Tag: UAE

AL AMERAT: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have booked the final available berth for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Japan by eight wickets in their decisive Asia–East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier clash on Thursday.

The dominant performance saw the UAE chase down Japan’s modest target of 117 with ease, capping off a campaign defined by consistency and composure.

Haider Ali led the charge with the ball, claiming 3 for 20, before openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem stitched together a commanding 70-run stand to seal the victory.

With this win, the UAE joined Nepal and Oman as the three Asian representatives qualifying through the regional route for next year’s 20-team showpiece, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The full lineup for the 2026 edition is now complete. Alongside the two hosts, automatic qualification was granted to the top seven sides from the 2024 T20 World Cup: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, and West Indies, as well as Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland, who progressed based on ICC rankings.

From the regional qualifiers, Canada secured the Americas spot, while the Netherlands and Italy emerged from Europe, the latter marking their maiden appearance at a T20 World Cup.

Namibia and Zimbabwe claimed the two available spots from Africa, while Nepal, Oman, and the UAE completed the Asian contingent.

The 2026 tournament will retain the same format as the previous edition, with 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, followed by semi-finals and the final.

READ: PCB announces ticket prices for Pakistan-South Africa white-ball series

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed surprise over the post-match remarks of national T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha following victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

After hours of uncertainty over whether the game would go ahead, Pakistan eventually took the field for their final group-stage clash and secured a commanding 41-run win to book their place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Pakistan managed 146-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and a late rescue act from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 110-7 in the 17th over.

But Shaheen’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, lifted the side to a competitive total, which the bowlers comfortably defended.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

While reflecting on the performance, Salman Ali Agha admitted in the post-match presentation that Pakistan’s batting remains a work in progress, particularly in the middle overs.

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” Agha said.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition.”

However, Misbah-ul-Haq offered a contrasting view, pointing out that Pakistan’s struggles often start right at the top rather than in the middle phase of the innings.

“It was very surprising to hear Agha say the problem lies in the middle overs. For me, our issues begin from the start,” Misbah said in an interview with a local sports platform.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“Almost every game we lose our first two wickets early, so we’re effectively two down before the innings even settles.”

He further explained that this early collapse leaves Pakistan exposed once spinners come into the attack.

“In these conditions, once the circle opens up and spinners operate, scoring becomes tricky. If you’re already 0–2, then you’re going nowhere,” he added.

Pakistan, having sealed their spot in the Super Four, will now meet arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Asia Cup encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: Saim Ayub equals Shahid Afridi’s unwanted T20I record

DUBAI: Fakhar Zaman’s brisk half-century and a dominant bowling performance propelled Pakistan to the super fours, setting up another India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Pakistan will face India in the Super Fours on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 150 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage. Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem added 21 for the first wicket before the former was castled by Shaheen on the score of 12.

Waseem followed him after making 14 from 15, whereas Saim bamboozled Muhammad Zohaib for four, which left UAE reeling at 37-3 in 5.3 overs.

Following the early wickets, Dhruv Parashar and Rahul Chopra forged a stand of 48 runs. However, the pair took 51 balls for their partnership, and with the required rate creeping up, the hosts slumped and lost wickets in a heave.

Chopra remained the highest scorer, making 35 runs with the aid of a four and a six.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Simranjeet Singh and Junaid Siddique combined to rattle Pakistan’s batting lineup, not before Shaheen Afridi’s lusty blows, which took them to a competitive total

UAE capitalized on the decision to bowl first as their bowlers displayed a commendable performance, limiting Pakistan to a modest 146-9 in 20 overs.

For Pakistan, it was a miserable start as Saim Ayub fell for his third consecutive and fifth duck in eight innings. Sahibzada Farhan followed him in the third over after managing to score five from 12 deliveries.

After Green Shirts were reduced to 9-2 in 2.4 overs, Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Ali Agha launched a brief recovery with a 61-run partnership.

The duo managed to take Pakistan out of trouble as the scorecard read 70 in 11 overs. However, the stand culminated as Salman Ali Agha’s sluggish knock ended, courtesy of a brilliant catch in the covers. He made 20 off 27 with the help of two fours.

The wicket gave UAE an opening, and the hosts penetrated through the middle order with quick strikes. Fakhar Zaman departed after scoring 50 off 36 balls, striking three maximums and two fours.

The wicket sparked a mini collapse until Shaheen Afridi’s cameo (29 off 14 balls), which took Pakistan to a respectable total.

