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United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to face Pakistan in their must-win T20 Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17. Amidst the controversy around handshake snub and match referee Andy Pycroft, UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput feels that the Muhammad Waseem-led side has had experience against Pakistan and they are capable of beating Salman Agha-led Pakistan.
"Yeah, a win is always good. We’ve got to carry this momentum forward. The best thing is that we’ve already played Pakistan in the tri-series, so we know where we stand. It just takes one good performance, and on that particular day, we can definitely make it as a team to the Super Four,” Rajput told the reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“We played very good cricket today, and we’ll try to make sure we bring our best again tomorrow because that’s a do-or-die game for us. It would be huge if we qualify for the last four,” the former India cricketer added.
In their match against Oman, Alishan Sharafu scored 51 runs from 38 balls. Waseem played the anchor knock, scoring 69 runs from 54 balls. After posting 172/5 on the board, left-arm pacer Junaid Siddique claimed a four-fer whereas Haider Ali and Muhammad Jawadullah took two wickets apiece as UAE bowled out Oman for 130 and won by 42 runs.
UAE vs PAK head-to-head
UAE are yet to beat Pakistan in T20Is. Their first clash was in the T20 Asia Cup 2016 when Pakistan beat UAE by seven wickets. In the recently-concluded tri-series, UAE lost both T20Is by 31 runs as they faltered in run chases.
Pakistan’s recent form
In the tri-series final, Pakistan got the better of Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan. In their Asia Cup campaign opener, Pakistan beat Oman by 93 runs. Mohammad Haris starred with a 43-ball 66 to help Pakistan post 160/7. Oman suffered a batting collapse and wre bowled out for 67 in 16.4 overs.
Against India, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered and they managed to post 127/9. India registered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory, chasing down the target with 4.1 overs to spare.
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