Pakistan Clinch Series with Dominant Win Over UAE Despite Asif Khan’s Late Fireworks
Pakistan registered their second win in as many days with a commanding 31-run victory over the UAE in the second T20I in Sharjah. Despite a ferocious late onslaught by Asif Khan, who blasted a 35-ball 77, the match had long tilted in Pakistan's favor, thanks to a formidable total of 207 and disciplined bowling throughout the middle overs.
Ayub and Nawaz Lead Pakistan’s Charge
Spearheading Pakistan’s innings were Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz, both of whom struck explosive half-centuries. Ayub, in particular, was at his vintage best, hammering a 38-ball 69 that laid a strong foundation. His onslaught began in the third over with 22 runs off Junaid Siddique and didn’t let up even after the Powerplay, as he raced to a 25-ball fifty.
Hasan Nawaz took the baton next, punishing UAE's premier spinner Haider Ali for 18 runs in three balls before falling for 56. With both set batters dismissed and six wickets down at 163, Pakistan could have faltered. However, a crucial late burst from Faheem Ashraf (16), Mohammad Nawaz (25), and Hasan Ali (9) ensured they crossed the 200-run mark, finishing with 207—Pakistan’s joint third-highest T20I total.
UAE's Stuttering Chase
In reply, UAE’s chase hinged on their captain Muhammad Waseem, who got off to a brisk start with 33 runs. But a disastrous run-out at the end of the Powerplay derailed their hopes. Two wickets in two balls snuffed out any early momentum, and Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Mohammad Nawaz and Ayub, applied a stranglehold through the middle overs.
By the time Asif Khan began his assault, the result was already beyond doubt.
Asif Khan’s Late Brilliance
Asif Khan provided fireworks at the end, but they came far too late to influence the outcome. After scoring just 11 off his first 12 balls, Asif launched a savage counterattack, punishing Pakistan’s bowlers for 66 runs off his final 22 deliveries. He tore into Sufiyan Muqim, Hasan Ali, and Salman Mirza in particular, momentarily lifting UAE’s net run rate above Afghanistan’s.
Despite his onslaught, UAE could only manage 176 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan's Bowling and the Bigger Picture
Hasan Ali was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3 for 47, though he proved expensive. The rest of the attack shared wickets and control, squeezing UAE out of the match long before Asif’s blitz.
The win not only hands Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the series but also reinforces their strategy of batting deep, as backed by team director Mike Hesson. With both games showcasing dominant performances, Pakistan have sent a strong message ahead of future T20I contests.
Match Summary:
Pakistan 207 all out (Saim Ayub 69, Hasan Nawaz 56, Saghir 3-44)
UAE 176/8 (Asif Khan 77, Waseem 33, Hasan Ali 3-47)
Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
Next Match: Pakistan vs UAE – 3rd T20I, Sharjah – September 1, 2025.