For UAE, Junaid Siddique – who made early inroads with the new ball, remained the standout bowler with four wickets in his four overs. Simranjeet Singh was excellent as well with three scalps to his name in four overs.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs in the 10th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

UAE: 105 (17.4 Overs)

17.4: That’s it Pakistan seal a comprehensive victory over UAE

UAE: 103/7 (17 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi back into the attack

UAE: 97/6 (16 Overs)

Skipper Salman Ali Agha has the ball in his hand

UAE: 88/5 (15 Overs)

Abrar comes to bowl

UAE: 85/4 (14 Overs)

13.6: Rauf provides a vital breakthrough.

Dhruv Parashar 20 (23b 1×4 0x6) SR: 86.95

Haris comes back

UAE: 80/3 (13 Overs)

Abrar to continue

UAE: 74/3 (12 Overs)

Saim to bowl his final over

UAE: 66/3 (11 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed returns

UAE: 61/3 (10 Overs)

Saim Ayub to bowl his third over

UAE: 56/3 (9 Overs)

Nawaz continues

UAE: 46/3 (8 Overs)

Saim to continue

UAE: 42/3 (7 Overs)

Nawaz comes back

UAE: 38/3 (6 Overs)

Saim Ayub introduced into the attack for the first time

UAE: 37/2 (5 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed to bowl his first over of the night

UAE: 35/1 (4 Overs)

Haris Rauf comes into the attack

UAE: 23/1 ( 3 Overs)

Shaheen to continue

UAE: 19/0 (2 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz comes to bowl

UAE: 6/0 (1 Overs)

Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem to open the batting for UAE. Shaheen Shah Afridi will take the new ball.

PAKISTAN vs UAE (2nd INNINGS)

DUBAI: Pakistan set UAE a target of 147-runs in the 10th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

PAK: 146/9 (20 Overs) 

Muhammad Rohid to close out the innings

PAK: 128/8 (19 Overs) 

Junaid Siddique

PAK: 118/7 (18 Overs) 

Haider Ali to bowl his final over

PAK: 110/7 (17 Overs) 

Junaid Siddique comes back

PAK: 105/6 (16 Overs) 

Simranjeet to bowl his final over.

PAK: 93/5 (15 Overs) 

Parashar continues

PAK: 88/5 (14 Overs) 

13.4: Another one bites the dust.

Hasan Nawaz 3 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 75

13.1: Fakhar is caught at covers. Big wicket for UAE

Fakhar Zaman 50 (36b 2×4 3×6) SR: 138.88

Simranjeet comes back

PAK: 86/3 (13 Overs) 

Parashar continues

PAK: 75/3 (12 Overs) 

Haider is back into the attack

PAK: 70/3 (11 Overs) 

Parashar comes back

PAK: 67/2 (10 Overs) 

Simranjeet continues

PAK: 61/2 (9 Overs) 

Haider to continue

PAK: 50/2 (8 Overs) 

Simranjeet Singh into the attack

PAK: 44/2 (7 Overs) 

Haider Ali comes to bowl

PAK: 39/2 (6 Overs) 

Rohid continues

PAK: 31/2 (5 Overs) 

Dhruv Parashar comes to bowl

PAK: 17/2 (4 Overs) 

Rohid continue

PAK: 11/2 (3 Overs) 

2.4: UAE is on a roll here. Another one for the hosts

Sahibzada Farhan 5 (12b 0x4 0x6) SR: 41.66

Junaid to continue

PAK: 9/1 (2 Overs) 

Muhammad Rohid to bowl from the other end.

PAK: 3/1 (1 Over) 

0.5: Saim tries to go big, and it’s straight into the hands. Another duck for the left-hander.

Saim Ayub 0 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub to open the innings for Pakistan. Junaid Siddique will take the new ball.

PAKISTAN vs UAE (1st INNINGS)

DUBAI: UAE have the won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial encounter of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other twice in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious on both occasions.

Matches 2, Pakistan 2, UAE  0

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: UAE have the won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial encounter of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other twice in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious on both occasions.

Matches 2, Pakistan 2, UAE  0

READ: Javelin ace Arshad books spot in World Athletics Championships final

DUBAI: Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha, and team manager over the handshake row during the India-Pakistan ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14.

The uncertainty over the Pakistan-UAE clash surrounded due to the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 1

Shortly before the delayed toss between the teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the board said in a statement.

“A result of miscommunication and apologised”, the statement added.

Despite this, Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash.

Earlier, the Pakistan team arrived at the Dubai Stadium following the PCB chief’s directives.

“We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir had announced that the delayed start of the match between Pakistan and UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has been

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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 in a short press conference.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan remained full of drama off the field. India chased down Pakistan’s 128-run target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win in the 16th over.

The post-match proceedings, however, took a controversial turn as unbeaten batters Yadav and Shivam Dube bypassed the customary handshake, opting for fist bumps before walking off, leaving Pakistan players waiting.

