COLOMBO — Pakistan secured a commanding 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in their final Asia Cup 2023 group stage match at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Super Four clash against arch-rivals India.
After being put into bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 324 for 6, their highest-ever ODI score against the UAE. In response, the UAE batting lineup showed resilience but ultimately fell short, bowled out for 283 in 49.5 overs. The result confirms Pakistan's progression to the next stage, where they will face India on Sunday in a match that promises to be a blockbuster event.
A Record-Breaking Innings
The foundation of Pakistan's victory was laid by a dominant batting performance. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman provided a steady start, but it was the middle order that truly accelerated the innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was the standout performer, crafting a masterful 86 not out from 73 deliveries, an innings peppered with 8 fours and 2 sixes.
Rizwan found a perfect partner in Iftikhar Ahmed, who unleashed a brutal assault on the UAE bowlers in the death overs. Iftikhar bludgeoned an unbeaten 71 off just 51 balls, a knock that included 4 towering sixes. Their unbroken 129-run partnership for the fifth wicket propelled Pakistan past the 320-mark, leaving the UAE bowlers with no answers. Reflecting on the partnership, Rizwan stated, "The plan was to build a partnership and then attack at the end. Iftikhar played brilliantly and we executed perfectly."
UAE's Valiant Chase Falls Short
Facing a mammoth target, the UAE innings began shakily, losing early wickets to the pace of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, a magnificent century from captain Muhammad Waseem gave his team a glimmer of hope. Waseem played a captain's knock, scoring 112 runs from 109 balls, displaying a wide array of shots and fighting spirit against a world-class bowling attack.
He received crucial support from Aayan Afzal Khan, who contributed a spirited 55. Their 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket kept the UAE in the hunt and forced Pakistan's bowlers to work for every wicket. Despite the pressure, Pakistan's bowling unit held its nerve. Key contributions came from:
- Haris Rauf: The fiery pacer picked up 3 wickets for 53 runs, breaking the dangerous partnership and stemming the flow of runs.
- Naseem Shah: The young quick was economical and potent, taking 2 for 40 in his 10 overs.
- Shadab Khan: The vice-captain chipped in with 2 crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Pakistan's fielding, however, was uncharacteristically sloppy, with several dropped catches allowing the UAE to extend their innings. Captain Babar Azam acknowledged this, saying, "We got the win, which is the main thing, but we have to be sharper in the field against stronger opponents. We will work on that."
The Road to the India Showdown
This victory was crucial for Pakistan's momentum. After a convincing win against Nepal in their opening match, this performance, particularly with the bat, will give the team immense confidence. The top order will want to convert starts into bigger scores, but the firepower shown by Rizwan and Iftikhar in the middle and death overs is a significant positive. The bowling attack, despite the dropped catches, showed its class by defending the total comfortably.
The focus now shifts entirely to the marquee matchup against India. The two teams have a storied rivalry in the Asia Cup, and this encounter is set to be another thrilling chapter. The match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Weather permitting, fans around the world are in for a cricketing spectacle. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem praised the victors, noting, "Playing against a top team like Pakistan is a great learning experience for us. They were clinical with the bat and their bowlers had too much quality for us in the end."
What to Expect: Pakistan vs. India
The upcoming match is more than just two points; it's about pride, momentum, and psychological advantage. Both teams boast formidable bowling attacks. Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will be up against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. The battle between Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and the Indian bowling unit will be key, as will the contest between Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Pakistan's fiery quicks.
The conditions in Kandy are expected to offer assistance to both pacers and spinners, making it a balanced contest. The team that handles the pressure better, holds their catches, and seizes the key moments will likely emerge victorious. For Pakistan, the victory over UAE was a necessary step, but the entire cricketing nation now looks toward the ultimate test. As Babar Azam succinctly put it in the post-match presentation, "We are excited for the India match. It is always a high-pressure game, and we will give our best as always."
With the group stages concluded, the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup is set to begin, featuring the top teams from the region. Pakistan's comprehensive win has not only secured their place but has also sent a strong message to their rivals. The stage is now set for another epic encounter between cricket's greatest rivals, promising a display of skill, passion, and high-octane drama.