Asia Cup 2025: Top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 10

The 10th match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 will be played between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on September 17, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

The UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign got off to a poor start as India defeated them by nine wickets in record quick time. But in their subsequent game, they defeated Oman, making a strong comeback. Now that they are playing a lackluster Pakistan team that lost to India, the UAE has a serious opportunity to advance to the Super 4s level.

Pakistan got a fantastic start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, defeating Oman in their opening game. However, India humiliated them in their second encounter in Dubai, sending them to the brink of elimination from the group round. They must defeat the UAE to advance to the Super 4s stage, when they will meet India again.

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 10 of Asia Cup 2025:

1. Saim Ayub vs Junaid Siddique

Saim Ayub has done well with 816 runs at a strike rate of 136 in 43 T20Is with four fifties for the Pakistan team. He has replaced Babar Azam at the top order, and despite an exciting start to his T20I career, Ayub has struggled in the last few matches, scoring two ducks. He has taken wickets with his off-spin but has not been able to do justice to his primary skill. He has the ability to keep quick starts to Pakistan, and that would be needed against UAE.

Junaid Siddique is the ace pace of the UAE, with 105 wickets at an economy of 7.71 in 77 T20Is, with best bowling figures of 4/12. Siddique has been punching above his weight for UAE his whole career, and his nippy pace and ability to swing the ball might entice Ayub, who is struggling with the bat, to hit out against him and get out.

2. Muhammad Waseem vs Shaheen Afridi

Muhammad Waseem is the UAE’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, with 3010 runs at a strike rate of 154.12 in 84 matches, including three centuries and 23 fifties, with a best score of 112. He is the reason why the UAE has been able to be competitive with the bat in T20I cricket of late. Waseem has the ability to take on the best bowlers in powerplays and hit sixes at will.

Shaheen Afridi was hammered by Abhishek Sharma in Pakistan’s second game in the 2025 Asia Cup. However, Afridi has taken 109 wickets with an economy of 7.76 in 87 T20Is with best bowling figures of 4/22 and is the leading pacer for Pakistan in the format. He has the swing and seam movement to trouble Muhammad Waseem in their encounter, given the batter’s tendency for big shots.

3. Alishan Sharafu vs Abrar Ahmed

Alishan Sharafu has 1322 runs at a strike rate of 132.99 in 55 T20Is, including ten half-centuries and a best score of 90*. He scored 51 against Oman to give his team a much-needed win in the 2025 Asia Cup, and his steady batsmanship is what the UAE needs, with other batters playing around him.

Sharafu has been troubled by quality spinners, and Abrar Ahmed could exploit his weakness. Abrar has 24 wickets with an economy of 6.76 in 18 T20Is with best bowling figures of 4/9 for Pakistan, and more often than not, opposition batters avoid taking chances against him. He can give Pakistan a huge boost if he can dismiss Sharafu cheaply.

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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