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

READ: Javelin ace Arshad books spot in World Athletics Championships final

Pakistan is set to play UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 following the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft over handshake controversy, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

According to the sources, Richie Richardson will officiate tomorrow’s fixture between Pakistan and UAE. This match is crucial for both teams to advance to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

This comes after the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14.

India chased down Pakistan’s 128-run target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win in the 16th over.

The post-match proceedings, however, took a controversial turn as unbeaten batters Yadav and Shivam Dube bypassed the customary handshake, opting for fist bumps before walking off, leaving Pakistan players waiting.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

Earlier in the day, the Indian media reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had turned down the PCB’s demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

READ: Ton-up Sidra Amin takes Pakistan to 255

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cancelled the pre-match press conference ahead of the UAE clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

This comes in the light of the handshake row after the India clash. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s training session is proceeding as scheduled.

“Pakistan will not be holding their pre-match press conference today,” the tournament organisers confirmed in a statement ahead of Pakistan’s match against the UAE on Wednesday.

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

READ: Sidra Amin achieves major milestone with century against South Africa

ABU DHABI: Mohammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu’s impressive fifties alongside Junaid Siddique’s four-wicket haul helped UAE seal a comprehensive 42-run win over Oman in the seventh fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Set 173 to chase, Oman were bowled out for a mere 130 in 18.4 overs.

Oman started their innings on a poor note as half of their side went back to the pavilion inside seven overs.

Junaid Siddique made early inroads with the new ball, removing openers Jatinder Singh (20 off 10 balls) and Aamir Kaleem for two runs.

Left-arm spinner Haider Ali and pacer Muhammad Rohid supported Junaid well from the other end, cutting through Oman’s middle order.

As a result, Oman were reduced to 50-5 in 6.5 overs. After early hiccups, Vinayak Shukla and Aryan Bisht stitched a brief stand of 38 runs, which took their total to 88.

However, the partnership was the only silver lining in a shambolic batting display from inexperienced Oman. Bisht remained the top scorer for Oman with 24 off 32 balls.

For UAE, Junaid Siddique remained the standout bowler, scalping four wickets in his four overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, UAE racked up 172-5 in their allocated 20 overs, courtesy of a strong opening partnership.

Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem stitched an 88-run stand in 11 overs. Both batters scored briskly, finishing the powerplay on 56 with a run rate of 8.00.

Jiten Ramanandi broke the dangerous stand with Sharafu’s wicket, who made 51 from 38 balls. He hit seven fours and a maximum in his half-century.

Oman bowlers made a comeback after being toiled in the first 10 overs. Samay Shrivastava picked up dangerous Asif Khan for one run to lift his team.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As a result UAE were 96-2 in 13 overs. Meanwhile, Waseem continued from the other end and paired up with Muhammad Zohaib for another partnership of 49 runs, bringing the total to 145 in 17.5 overs.

Zohaib made 21 off 13 balls with the aid of two sixes and a four, whereas Waseem continued until the run-out in the final over. UAE skipper hit three sixes and six fours on his way to 69 from 54 deliveries.

For Oman, Jiten Ramanandi picked up two wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: Major blow for Afghanistan as key player ruled out of Asia Cup 2025

DUBAI: India produced a ruthless performance to dismantle the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 clash on Wednesday, setting multiple records along the way.

Put into the field by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, India’s bowlers ripped through the UAE batting lineup, dismissing them for just 57 in 13.1 overs, their lowest-ever T20I total.

Their previous worst was 62 against Scotland last year.

The total also went down as the second-lowest in Asia Cup T20 history, behind Hong Kong’s infamous 38 all out against Pakistan in 2022.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

India’s reply was swift and clinical as they chased 58 in just 4.3 overs with 93 balls to spare, the biggest victory margin (by balls remaining) in Asia Cup T20 history.

The previous record also belonged to India, who beat the UAE in the 2016 edition with 59 balls left.

The one-sided affair also placed India second on the all-time T20I list of wins by most balls to spare among full-member nations, behind only England’s 101-ball demolition of Oman in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Most balls to spare in T20I wins by full-member sides

• 101 balls – England vs Oman, North Sound, 2024
• 93 balls – India vs UAE, Dubai, 2025
• 90 balls – Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Chattogram, 2014
• 90 balls – Zimbabwe vs Mozambique, Nairobi, 2024

The contest wrapped up in just 106 deliveries across both innings, the fourth-shortest completed T20I involving a full-member nation.

Fewest balls in a completed T20I (full-member matches)

• 93 balls – Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Chattogram, 2014
• 99 balls – England vs Oman, North Sound, 2024
• 103 balls – Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Sharjah, 2021
• 106 balls – India vs UAE, Dubai, 2025

READ: Zinedine Zidane set to take over France coaching: report