Saim Ayub, Hasan Star as Pakistan Beat UAE Again

News Desk 

Sharjah:Pakistan registered their second successive victory in the ongoing tri-series with a 31-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE), thanks to blistering half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding 207-run total. The innings was spearheaded by Ayub’s 38-ball 69 and Hasan’s explosive 26-ball 56, with the pair combining for 10 sixes. Despite early setbacks, the duo lifted the scoring rate after the PowerPlay. 

Ayub dominated the middle overs before falling to Saghir Khan, while Hasan launched a brutal assault with three consecutive sixes off Haider Ali. Their 57-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz proved decisive in taking Pakistan beyond 200.

The UAE bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Saghir (3-44) and Junaid Siddique (3-49) among the wickets but leaking runs at crucial stages.

In response, UAE began aggressively through opener Muhammad Waseem, who cracked an 18-ball 33 before being run out. The chase faltered as wickets tumbled in the middle overs, leaving the hosts at 76/5. 

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A spirited counterattack from Asif Khan briefly raised hopes; his breathtaking 77 off just 35 deliveries, laced with six sixes and six fours, kept UAE in contention.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Hasan Ali (3-47) and Mohammad Nawaz (2-21), held their nerve in the death overs. Asif’s dismissal in the final over ended UAE’s resistance, as they finished at 176/8.

With this result, Pakistan continued their strong build-up to the Asia Cup, securing back-to-back wins in the tri-series that also features Afghanistan.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 207 in 20 overs (Saim Ayub 69, Hasan Nawaz 56; Saghir Khan 3-44, Junaid Siddique 3-49)

UAE 176/8 in 20 overs (Asif Khan 77, Muhammad Waseem 33; Hasan Ali 3-47, Mohammad Nawaz 2-21)

Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs