Pakistan beat UAE to reach T20I tri-series final against Afghanistan

Pakistan qualified for the T20I tri-nation series final after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 32 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 77 and spinner Abrar Ahmed’s four-wicket spell guided Pakistan to victory, setting up a final clash with Afghanistan on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan recovered from a shaky start at 80/5 in the 12th over through a 97-run partnership between Fakhar and Mohammad Nawaz. Fakhar struck 77 not out from 44 deliveries, including two sixes and ten fours, while Nawaz contributed 37 off 27 balls. Pakistan posted 171/5 in their allotted overs.

Chasing 172, UAE began steadily as openers Alishan Sharafu and captain Muhammad Waseem added 41 runs in the powerplay. However, Abrar Ahmed dismissed Waseem for 19, triggering a collapse. Sharafu resisted with a 51-ball 68 but found little support from his teammates as UAE finished on 140/7.

Abrar was the standout bowler, conceding just nine runs for four wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one. For UAE, Haider Ali picked up two wickets, with Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid and Muhammad Jawadullah taking one apiece.

With the win, Pakistan topped the points table with six points from four matches. Afghanistan, second with two points, also qualified for the final, while UAE ended their campaign without a win.