Pakistan Avenge Political Tensions with Win Over UAE, Set Up Another India Showdown

Dubai - Pakistan secured a spot in the Asia Cup Super Four stage with a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in a politically charged match on Wednesday. The win sets up a highly anticipated rematch with arch-rivals India.

The match, held in Dubai, was delayed by an hour as a dispute over a handshake row with India threatened to derail Pakistan's participation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had considered pulling out of the tournament and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who oversaw Sunday's game where the victorious Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. However, after urgent talks between the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC), the match proceeded with Pycroft remaining in his role.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 146-9. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a well-made 50 off 36 balls, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi provided a crucial late surge with an unbeaten 29. For the UAE, Junaid Siddique was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with an impressive 4-18, while Simranjeet Singh took 3-26.

In their chase, the UAE struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Spinner Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan's bowling attack with figures of 2-13, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who both claimed two wickets each. Rahul Chopra was the top scorer for the UAE with 35 runs.

The victory means Pakistan joins India in the Super Four from Group A, with the two teams set to clash again in Dubai on Sunday. Speaking after the match, Haris Rauf stated that Pakistan would be more competitive in the rematch, acknowledging their subpar performance in the first encounter.

Meanwhile, the other Super Four spot from Group B is still up for grabs, with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan facing off to determine who will join Bangladesh in the next round.