Tag: UAE

SHARJAH: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against the UAE in the second match of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan,  Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman,  Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris,  Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali,  Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem

UAE: Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem, Asif Khan,  Alishan Sharafu,  Rahul Chopra, Ethan DSouza, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other only once in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious in the match by seven wickets, which took place in 2016 during the Men’s T20 Asia Cup.

Matches 1, Pakistan 1, UAE  0

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SHARJAH: The trophy for the T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was unveiled here on Thursday.

The trophy unveiling ceremony took place at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium and was attended by Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, along with Rashid Khan from Afghanistan and Muhammad Waseem from the UAE.

The T20I series will be played from 29 August to 7 September at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.

This series will serve as a launching pad for the teams to prepare for and acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the eight-team ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from 9 to 28 September.

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It’s worth noting that initially, Pakistan were slated to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series in August.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) floated the idea of turning the contest into a tri-nation event and shifting it to the UAE, a move aimed at helping players adapt to the conditions ahead of the Asia Cup.

The opening match of the tri-series tournament will be played between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday, 29 August, with the first ball to be bowled at 7:00 pm local time.

Each team will play the others twice, giving all sides at least four matches before the top two teams qualify for the final, scheduled on 7 September.

Tri-series schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium)

• 29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 7 September – Final – 7pm local time

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DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have unveiled a 15-member squad, led by skipper Muhammad Waseem, for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Sharjah featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The series, running from August 29 to September 7, will act as a tune-up for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off in the UAE on September 9.

Compared to their previous campaign in Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Cup, where they fell short in the final against the hosts, the UAE have expanded their squad from 14 to 15 players.

Four fresh faces, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah, have been drafted in, while Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair miss out this time.

The nucleus of the side remains unchanged, with the experienced Waseem supported by Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, and Rahul Chopra.

Rising talents such as Muhammad Zohaib, the UAE’s standout batter in Uganda, and all-rounder Saghir Khan also retain their places.

Former India opener Lalchand Rajput will continue as head coach.

The UAE will begin their campaign against Pakistan on August 30, before facing Afghanistan on September 1, Pakistan again on September 4, and Afghanistan on September 5.

The final is set for September 7, just two days before the Asia Cup gets underway, where the UAE will share a group with India, Oman, and Pakistan.

It’s worth noting that the squad for the ACC Asia Cup 2025 will be announced separately.

UAE squad for T20I tri-series

Muhammad Waseem (capt), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Saghir Khan.

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The proposed tri-nation T20I series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly in its final stages, with an official announcement expected following today’s Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting.

According to sources, key discussions around the series are set to take place on the sidelines of the ACC sessions, where the proposed schedule and venues will be finalised.

The tri-series is likely to be staged in the UAE ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.

It’s worth noting that initially, Pakistan were slated to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series this August.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) floated the idea of turning the contest into a tri-nation event and shifting it to the UAE, a move aimed at helping players acclimate to the conditions there before the Asia Cup.

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For the unversed, today’s ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM), being held in Bangladesh, has seen strong participation from across the region.

Out of 25 member nations, 24 have confirmed attendance, comfortably crossing the required quorum of 13, in what’s being viewed as a significant diplomatic win for ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.

Despite initial reservations from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Oman Cricket regarding the venue, Naqvi’s efforts ensured that the meeting would proceed as scheduled in Dhaka.

Notably, India is participating virtually, with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expected to attend the session online.

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SHARJAH: A blistering knock from skipper Muhammad Waseem helped the United Arab Emirates (UAE) script history here on Monday as they defeated Bangladesh for the first time ever in international cricket.

The hosts clinched a thrilling two-wicket win in the second T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a daunting 206, the UAE got home with just one ball to spare, thanks to a captain’s knock from Waseem, who smashed 82 off just 42 deliveries, laced with nine fours and five towering sixes.

His fearless strokeplay up top gave the hosts belief, but when he fell in the 15th over with 58 still required, the game was hanging in the balance.

But the UAE middle order showed nerves of steel. Haider Ali, with an unbeaten 16, saw the team through, sneaking a couple off the penultimate delivery after Towhid Hridoy misfielded a potential run-out chance.

Earlier, Bangladesh put up a strong total of 205/5 after being asked to bat by the UAE.

Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a fluent 59 off 33, while skipper Litton Das played the anchor with 40 off 32.

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The pair added 90 for the first wicket before Towhid Hridoy added late fireworks with a brisk 45 off 24.

Muhammad Jawadullah starred with the ball for the hosts, claiming 3/45, while Saghir Khan chipped in with two important scalps.

In reply, the UAE’s batting revolved around Waseem’s brilliance. The right-hander attacked from ball one, putting the Bangladesh bowlers under immense pressure.

Even after his departure, the lower middle order held its nerve to complete one of UAE’s most memorable victories in their cricketing history.

For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam picked two wickets apiece, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Tanvir Islam managed one each.

With the series now level at 1-1, the third and final T20I between Bangladesh and UAE on Wednesday at the same venue promises to be a high-stakes decider.

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Bangladesh will play an additional T20I in the series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of the Pakistan tour.

The third T20I between Bangladesh and the UAE will be played on 21 May in Sharjah. Initially, the series consisted of two T20 Internationals.

In the light of the recent developments, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made this decision due to the uncertainty surrounding the Pakistan tour.

The rationale behind requesting Emirates Cricket Board for an additional T20I is that BCB wants to keep their team in the UAE, this enabling them to travel to Pakistan as planned.

Addtionally, Bangladesh had planned the series against UAE to prepare for the five-match series against Pakistan, which was originally scheduled to commence on 25 May.

However, the escalation between India and Pakistan prompted the disruption of the calendar. The Pakistan Super League, which was initially postponed, returned with the final on 25 May.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent the BCB a new draft schedule, which had the first T20I on May 27 and the last on June 5.

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For the unversed, Bangladesh outplayed UAE in the first T20I by 27 runs, courtesy of Parvez Hossain Emon’s century.

Put into bat, Bangladesh posted 191-7 in their allocated 20 overs. UAE, in reply, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out on 164 runs on the penultimate ball of the innings.

For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud was the stand-out bowler, taking three for 33 in his quota of four overs, while Parvez Hossain Emon was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his sublime century.

Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam

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Bangladesh is set to play a two-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of the Pakistan tour.

Bangladesh will play the T20I series in Sharjah on 17 May and 19 May, marking the start of a packed international season.

Both teams played in Dubai in September 2022, with the visiting team completing a clean sweep by winning both fixtures.

The Emirates Cricket Board’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Subhan Ahmad, expressed excitement about another bilateral series with the UAE team.

“We are excited to host the Bangladesh Men’s team for another bilateral T20I series with the UAE Men’s team. The Emirates Cricket Board is always keen on providing opportunities to the UAE’s national side against quality opponents,” he said.

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“The two-match Bangladesh series will provide an ideal preparation opportunity for UAE ahead of this year’s ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup and we thank Bangladesh Cricket Board for their support for UAE Cricket,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the five-match T20I series will be played in Faisalabad and Lahore from 25 May to 3 June.

Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, which successfully hosted the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup in September last year and National T20 Cup last month, will stage the first and second T20Is of the series, scheduled on 25 and 27 May, respectively.

Iqbal Stadium, which has previously hosted 24 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1978 and 2008, will welcome back international cricket after a 17-year hiatus. The historic venue’s last international fixture was an ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan in April 2008.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining three T20Is, scheduled on 30 May, 1 and 3 June. All five matches will begin at 8pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

The Bangladesh team will arrive on 21 May and will undergo training sessions at the Iqbal Stadium from 22 to 24 May.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday confirmed the squad for the 50-over tri-series and ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024-25 set to take place in UAE from 13 November to 8 December.

Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.

Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.

The Men’s National Selection Committee held trials and selection matches to assemble the 15-member squad out of a 120-player contingent recommended by the 16 regions based on the performances in the Inter-District U19 tournament and the month-long Regional U19 Academies held in August this year.

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Saad Baig-led team will depart for UAE on 9 November from Lahore to feature in a 50-over tri-series, where they will take on hosts UAE in the opening match on 13 November.

The tournament will be played in a double league format with the final between the top two sides slated on 26 November.

