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Emerging Asia Cup: Pakistan Shaheens qualify for semifinals after convincing win over UAE

The Shaheens began their innings with Omair Bin Yousuf and Yasir Khan at the crease

Emerging Asia Cup: Pakistan Shaheens qualify for semifinals after convincing win over UAE PHOTO: PCB

In a thrilling encounter at the ACC Emerging Team T20 Asia Cup, Pakistan Shaheens secured a spot in the semifinals by defeating the UAE by 74 runs in a crucial virtual quarter-final on Wednesday.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 179 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, thanks to a stellar performance from their skipper, Mohammad Haris. The aggressive opener played a brilliant innings, scoring 71 runs off just 49 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. Haris, who dropped down the batting order following two consecutive failures as an opener, showcased his explosive style, remaining unbeaten until the end.

The Shaheens began their innings with Omair Bin Yousuf and Yasir Khan at the crease. Omair set the tone with a quickfire 21 runs before being unfortunate to get run out. Yasir, meanwhile, provided solid support to Haris, contributing valuable runs and boosting the team's momentum.

UAE's bowling attack was led by Muhammad Farooq, who cleverly dismissed Yasir with a well-executed delivery. Yasir attempted to play with the spin but failed to clear the long-on boundary, resulting in a spectacular catch by UAE skipper Rahul Chopra. In a dramatic moment, Chopra fell hard on his back while making the catch and required medical attention before returning to the field.

With the Shaheens firmly in control, Haris continued to dominate the UAE bowlers, while Qasim Akram managed a modest 23 runs. Haider Ali, making a return after resting in the previous match, proved his worth by scoring a brisk 32 runs off 17 balls, including one boundary and three sixes, further solidifying Pakistan’s position.

Chasing a daunting target, the UAE struggled against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. They were bundled out for a mere 65 runs in 16.3 overs, with no batsman able to make a significant contribution. The Shaheens' bowlers executed their plans effectively, leaving the UAE batsmen in disarray.

This comprehensive victory not only secured Pakistan Shaheens' place in the semifinals but also highlighted the team's depth and resilience.

PLAYING XI

Pakistan Shaheens: Mohammad Haris (c), Yasir Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Haider Ali, Arafat Minhas, Qasim Akram, Abdul Samad, Shahnawaz Dahani, Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Ahmed Daniyal

UAE: Aryansh Sharma, Mayank Kumar, Tanish Suri, Rahul Chopra (c), Syed Haider, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Sanchit Sharma, Akif Raja, Muhammad Farooq, and Omid Shafi Rahman