3 Reasons Why UAE Lost to PAK in the 10th Match of T20 Asia Cup 2025

Under the floodlights, Dubai felt like a furnace as the United Arab Emirates flirted with upset against Pakistan for just a moment. While chasing an imposing 147, the UAE started positively, Alishan Sharafu lofting one for four and Rahil Chopra coolly stroking a 35 that suggested there was some substance about the chase. But that promise soon faded as the wickets fell and the momentum ebbed away, Pakistan eventually winning by 41 runs, while UAE could reflect on the opportunities they let go by – slipping through their fingers like sand.

A middle-order collapse that killed momentum

Despite a solid Powerplay, the UAE’s run chase faltered as they were unable to form partnerships. A brief 35 runs from Chopra and 20 from Dhruv Parashar held out some promise, but then, when Chopra fell at 85, the scoreboard went into freefall: seven wickets fell for just 20 runs. The middle and lower orders offered little resistance – Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, and Simranjeet Singh were essentially contributions without being able to contribute at least something useful, and Junaid Siddique and the tail could not stabilize the ship. A T20 match is won or lost in partnerships, and the UAE was unable to get the momentum to capitalize on the starts they were able to develop.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s all-around match-turner

In this instance, Pakistan’s match-winner was a singular performance. Shaheen’s late flourish of 29 from 14 took Pakistan to a total that looked larger on the scorebook than the quality of the pitch warranted. More significantly, his two wickets and tidy economy with the ball kept the UAE’s rhythm out of sync. He struck early to remove the in-form opener and returned in the closing overs to break the building momentum, showing indecision in the ranks. When a pacer cannot only generate runs important in a match, but also return to break partnerships, the opposition is left to scratch their heads.

Extras, fielding sloppiness, and poor chase tactics

Minor mistakes snowballed into a mountain. The UAE presented Pakistan eight wides and a no-ball, some free runs, and a few extra deliveries in the innings – a couple of rubbish moments in the field and scrappy backing-up shouldered some of the blame. Batting-wise, the UAE was too reliant on Chopra to hold one end, rather than contribute to turning the strike: several batters pushed at balls outside off stump, rather than farming singles and rotating the strike, which meant that the run rate inched up. The passive nature against disciplined seam and spin created pressure and led to collapse.

Ultimately, the UAE demonstrated moments of brilliance; there were bowling bursts that challenged Pakistan and short phases of responsible hitting, but the game’s scorebook is a cruel document. The collapse of the middle-order, the two-handed influence of Shaheen Afridi, and unnecessary indiscipline turned a promising platform into a disappointing early exit. Pakistan played a clinical game; the UAE were gallant, but incredibly inexperienced under pressure.

FAQ

1. What was the main reason the UAE lost to Pakistan?

A middle-order collapse where they lost seven wickets for just 20 runs cost them the chase.

2. Who was the standout performer in the match?

Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with 29* off 14 and 2/16, sealing both bat and ball dominance.

3. Did the UAE’s bowlers perform well despite the loss?

Yes, Junaid Siddique (4/18) and Simranjeet Singh (3/26) restricted Pakistan effectively.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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