Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi delivered key performances as Pakistan overcame UAE, securing a crucial victory to advance to the Super 4 stage. | Cricket

In a dramatic turn, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially pulled its team out of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, just hours before their match against UAE; citing inaction and bias by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after Indian players refused to shake hands with their opponents post-match.

Pakistan overcame a brief batting collapse on the field and a tumultuous period off it to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs and qualify for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup cricket tournament in Dubai.

PAK vs UAE, Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf also took 2 wickets as Rahul Chopra's 34 runs ultimately went in vain in Dubai.

Pakistan cancelled its pre-match press conference ahead of their Asia Cup rematch against India in Dubai on Sunday. The team management did not give any specific reasons behind the decision to skip their second consecutive pre-match press conference during the Asia Cup. Apparently, this move was taken to avoid having to discuss the handshakes.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris accidentally hit umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge during the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE. He was immediately taken off the field and replaced by Gazi Sohel, who officiated as on-field umpire in his place.

After boycott drama in the last minute, the match between Pakistan and the UAE is finally underway. UAE have won the toss and opted to bowl first as both teams must win this match to qualify for the Super Four round.

Head-to-Head: UAE have their task cut out in their bid to make history, because Pakistan have won all three games against them in the format. This includes the one in the 2016 Asia Cup. Pakistan also won both matches against UAE of the recent tri-series.