Pakistan Shaheens continued their dominant run in the Asia Cup Rising Stars by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 9 wickets, topping their group in the process.
UAE won the toss and opted to bat first, but early wickets put them under pressure. Ahmed Tariq was dismissed for a duck on the second ball, caught by Shahid Aziz. Soon after, Arfat Minhas sent back Alishan Sharafu for 3 runs in the second over, while Sohaib Khan was trapped by Ahmed Danial for 2 in the fifth over.
UAE’s batting struggled throughout, eventually being bowled out for 59 runs. Only Syed Haider (20) and Mohammad Faraz-ud-din (12) managed double-digit scores.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils: Sufyan Maqeem took 3 wickets, Ahmed Danial and Moaz Sadaqat claimed 2 each, while Shahid Aziz, Arfat Minhas, and Mohammad Shehzad took one wicket apiece.
Chasing a modest target of 60, Pakistan Shaheens achieved the total in just 5.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Moaz Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 37 off 15 balls, with Ghazi Ghori adding 16 not out, while Mohammad Naeem scored 6 before being dismissed.
The win marks Pakistan Shaheens’ third consecutive victory in the tournament, having already defeated Oman and India A, securing a spot in the semifinals.
