In a match that was more nail-biting than exciting, Pakistan stunned the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs in Dubai and booked their place in the Super 4 round of the 2025 Asia Cup.
They won.
They celebrated.
But fans aren’t impressed.
Why? Because once again, Pakistan’s batting collapsed and only a last-minute heroics from bowler Shaheen Afridi saved them.
Let’s break down the drama, the flaws, and why Captain Salman Agha’s “warning” to India is being called empty talk.
🏏 Match Summary: Pakistan vs UAE – Do-or-Die Win
✅ Pakistan qualifies for Super 4.
❌ But their batting remains a disaster.
🔥 Batting Collapse: Same Old Story
Pakistan got off to a nightmare start:
At one point: 2/9 in the third over.
Middle order: no fight, no fire.
Only two players stood tall:
- Fakhar Zaman: 50 off 36 balls, calm, composed, crucial.
- Shaheen Afridi: 29* off 14 balls, pure chaos with the bat.
Yes, a bowler scored faster than most top-order batters.
One fan tweeted:
“We don’t need a middle order. We just need Shaheen to bat at No. 3.”
💣 Shaheen Afridi Saves the Day Again
When Pakistan looked set to collapse under 120, Shaheen smashed 3 fours and 2 sixes in a 14-ball cameo. His explosive finish pushed the total to 146, a score that seemed impossible 10 overs earlier.
Then, with the ball, he took 2 wickets, proving he’s not just a saviour with the bat but a game-changer.
🎯 Bowling Shines – UAE Crumbles Under Pressure
UAE started strong but couldn’t finish.
Only two batters crossed 20:
- Rahul Chopra: 35
- Dhruv Parashar: 20
Rest? All out cheaply.
Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated:
- Abrar Ahmed: 2/13 in 4 overs – tight, smart, unplayable
- Haris Rauf: 2/18 – pace and precision
- Shaheen Afridi: 2/21 – strike bowler when it mattered
UAE folded for 105 in 17.4 overs. Game over.
📊 Super 4 Qualification: Who Made It?
✅ India & Pakistan advance to Super 4.
❌ UAE and Oman are out.
🗣️ Salman Agha’s Post-Match Speech: Confidence or Confusion?
Captain Salman Agha admitted the team’s flaws:
“We still need to improve our middle-order batting. That is a concern.”
But then came the twist:
“If we continue playing like we have in the last four months, we will do well against any team.”
Fans weren’t buying it.
Why People Are Laughing:
One expert said:
“You can’t threaten India while your No. 4 gets out for 4.”
Another fan wrote:
“First fix your batting, then talk about revenge.”
❌ The Real Problem: Drama Over Development
Before the UAE match:
- PCB threatened to quit the tournament.
- Blamed ICC referee Andy Pycroft for handshake controversy.
- Created global headlines, but not for cricket.
Now?
- No protest.
- No walkout.
- Just a shaky win and big questions.
As one analyst put it:
“Too much noise off the field. Not enough action on it.”
Final Thoughts: Survival ≠ Success
Pakistan made it to the Super 4.
That’s something.
But they didn’t impress.
They didn’t dominate.
They barely survived.
And now, they’re talking about beating India?
To qualify for respect, they need:
- A stable middle order.
- Batters who aren’t afraid of spin.
- Less drama. More discipline.
Because next time, Shaheen might not be there to save them.
Watch Highlights & Join the Debate
🎥 Watch: Shaheen Afridi’s 29* demolition
📢 [Relive UAE’s batting collapse vs Pakistan]
💬 Comment below: Can Pakistan beat India in Super 4, or is this just wishful thinking?