Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha Fires Warning to India as Pakistan Set Up Super Four Clash

Pakistan stumbled but ultimately secured their spot in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2025 after overcoming the UAE by 41 runs in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Despite a batting collapse that left them at 93 for 6 in the 16th over, cameos from Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36) and Shaheen Afridi (29* off 14) lifted them to 146 for 9.

The total proved enough as Abrar Ahmed (2-13), Shaheen (2-16) and Haris Rauf (2-19) bowled the UAE out for 105 in 17.4 overs. Rahul Chopra top-scored for the UAE with 35.

The win came after a turbulent week. Pakistan had earlier threatened to boycott their must-win game against the UAE unless match referee Andy Pycroft was replaced, accusing him of misconduct during the toss of their previous clash with India. The game eventually started an hour late after the PCB claimed Pycroft apologised.

Pakistan will next face arch-rivals India on Sunday in Dubai, a match expected to carry extra drama following the controversy over India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players in the group stage. India had dominated that encounter, winning by seven wickets.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the need for improvement despite the victory. “We got the job done but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push totals to 170 no matter the opposition,” he said.