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After much drama over presence of match referee Andy Pycroft, the group stage clash between Pakistan and UAE took place on September 17. The match got delayed by an hour and Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) threat about pulling out of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 to the International Cricket Council (ICC) turned out to be empty. Pakistan took the field, their batting faltered again, but old guard Fakhar Zaman’s fifty and Shaheen Afridi’s all-round show helped them beat UAE by 41 runs and stay alive in the tournament. After the game, Haris Rauf turned up for the post-match presentation and dodged any questions around PCB’s threat to pull out of the tournament.
“I wasn’t feeling any pressure. This is not in my control. These are decisions for the board; it’s their headache,” Rauf told the reporters. “For me, I had to play the match, my focus was on that. The management have handled things pretty well.”
Despite Zaman's half-century, Pakistan were struggling as none of the batters made a mark. In the last few overs, Afridi came to rescue once again. He scored 29 runs from 14 balls to take Pakistan to a fighting total of 146/9. UAE batters lacked the experience to take the team over the line. From 85/3 in the 14th over, they were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.
Rauf on batting issues and parallels with Champions Trophy 2017 campaign
Pakistan have made it to the Super 4 stage of the tournament. They will face India in their first Super 4 clash on September 21 (Sunday). On being asked whether Pakistan can repeat the heroics of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and whether he gets a chance against India after missing the first game, Rauf said that it is up to the coaches. Also, he feels that the batters will discuss and figure out what they need to do to prevent collapses.
“It’s not my domain to speak on who plays and who doesn’t—that’s for the coaches and captain,” Rauf said.
“As a player, if we get the opportunity, it’s on us to make the most of it. As for the batsmen, I’m sure they are discussing things among themselves. We have a few days before the next game, so hopefully we can prepare well.”
Rauf’s crucial strikes
Rauf came back into the side and got two crucial wickets. He broke the fourth wicket partnership with Dhruv Parashar's wicket. He dismissed Haider Ali as well. He bowled 2.4 overs and conceded 19 runs.
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