Abrar Ahmed’s record spell takes Pakistan into the final of UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025

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Pakistan continued their strong run in the United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 with a clinical 31-run victory over the hosts at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. A sparkling half-century from Fakhar Zaman and a sensational spell by Abrar Ahmed proved decisive as Pakistan defended a competitive total to maintain momentum in the tournament.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan made a cautious start but quickly found rhythm thanks to the experienced Fakhar Zaman. Opening the innings, Fakhar looked in imperious touch, timing the ball sweetly and punishing the UAE bowlers whenever they strayed in line.

He struck 77 runs off just 44 balls, laced with 10 fours and 2 sixes, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s innings. His aggressive intent put the opposition under pressure, and though wickets fell at the other end, he held the innings together.

Sahibzada Farhan (16 off 11) and Saim Ayub (11 off 10) fell cheaply, while Agha Salman (7 off 5) couldn’t capitalize on his start. However, Fakhar’s dominance ensured Pakistan stayed on track for a strong total.

Once Fakhar departed, Mohammad Nawaz took charge in the death overs. Batting with composure and power, he scored 37 off 27 balls, striking 3 fours and 2 sixes to push Pakistan past the 170-mark.

Mohammad Haris (14 off 17) and Hasan Nawaz (4 off 6) played supporting roles, but Nawaz’s cameo made the difference in the final overs. Pakistan eventually finished at 171/5 in their 20 overs, a total that looked challenging on the Sharjah surface.

Among UAE’s bowlers, Haider Ali-I was the pick, finishing with 2/17 in 4 overs, including the big wicket of Fakhar. Muhammad Rohid Khan (1/21) also impressed, keeping the run rate in check during the middle overs.

Chasing 172, the UAE needed a strong start, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi (1/23), struck early to put them on the back foot. While Waseem Muhammad (19 off 19) tried to stabilize the innings, it was Alishan Sharafu who took charge of the chase.

Sharafu played one of the best innings of his career, scoring a valiant 68 off 51 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes. His clean hitting gave the hosts hope, but the lack of support from the other end made the chase difficult.

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This is where Abrar Ahmed turned the match decisively in Pakistan’s favour. The leg-spinner delivered his best bowling figures in T20Is, finishing with 4 wickets for just 9 runs in his 4 overs. He dismantled UAE’s middle order, removing key batters like Rahul Chopra and Ethan Dsouza, and ensured Pakistan stayed firmly in control.

Best bowling figures for Abrar Ahmed in T20Is 🔥

Overs: 4Wickets: 4Runs: 9Economy: 2.2#AbrarAhmed #UAEvsPAK #PakistanCricket

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 5, 2025

Dhruv Parashar (18 off 15) and Haider Ali-I (12 off 9) added some late resistance, but the asking rate was too steep. UAE eventually finished at 140/7 in 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs.

For his bowling brilliance, Abrar was adjudged Player of the Match.

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