NEW DELHI: Pakistan set up another politically charged clash with arch-rivals India after securing a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday. The result confirmed both teams’ progression from Group A into the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With the win, Pakistan finished the group stage with 4 points from 3 games, slotting in alongside India, who top the standings with 4 points from 2 games and are yet to play Oman on Friday. Hosts UAE (2 points from 3 matches) and Oman (0 from 2) bowed out of the tournament.
While Group A is settled, Group B remains wide open.
Sri Lanka currently lead the standings with 4 points from 2 games and a strong net run rate (+1.546). Bangladesh sit second with 4 points from 3 games but a negative NRR (-0.270), leaving their fate in the hands of other results.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, hold 2 points from 2 games with an impressive NRR (+2.150) and will face Sri Lanka in a decisive clash on Thursday. Only Hong Kong, winless in three outings, have been eliminated. The final Group B fixture will determine which two teams join India and Pakistan in the Super Four.
On the field, Pakistan endured a shaky start against UAE before Fakhar Zaman’s 50 (36 balls) and Salman Agha’s 20 steadied the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late cameo of 29* lifted Pakistan to 146/9. UAE pacer Junaid Siddique impressed with 4-18, while Simranjeet Singh claimed 3-26.
In reply, UAE managed just 105 in 17.4 overs. Abrar Ahmed (2-13), Shaheen (2-16) and Haris Rauf (2-19) dismantled the hosts’ batting, with only Rahul Chopra offering resistance with 35.
The fixture began an hour late due to Pakistan’s ongoing dispute with match referee Andy Pycroft after the controversial handshake row with India. Despite the drama, Pakistan advanced and will face India again in Dubai on Sunday in what promises to be another fiery encounter.
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 |
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