MUSCAT: A stellar performance by Mohammad Haris, who scored an unbeaten 71 off just 49 balls, coupled with a devastating five-wicket haul by Shahnawaz Dahani, propelled defending champions Pakistan A to a commanding victory of 114 runs over the UAE. This victory secured their position in the semi-finals of the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday.
Following a lackluster performance in the previous two matches, Haris made a remarkable comeback, scoring 71 runs with six boundaries and three sixes, leading Pakistan A to a formidable total of 179/4. Haris, in collaboration with Qasim Akram, played a pivotal role in establishing a solid foundation for Pakistan's impressive total with a crucial 62-run partnership. The late-game dynamism was exemplified by Haider Ali, who scored 32 runs from just 17 balls, including three sixes.
Pakistan A's bowling unit then executed a masterful attack on the UAE's batting line-up. Shahnawaz Dahani emerged as the star performer with a dream spell of 5/12, including two wides, while Sufyan Muqeem added to the pressure with 2/17. The UAE struggled to find any rhythm, collapsing for just 65 runs in 16.3 overs.
The UAE's batting collapse was swift, with the team reduced to 24/3 within the powerplay. The wickets fell rapidly as Haris and the rest of the Pakistan attack dismantled the UAE's lineup. Ahmed Daniyal, Abbas Afridi, and Arafat Minhas each took a wicket, leaving the UAE in a state of disarray.
Earlier, Pakistan A opted to bat first, and despite losing opener Omair Yousuf early—run out for a brisk 21 off 11 balls—the team managed to put on a strong start. Yousuf's innings, which included two fours and two sixes, along with Yasir Khan's effortless 25 runs off just 13 balls (3x4, 2x6), helped Pakistan reach 49/2 at the end of the powerplay. Haris and Akram’s solid partnership further consolidated the innings, before Haider Ali's late surge propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 179/4.
For the UAE, Muhammad Farooq was the sole bright spot with the ball, picking up 3/27, but it was insufficient to halt the onslaught from Pakistan's batsmen.
