In a thrilling development from Dubai, Pakistan emerged victorious over the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs, cementing their place in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage. This win orchestrates another high-voltage encounter with India on Sunday, a clash always brimming with political and cricketing intensity. Both teams have now advanced from Group A, promising more excitement ahead.
Pakistan concluded the group stage with four points from three matches, positioning themselves alongside India, who currently lead Group A with four points from two games and are yet to play Oman. As a result, hosts UAE, with two points from three matches, and Oman, with no points from two games, have been eliminated from the tournament.
The scenario in Group B is considerably more open and competitive. Sri Lanka currently holds the top spot with four points from two matches and an impressive net run rate of +1.546. Bangladesh is close behind in second place with four points from three matches, though they carry a negative net run rate of -0.270, leaving their Super Four hopes contingent on other results. Afghanistan, with two points from two games and a formidable net run rate of +2.150, is poised for a decisive showdown against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Only Hong Kong, having lost all three of their matches, has been knocked out. The upcoming final Group B fixture will determine which two teams will progress to join India and Pakistan in the Super Four stage.
Reflecting on their match against the UAE, Pakistan experienced a tentative start before Fakhar Zaman’s crucial 50 runs off 36 balls and Salman Agha’s contribution of 20 runs stabilized their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi then provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 29 runs, helping Pakistan reach a total of 146/9. For the UAE, pacer Junaid Siddique delivered an impressive performance, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs, while Simranjeet Singh also made an impact with 3 wickets for 26 runs.
In their chase, the UAE managed to score only 105 runs within 17.4 overs. Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Abrar Ahmed (2-13), Shaheen Afridi (2-16), and Haris Rauf (2-19), effectively dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup. Rahul Chopra was the lone batsman to offer significant resistance, scoring 35 runs.
The match itself faced an hour-long delay stemming from Pakistan’s ongoing disagreement with match referee Andy Pycroft, following a controversial handshake incident involving India. Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan successfully secured their advancement and is now preparing to renew their rivalry with India in Dubai this Sunday, an encounter expected to be fiercely contested.
Latest Asia Cup Points Table:
| Group A | Match | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Points | NRR |
| India (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +4.793 |
| Pakistan (Q) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.790 |
| UAE (E) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -1.984 |
| Oman (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3.375 |
| Group B | |||||||
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.546 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.270 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +2.150 |
| Hong Kong (E) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.151 |