Pakistan booked their spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with a nervy win over the UAE, in a match that once again tested the patience of their fans. While it wasn’t a perfect performance, it was certainly an improvement from their drubbing at the hands of India just days earlier.

Batting first after being put in, Pakistan found themselves in serious trouble at 93 for 6 in the 16th over. But a crucial late cameo from Shaheen Shah Afridi (29* off 14 balls) lifted them to a respectable total of 146 for 9. Fakhar Zaman was the only top-order batter to make a notable contribution, scoring 50 off 36.

Pakistan’s bowlers then stepped up to the task. Spinner Abrar Ahmed impressed with figures of 2 for 13, while Shaheen (2 for 16) and Haris Rauf (2 for 19) ensured the UAE never got close, bowling them out for 105 in 17.5 overs. Rahul Chopra was the only bright spark for the UAE with a composed 35, but it wasn’t enough.

The win sets up another high-voltage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Super Four, scheduled for Sunday in Dubai. However, tensions are already running high off the field following the controversial group-stage encounter between the two teams.

During that game, India captain Suryakumar Yadav notably did not shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The Indian team reportedly adopted a “businesslike” approach, avoiding handshakes before and after the match. Pakistan viewed this as unsportsmanlike behaviour and lodged an official complaint, even demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft for alleged misconduct. The PCB initially refused to play their match against UAE unless Pycroft was removed, delaying the fixture by an hour before it eventually began — only after, according to PCB, Pycroft issued an apology.

Despite the drama, Salman remains focused. “We’re ready for any challenge,” he said after the match. “If we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side.”

Still, the Pakistan captain admitted the team’s middle-order batting needs work. “We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just getting to 150 — if we fix the middle overs, we can push to 170 no matter the opposition.”