A win would have secured hosts United Arab Emirates a place in the Super Four, and they did well to restrict Pakistan to a modest total. However, a batting collapse saw them bundled out with 14 balls to spare, handing Pakistan a comfortable victory.

In their final group-stage match of the ongoing Asia Cup, Pakistan defeated hosts UAE by 41 runs on Wednesday (17 September) to confirm their place in the Super Four as the second team from Group A, alongside India.

With this result, Pakistan finished the group stage with 4 points from 2 wins in 3 matches. India had already booked their spot in the Super Four earlier, winning both of their first two games to collect 4 points.

Meanwhile, UAE ended their campaign in third place with 2 points from 1 win in 3 matches. Oman, who lost both of their first two games, will face India in their final group match on Friday (19 September).

Wednesday’s game between Pakistan and UAE began an hour late. Winning the toss, UAE opted to field first.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 146 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s half-century. Zaman and captain Salman Agha steadied the innings with a 61-run stand off 51 balls for the third wicket after early setbacks.

Zaman departed with the score at 86, and Pakistan soon slipped to 110 for 7, losing three quick wickets. Their hopes of a big total faded. Zaman made 50 off 36 balls with two fours and three sixes.

In the death overs, Mohammad Haris and Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed crucial runs to take Pakistan to 146 for 9.

In reply, UAE got off to a decent start but lost wickets at regular intervals. They were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, falling short by 41 runs. Pakistan thus sealed their place in the Super Four with a commanding win.