Asia Cup T20: Pakistan v UAE - 5 Talking Points

Shahid Afridi’s call to seniors just before the start of the match was eventually decisive today, as Pakistan defeated UAE by 7 wickets. Though the scorecard does not do justice to the quality performance UAE had put on the pitch today. On a tough pitch, not only did they weather out the Pakistani pace storm, an inspired Amjad Javed nearly took the match away from Pakistan. But it was the experience of their middle order batsmen Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal who dug into the crease just when Pakistan needed them to, and did not repeat the mistakes they had committed during the match against India; eventually the pair chased down the target of 130 with ease.

1. Pakistan start off with a bang:

UAE’s decision to bat first was solely based on their inability to chase down the targets in the previous matches, and almost instantly Pakistan bowlers were dead set on making them regret their decision. Armed with the new-ball, Mohammad Amir continued from where he left against India; troubling the UAE batsmen with a stingy line and length coupled with some poor technique from the UAE batsmen. While Sami drew the first blood, Amir and Irfan chipped in with wickets to reduce UAE to 12/3. The UAE top order batsmen yet again let down their team with shoddy technique and poor shot selection. Amir once again put up a special performance and got two wickets spending just 6 runs in his spell of 4 overs.

2. Afridi’s decision backfired:

Instead of tightening the screws against an inexperienced lineup, Afridi brought in debutant Mohammad Nawaz and himself into the attack. While Afridi’s decision might have been considered ok if not for the inexperience of the UAE middle order. Shahid Afridi missed the trick and gave an opportunity to the UAE batsmen to strike. Shaiman Anwar did not miss out the opportunity, as he settled down quickly enough and went after the bowlers. Afridi himself was smashed for three consecutive fours by Anwar. But soon enough the skipper realized his mistake and brought back Irfan into the attack, which immediately reaped the reward of Shaiman’s wicket.

3. Usman, Javed push UAE to a defendable score:

After Shaiman’s productive knock, it was time for the lower middle order to push UAE to a competitive score, and that’s exactly what they did. Muhammad Usman and captain Amjad Javed were sensible with their scoring during the end of the innings, checking their shots to ensure that no free wickets were given out. But even during the death overs, they were not able to decipher the genius of Mohammad Amir. Amir bagged the wicket of Usman in the very fag end of the innings, ending with astonishing figures of 4-1-2-6 in 4 overs. However, a smart cameo from Mohammad Naved drove UAE to a very competitive 129.

4. Amjad Javed’s early strikes:

A team needs a leader to perform from the front, and that’s just what Amjad Javed provided for UAE. In a stunning spell of swing bowling, Amjad alone sent back 3 Pakistani batsmen back into the hut, leaving Pakistan reeling at 17/3. The volatile Pakistani middle order was exposed too soon thanks to yet another failure from the top order. Additionally, Sharjeel Khan’s dubious decision puts the umpires selected for the Asia Cup under scrutiny yet again.

5. Akmal, Malik drive Pakistan to safety:

After being reduced to 17/3, much depended on how the Pakistan middle order handle the situation. However, Akmal and Malik learnt their lessons from their embarrassing performance against India. Initially taking the required time to settle down, the duo attacked the UAE bowlers once the pacers lost any sort of assistance from the pitch. A dropped chance of Malik aside, half-centuries from Malik and Akmal were eventually more than enough for Pakistan to chase down the target with ease, as they crossed the target with 8 balls to spare.