Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan vs UAE – Do-or-Die Clash in Dubai

On Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Salman Agha’s Pakistan and Muhammad Waseem’s UAE will square off in a pivotal Group A match. In the current Asia Cup, Pakistani cricket has once again gained attention for reasons other than its performance on the field. Tensions in their camp increased as a result of the handshake incident with the Indian team, leading to a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft.

Pakistan initially threatened to withdraw from the competition unless Pycroft was removed. The ICC agreed to replace him only for this match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai. Pakistan then backed down and decided to play. However, their on-field challenge remains: if the UAE wins this final league game, Pakistan could face an early elimination before the Super Four stage.

After all the distractions, Salman Agha’s team must refocus on cricket to survive in the Asia Cup.

Pakistan’s Challenge: Asif Khan and Muhammad Waseem

Pakistan cannot afford to underestimate the UAE, especially after their strong showing in the Sharjah tri-series. Asif Khan had earlier smashed 77 off 35 balls, including six fours and six sixes, against Pakistan, signaling his destructive potential. Another key batter, Muhammad Waseem, has hit 183 sixes in just 84 T20Is and recently scored 69 off 54 balls against Oman.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s batting has struggled. Opener Saim Ayub has recorded consecutive ducks, and captain Salman Agha has failed to provide stability. Their bowling unit, too, has been inconsistent, with Ayub unexpectedly claiming three wickets against India despite not being a frontline bowler.

To avoid an upset, Pakistan needs strong performances from both batting and bowling departments.

UAE vs Pakistan: Pitch Report

The Dubai pitch is expected to be sporting, offering equal help to batters and bowlers. With three of the last four matches won by chasing sides, teams are likely to prefer batting second.

UAE vs Pakistan: Match Details

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Time: 8:00 PM IST

UAE vs Pakistan: Live Streaming

The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app.

UAE vs Pakistan: Probable Playing XI

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf/Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed

UAE: Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Alishan Sharafu, Junaid Siddique