Fakhar–Nawaz blitz, Abrar’s 4-9 fire Pakistan into tri-series final

The result also confirms Afghanistan’s place in the title decider and leaves the UAE out

Pakistan have wrapped up their group campaign with a commanding 31-run win over the UAE to book a place in the tri-nation final in Sharjah.

At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, their victory, by extension, confirmed Afghanistan as the other finalist. The UAE, beaten for the third match running, are out with a game still to play.

Salman Ali Agha’s side were in deep trouble at 80 for five in the 12th over before Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz launched a record, unbeaten rescue act.

Pakistan were only 129 after 18 overs but plundered 42 off the last two, including eight fours and a six in the final 10 balls, to post 171.

Fakhar, out of touch in the first three games, roared back with 77 not out off 44, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. Nawaz, in at No 7, finished 37 not out off 27, including three fours and two sixes. Both batters survived chances.

Their 91-run stand off 51 balls is Pakistan’s highest for the sixth wicket or lower in T20s, surpassing the 82 added by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan against South Africa in Sydney at the 2022 T20 World Cup.

In reply, the UAE mustered 140. Alishan Sharafu was the lone fighter with 68 off 51, but Abrar Ahmed cut through with a superb 4 for 9 from four overs to take man of the match honours.