PK A vs UAE Highlights: Haris' Heroics And Dahani’s Destructive Spell Power Pakistan To 114-Run Win
Pakistan A defeated UAE by 114 runs [Source: @TheRealPCB/x.com]
Pakistan stormed into the semifinals of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 with a dominant 114-run victory over UAE in Match 11 on Wednesday in Al Amerat.
Here’s the timeline of how PAK A vs UAE panned out in Al Amerat-
Omair Yousuf and Yasir Khan’s Explosive Start Puts Pakistan A on the Front Foot
After electing to bat first, Pakistan A openers were in no mood to beat around the bush. Omair Yousuf went on a rampage early on, smashing UAE’s Omid Rehman for 20 runs in the second over. Yousuf’s aggressive intent set the tone but also led to his run-out off the final ball of that over after scoring 11-ball 21.
Yasir Khan picked up where Yousuf left off, continuing the onslaught before falling to Muhammad Farooq for 25 off 13. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan A had notched up a healthy 48/2.
The Pakistani middle-order, especially captain Mohammad Haris and Qasim Akram, began cautiously, taking time to adjust to the conditions. Haris and Akram focused on rotating the strike and building a partnership, setting the stage for an explosive finish.
Mohammad Haris Takes the Bull by the Horns as Farooq Strikes Twice in One Over
Just when it seemed like Pakistan A would run away with the game, Muhammad Farooq produced a crucial over in the 14th, dismissing Qasim Akram for 23 off 28 balls, followed by Abdul Samad for 1. Farooq’s double strike put the brakes on Pakistan A’s charge, putting the spotlight squarely back on Haris and Haider Ali.
From there on, it was all about the experienced shoulders of Mohammad Haris and Haider Ali. Haris, in particular, rose to the occasion with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, crossing his half-century in style.
Haris (71 off 49 balls) took full advantage of UAE's struggling bowlers, guiding Pakistan A past the 150-mark in the 18th over. With Haider Ali ably supporting him, the pair managed to keep the scoreboard ticking and the run rate soaring.
Haider, who remained unbeaten on 32 off just 17 balls, provided the perfect finishing touch to Pakistan A’s innings. The duo’s unbeaten stand ensured that Pakistan A finished their innings with a bang, setting a massive target of 180 for the UAE to chase down.
Dahani’s Triple Strike Crushes UAE’s Hopes in Powerplay
UAE’s openers came out with positive intent, but their chase quickly fell off the rails. Dahani struck gold in his very first over, removing Aryansh Sharma and setting the tone for Pakistan A. He followed it up with the wickets of Mayank Rajesh Kumar and Tanish Suri, completing a triple strike within the powerplay.
While Suri showed flashes of brilliance with a couple of exquisite shots, he fell prey to Dahani’s pace for 15 off 15 balls. As the powerplay came to an end, UAE found themselves in deep trouble at 24/3, staring down the barrel.
Skipper Rahul Chopra’s Lone Stand Falls Short as Dahani Completes Five-Fer
With the top order back in the hut, UAE’s middle order needed to dig deep to rescue the innings. Skipper Rahul Chopra tried to steady the ship, scoring a fighting 20, but struggled to form any meaningful partnerships.
Dahani returned to the attack and promptly scalped two more wickets, sealing his five-wicket haul. His lethal spell left UAE reeling, and there was no fight left in the tail.
Pakistan A’s bowlers made light work of UAE’s lower order, ensuring the innings came to a swift end at 65. It was a clinical performance led by Dahani, who truly turned the tide for his side with a brilliant spell of bowling.