Asia Cup T20 Match 6 Review: Pakistan sees off a spirited challenge from UAE

After two unsuccessful games in the Asia Cup, UAE captain Amjad Javed decided to bat first and hoped their impressive bowling attack could band together once again and defend a total in the region of 120-130. His team put in a good effort and had its moments before Pakistan batted sensibly to register their first win in the competition. UAE made one change with Sialkot-born Usman Mushtaq coming into the XI in place of Saqlain Haider. Pakistan made a change as well with fast bowler Wahab Riaz taking a rest and left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz making his debut.

UAE got off to a horrible start losing 3 quick wickets. Mohammad Sami removed Rohan Mustafa (1) as the left-hander failed to clear mid-off and gave a simple catch to Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi. Muhammad Kaleem (1) was cleaned up by Mohammad Amir from round the wicket while Mohammad Shahzad (5) found Mohammad Irfan’s bounce tough to handle and gave a catch to Sarfraz Ahmed behind the stumps.

With the score on 12/3 off 4 overs, UAE needed their experienced batsman Shaiman Anwar to step up and he did so in fine style. Anwar counter-attacked and made a brilliant 46 off 42 including 5 fours and 2 sixes before becoming Irfan’s second and final wicket of the innings. Usman Mushtaq (9) was dismissed by Afridi prior to Anwar and the latter’s wicket made it 72/5 from 13.4 overs.

UAE needed another partnership to have a say in the match and Muhammad Usman (21 off 17) and skipper Javed (27 not out off 18) batted exactly as the situation demanded. Usman smashed 2 fours and 1 four while Javed’s edges and use of long handle produced 3 fours and 2 maximums. Mohammad Naveed also swung his bat for a four and a six in an unbeaten 10 off 5 that helped his team to a competitive total.

Pakistan was rocked early in their chase as Sharjeel Khan (4) was out LBW to Javed in the 2nd over. He was unlucky as replays confirmed that the ball would have missed the stumps on height. The skipper made it 2 for the over by removing Khurram Manzoor for a duck. The right-hander’s attempted cut shot took the edge and gave Swapnil Patil an easy catch behind the stumps.

When Mohammad Hafeez (11) was caught at cover off the bowling of Javed, Pakistan was reduced to 17/3 in 3.1 overs and an upset seemed possible considering the form of their batsmen. Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik though looked intent on spending time in the middle and building a partnership.

The two experienced batsmen weathered the storm even as the asking rate kept climbing. UAE bowled tight lines, however, failed to produce a wicket that could have further dented Pakistan’s chances. With 66 runs required from 42 balls, Malik hammered Naveed for a four while Akmal’s six in the same over swung the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Malik was dropped when his side needed 39 off 25 and this deflated UAE’s hopes of pulling off a win. With 27 needed off 18, Javed returned to complete his spell, however, was hammered for 23 as Pakistan inched closer. Mallik remained unbeaten on 63 off 49 including 7 fours and 3 sixes while Akmal’s 50 off 46 included 2 fours and 3 maximums as they overhauled the target in the 19^th over.

Brief Scores:

United Arab Emirates – 129/6 in 20 overs (Shaiman Anwar 46; Mohammad Amir 2/6)

Pakistan – 131/3 in 18.4 overs (Shoaib Malik 63*; Amjad Javed 3/36)

Man of the match: Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)

How did Twitter react to Pakistan’s win? – Twitter Reactions: Akmal, Malik take Pakistan home after early scare