In the 50-over U19 Asia Cup, Pakistan U19 are placed in Group A and will take on India on 30 November in their first match of the tournament before taking on UAE and Japan on 2 and 4 December, respectively at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

The top two teams from Group A and B will take on each other in the semi-finals on 6 December with the final taking place on 8 December.

Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour

Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)

*Mohammad Huzaifa is only part of the squad for the tri-series

Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)

Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)

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AL AMERAT: Mohammad Haris’ blistering 71-run knock, followed by Shahnawaz Dahani’s five-wicket haul steered Pakistan Shaheens to a crushing 114-run victory against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 here on Wednesday.

After opting to bat first, Shaheens racked up 179-4 in the allotted 20 overs as Haris notched an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls. Opening batters Omair Bin Yousuf (21, 11b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Yasir Khan (25, 13b, 3x4s, 2x6s) departed inside the Powerplay where Shaheens amassed 49 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Mohammad Haris, who walked into bat after two overs, kept the Shaheens innings intact as he put on 62 runs for the third wicket with Qasim Akram (23, 28b, 1×6).

UAE’s Muhammad Farooq produced a double blow in the 14th over when he dismissed Qasim and Abdul Samad to leave Shaheens 112-4.

Haris was then joined by Haider Ali as the duo accounted for an unbeaten 67-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Haris hit six fours and three sixes while Haider slammed as many sixes and one four in his 17-ball 32 not out.

For UAE, Farooq was the only successful bowler as he returned for 3-27 in his four overs.

In reply, UAE lost wickets at regular intervals as they only managed 28-3 in the first six overs as Dahani struck thrice.

Skipper Rahul Chopra, batting at No. 5, top-scored for his team with 20 off 18 balls hitting three fours while Tanish Suri (15, 15b, 3x4s) and Syed Haider (12, 16b, 1×6) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Dahani registered his career-best T20 bowling figures when he dismissed Akif Raja in the 15th over, finishing with 5-12 in four overs including two maidens.

Sufiyan Moqim picked up two wickets while Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Arafat Minhas dismissed one batter each.

The commanding triumph over UAE, sealed Pakistan Shaheens’ spot in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, set to take place on Friday, 25 October.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that the Pakistan men’s U19 cricket team will take on Afghanistan and the hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a 50-over tri-series from 13 to 26 November.

Pakistan will face the UAE in the event opener (venue to be confirmed in due course) with the tournament to be played on a double-league format and the top two sides qualifying for the final.

This series will be played in the build-up to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 and will provide an excellent opportunity for the three sides to finalise their preparations for the competition, whose details will be announced by the ACC in due course.

With the PCB National U19 Cup (one-day) and Championship (three-day) due to commence in October, these events will be good platforms and opportunities for emerging and talented cricketers to perform consistently so that they can impress the selectors and strengthen their claims for the tri-series and the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup selection.

PCB Director International, Usman Wahla expressed his gratitude towards the Emirates Cricket Board for organizing the series.

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“We are delighted that the Pakistan Men’s U19 team will be taking part in a highly competitive U19 tri-series in the UAE just before the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. This will be a great opportunity for the young players to grow and nurture their skills,” said Wahla.

“The PCB is thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board for arranging this tri-series which also shows strong bilateral ties between both the Boards and our shared commitment towards developing young players.”

Meanwhile, Director National Academy and Head Coach of UAE Men’s U19 team Mudassar Nazar showed believes that the tri-series will be a great platform for youngsters from the participating countries to prepare for U19 Asia Cup.

“The series provides an excellent preparation opportunity for the three teams ahead of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup,” said Nazar.

“UAE had an incredible run in last year’s Asia Cup, playing the final of the prestigious tournament which included cricketing powers like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was a phenomenal achievement indeed.

“U19 events act as a stepping stone for young cricketers and helps them understand the demands of professional cricket. We have an exciting bunch of young cricketers who are set to take UAE cricket forward in the years ahead, these two tournaments will surely help in their cricketing development and grooming.”

U19 tri-series (50 overs) Afghanistan-Pakistan-UAE Schedule

13 November – Pakistan vs UAE

15 November – Afghanistan vs Pakistan

17 November – UAE vs Afghanistan

19 November – Pakistan vs Afghanistan

21 November – Afghanistan vs UAE

23 November – UAE vs Pakistan

26 November – Final

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