Pakistan seal final berth as Fakhar and Abrar headline commanding win
Hosts UAE eliminated after a sloppy display in the field, and eventually fell well short in a chase of 172
Hosts UAE eliminated after a sloppy display in the field, and eventually fell well short in a chase of 172
Scorer: Chetan Kumar | Commentator: Rvel Zahid
We'll look forward to your company tomorrow. Until then, on behalf of Chetan Kumar, it's goodbye and good night!
Abrar Ahmed, Player of the Match: I was watching the earlier matches and looking at the pitch conditions so I bowled accordingly. I hadn't analysed the batters much before but this time I sat down with Talha and observed each batter especially Waseem bhai. I try to bowl based on the pitch. Yes, there is a bit of extra pressure but the captain told me to be ready at any stage. He has a lot of belief in me so I'm always ready to step in
Muhammad Waseem, UAE Captain: We were doing well and aiming to restrict them under 150, but yes, we dropped some crucial catches. Our plan was to bat a bit longer but maybe we chose the wrong balls to go after. (On learnings) We learned a lot, especially how to manage ourselves under pressure and how to bat smarter. The top three batters need to play the first 15 overs and then accelerate from there
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan Captain: I think we started well in the powerplay but lost too many wickets in the middle overs. Fakhar and Nawaz played outstandingly well. Fakhar is a match-winner--he doesn't always get the respect he deserves but he showed his (class) today. Nawaz has been doing well since his comeback. I think today the ball gripped and turned the most. It was difficult to adjust. Credit goes to Fakhar and Nawaz; they gave us those extra 20 runs. We knew if we got to 170, we could defend it. Abrar is a match-winner. And the way Shaheen is bowling is outstanding. Everyone chipped in but the pick of the bowlers has to be Abrar. We just come to the ground, assess the conditions, and use our bowlers accordingly. Bowling is always going to depend on the pitch. As for the batting, it's settled.
Pakistan got enough runs on the board, thanks to a rearguard effort from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz. Both resurrected the innings successfully as UAE's inexperience came into play--they capitulated towards the death, bowling loose and giving away plenty. Pakistan then tightened the screws with spin as Abrar picked up 4 for 9 and completely changed the complexion of the game. Shaheen was superb in his quota of overs and it was a well-knit bowling performance overall. Alishan Sharafu showed brilliant resistance with a lone hand but there was no substantial contribution from the other end. The belief dipped once Muhammad Waseem perished and there wasn't much resistance thereafter. Pakistan bag another win and remain at the top of the table
Yushey Al Tusi: "Despite the loss, UAE should hold their heads high. They really were on top for much of the first innings against a prominent test-nation. And they do have talented batters, who seem to have rediscovered their form in the right time. All this should boost their confidence ahead of Asia Cup. "
Rana Sajjad : "What is the pronunciation of your name Rvel. Is v a silent text.'' Nope, it's loud, goes like Ra-whale
Zubair Islam : "19.5 Haris didn't remove the bails.... wanted to give chance to the batter"
Owais : "Rvel, what do you think about Salman Mirza? a justified replacement for Abbas Afridi who can tonk a few as well?" Think they are looking for a wicket-taking option and he was impressive in the PSL. Abbas is at good at death and clever with his slow ball variations.
Haider Ali run out 12 (13m 9b 1x4 0x6) SR: 133.33
Amir Sohail: "Played Cricket with Salman Mirza (In Tape ball Tournaments) He usually bowel very fast. "
Junaid : "Fielding has been the major difference between these two teams"
Hosts UAE eliminated after a sloppy display in the field, and eventually fell well short in a chase of 172