Pakistan Advances to T20 Final with Victory over UAE

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Sep 5 (AP) — Pakistan firmly secured their place in the finals of the T20 tri-series with a resounding 31-run triumph over the United Arab Emirates, courtesy of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed's career-best performance of 4-9, leaving UAE batters perplexed.

Fakhar Zaman showcased his form ahead of the Asia Cup, scoring an unbeaten 77 off just 44 deliveries. This innings marked Zaman's first T20 half-century after 15 matches and helped propel Pakistan to a formidable 171-5, capitalizing on several fielding lapses by UAE after Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha opted to field first.

Making his series debut, Ahmed completely bewildered UAE's top order with his enigmatic carrom balls and googlies, holding them to 140-7 and continuing the series trend of successful total defenses in five consecutive matches.

UAE skipper Mohammad Waseem (19) struggled to read Ahmed's carrom ball, resulting in a straightforward catch at point during Ahmed's second over. Alishan Sharafu, already having had a tough time in the field, and Ethan D’Souza failed to build momentum, with D’Souza departing for 9 off 14 balls after being caught at deep square leg in the 11th over.

Ahmed returned to deliver two more exceptional overs, claiming the wickets of Asif Khan and Rahul Chopra within three balls. He concluded his brilliant spell by dismissing Harshit Kaushik on his last delivery, reducing UAE to 102-5 in 15 overs.

Opener Sharafu's offensive spurt came too late for UAE, as his 68 off 51 balls ended with a catch by Agha at mid-off, delivered by Afridi's cunning off-cutter.

Earlier in the innings, Zaman, alongside Mohammad Nawaz (37 not out), orchestrated Pakistan's highest-ever sixth-wicket partnership in T20 internationals, amassing 91 runs off the final 51 deliveries. The pair capitalized on missed chances against the unfortunate left-arm spinner Haider Ali (2-17), who saw both batsmen dropped on consecutive balls, before they unleashed a flurry in the last two overs, garnering 42 runs.

Nawaz hammered pacer Junaid Siddique (1-52) for three back-to-back fours and a massive six over cover in a critical penultimate over that yielded 20 runs. Zaman, dropped on 39 by Sharafu at mid-off, reached his half-century following another misfield and concluded Pakistan’s comeback with five consecutive fours off Mohammad Jawadullah's final over, including two deft lap shots over the keeper's head.

Under the guidance of new head coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan maintained an aggressive approach during the powerplay, reaching 50-3. Haider Ali quickly removed Mohammad Haris (14) and Hasan Nawaz (4), leaving Pakistan at 80-5 in the 12th over. However, Zaman and left-handed Nawaz secured eight boundaries and a six in the closing 10 balls, sealing a comprehensive victory. (AP)

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