Wow, just wow. If you were hoping for a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thriller today, you definitely tuned into the wrong match. What we witnessed from Pakistan A in the ACC Mens Asia Cup Rising Stars was nothing short of a demolition job. They absolutely dismantled the United Arab Emirates, securing a massive 9-wicket victory that felt more like a training session than a competitive game. The match was over so fast you might have missed it if you blinked.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Pakistan A won by 9 wkts in a completely one-sided affair against the UAE.
- ✓ UAE was bundled out for a meager 59 runs in just 18 overs. What's particularly interesting is
- ✓ Pakistan A chased the target in a blistering 5. 2 overs, scoring 61/1.
- ✓ Maaz Sadaqat was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting.
- ✓ The match took place at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha.
A Tale of Two Innings
Let's set the scene. One key aspect to consider is The UAE came out to bat, and it was clear from the get-go that they were in for a tough day at the office. Pakistan's bowlers were relentless, and the UAE batting lineup simply had no answers. To be bowled out for just 59 runs in 18 overs tells you everything you need to know. It was a clinical and ruthless performance from the Pakistani side, who never gave their opponents a moment to breathe.
With a tiny target of 60 to win, the only question was how quickly Pakistan would get it done. The answer. Incredibly quickly. They came out with aggressive intent, clearly looking to make a statement and boost their net run rate. This brings us to This wasn't just about winning; it was about sending a message to the rest of the competition that they mean business.
The Maaz Sadaqat Spectacle
When you're chasing a small total, you need someone to take charge, and today, that man was Maaz Sadaqat. He was the star of the show and deservedly walked away with the Player of the Match award. His innings wasn't long, but it was packed with power and authority. Let's break down the final few overs of this short, explosive chase to really appreciate the spectacle.
The third over, bowled by Muhammad Rohid Khan, was already showing signs of what was to come, with Pakistan reaching 31/1. But it was the fourth over that really put the match to bed. The right-arm medium pacer Muhammad Arfan came into the attack, and Sadaqat decided it was time to unleash. He smashed two colossal sixes—one over long-on and another over long-off. The ball was just flying off his bat, and the UAE fielders could only watch. That over went for a whopping 14 runs, and Pakistan raced to 45/1.
By the end of that assault, Sadaqat was already on 31 from just 12 balls, playing with complete freedom. His partner, Ghazi Ghori, was playing the smart role, rotating the strike and giving the man in form as much of the bowling as possible. The writing was on the wall, and it was written in bold letters.
Finishing with a Flourish
The fifth over, with Muhammad Rohid Khan continuing, saw Sadaqat add another boundary to his tally with a classy shot to third man. He was finding the gaps with ease, and by this point, the UAE team looked completely deflated. The score ticked over to 53/1, just a handful of runs away from the target. You could feel the end was near.
Then came the final act. Left-arm fast-medium bowler Muhammad Jawadullah was brought into the attack, but it was too little, too late. Ghazi Ghori, who had been playing second fiddle, decided to join the party. Research findings show that He hit back-to-back fours to seal the deal in style. The first went to deep mid-wicket, and the winning runs came from a boundary to third man. And just like that, in 5. 2 overs, it was all over. Pakistan A had romped home with an emphatic 9-wicket win.
A Pattern of Dominance
Here's the thing: this dominant performance isn't an anomaly. It's the third straight win for this incredible Pakistan U19 side, also known as the Pakistan Shaheens. Led by captain Irfan Khan, they now sit firmly at the top of the table in Group B. They've been on a roll, having previously thrashed Oman and, more impressively, their arch-rivals India A last week.
That match against India A was particularly special. Pakistan staged a stunning comeback, bowling out India for 136 after they were cruising at 91 for three. They then chased down that target with a massive 40 balls to spare. This team knows how to perform under pressure and how to capitalize when they have their opponents on the ropes. They are playing with a swagger and confidence that is hard to match. We should also mention
On the flip side, it's been a tough tournament for the UAE U19 team. This loss marks another game without a win, following previous defeats to both India and Oman. They'll need to regroup and figure out a new strategy, but today they simply ran into a green machine that was firing on all cylinders. This Pakistani team looks like the one to beat in this year's Asia Cup Rising Stars.
Conclusion
So, to sum it all up, this was a cricket match that was as one-sided as they come. Pakistan A were superior in every single department, bundling UAE out for a paltry 59 and then chasing it down in just 32 balls. The Player of the Match, Maaz Sadaqat, put on a brilliant display of power-hitting, but this was a complete team effort. With three consecutive wins under their belt, the Shaheens have established themselves as the undisputed frontrunners in Group B and are looking like serious title contenders.
