
However, Asif Khan had other ideas. Displaying extraordinary power-hitting, he smashed 77 off just 35 balls, laced with 6 sixes and 6 fours, keeping UAE in the hunt. Despite his efforts, the mounting pressure and regular breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers left the Emirati side short of the target. They eventually finished with 176 for 8 in their 20 overs, handing Pakistan a comfortable 31-run victory.
Bowling Performance in Pakistan vs UAE T20
Hasan Ali proved his worth on return to the side, finishing with figures of 3 for 47, providing crucial breakthroughs at key moments. Saim Ayub also chipped in with the ball, complementing his batting heroics with a valuable wicket. Sufyan Muqim and Mohammad Nawaz played their part, ensuring Pakistan kept control during the middle overs.
This performance also highlighted Pakistan’s depth in bowling, as they made two changes for this fixture, bringing in Hasan Ali and Salman Mirza in place of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Despite missing their premier pacers, Pakistan’s attack managed to defend the target convincingly.
Historical Context of Pakistan vs UAE T20 Scores
This high-scoring encounter added another chapter to the cricketing history at Sharjah. Pakistan’s 207 became the second-highest total recorded at the venue in T20 internationals. The record remains Afghanistan’s 215 against Zimbabwe in January 2016. Interestingly, UAE themselves had posted 206 against Bangladesh earlier in May 2025, showcasing the growing competitiveness of associate nations.
For Pakistan, the ability to cross 200 runs twice in the same tournament underlines the team’s intent to play aggressive cricket and build momentum ahead of bigger challenges.
Key Takeaways from Pakistan vs UAE T20
- Saim Ayub’s Rise: His 69-run knock and wicket-taking ability prove he is becoming a genuine all-round option.
- Hassan Nawaz’s Firepower: His 56 off 26 balls gives Pakistan another dependable big-hitter in the top order.
- Bowling Depth: Hasan Ali’s three-wicket haul shows Pakistan has strong bench strength in the absence of Shaheen and Rauf.
- UAE’s Fight: Asif Khan’s 77 reminded everyone that the hosts are no pushovers and can challenge bigger teams on their day.
The Pakistan vs UAE T20 match in Sharjah once again proved why tri-nation tournaments bring out high-quality cricket and unexpected performances. Pakistan’s second consecutive victory not only strengthens their chances of making the final but also gives confidence to their young players ahead of tougher battles. With Saim Ayub and Hassan Nawaz stepping up alongside experienced performers like Hasan Ali, Pakistan seems to be building a balanced side for the future.
