Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, 10th Match Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan (PAK)

✅ Strengths:

• World-class pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi, supported by Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz.
• Experienced top-order with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub providing stability and aggression.
• Depth in batting and bowling with all-rounders like Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz.

⚠️ Weaknesses:

• Middle order relatively inexperienced; can collapse under pressure.
• Reliance on top-order to set the platform.
• Spin options (Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed) may lack experience in high-pressure moments.

⭐ Key Players to Watch: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

✅ Strengths:

• Explosive top-order led by Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, capable of quick starts.
• Experienced bowling options like Junaid Siddique can pick early wickets.
• Balanced squad with a mix of young talent and seasoned players.

⚠️ Weaknesses:

• Pace attack lacks depth compared to Pakistan.
• Middle order can crumble if early wickets fall.
• Reliance on Muhammad Waseem to anchor the innings under pressure.

⭐ Key Players to Watch: Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, Asif Khan

📌 Overall Insight:
Pakistan’s strength in pace and experienced batting gives them a clear advantage. UAE will need a strong start from Waseem and early breakthroughs from Siddique to stay competitive. The powerplay battle (Shaheen Afridi vs Waseem) and middle-over bowling strategies will be crucial in deciding the outcome.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced surface where both batters and bowlers can make an impact. Early in the innings, pacers like Shaheen Afridi can extract swing under lights, while spinners such as Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are likely to dominate the middle overs. Batting becomes easier in the second half due to dew, giving the chasing team an advantage.

• Average 1st Innings Score (T20s): 160–175 runs
• Pitch Nature: Balanced – batting-friendly with spin assistance in middle overs
• Pace vs Spin: Pacers effective in powerplay & death overs, spinners control middle phase
• Weather: Clear skies in Dubai 🌤, no rain expected. Dew factor likely to aid chasing sides
• 📌 Toss Impact: Teams generally prefer to bowl first to take advantage of dew in night games

🔑 Key Player Matchups

• Fakhar Zaman vs Junaid Siddique – Powerplay battle where Siddique’s seam and swing will test Fakhar’s attacking intent.
• Saim Ayub vs Muhammad Jawadullah – Young batter vs UAE pacer; early wickets here could tilt momentum.
• Shaheen Afridi vs Muhammad Waseem – Crucial contest; Afridi’s pace vs Waseem’s explosive top-order batting.
• Faheem Ashraf vs Asif Khan – All-round duel in middle overs; Ashraf’s finishing ability could counter UAE’s batting threats.

🌟 Impact Players

Pakistan (PAK):

• Fakhar Zaman – Experienced opener; anchors the innings and provides big-hitting firepower.
• Shaheen Afridi – Strike bowler; early breakthroughs and death-over control make him a key player.
• Faheem Ashraf – All-rounder; can change the game with bat or ball in crucial phases.

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

• Muhammad Waseem – Captain & explosive opener; quickfire knock could put Pakistan under pressure.
• Junaid Siddique – Experienced pacer; vital for early wickets and controlling powerplay.
• Asif Khan – Middle-order batter; capable of stabilizing UAE innings or finishing strongly.

📌 Must-Have Picks:

• Fakhar Zaman (PAK) – Reliable opener with big-hitting potential; safe fantasy pick.
• Shaheen Afridi (PAK) – Early strike bowler; guaranteed points from wickets and economy.
• Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – Explosive top-order batter; high-impact in powerplay.
• Faheem Ashraf (PAK) – All-rounder; points from both batting and bowling.
• Junaid Siddique (UAE) – Experienced pacer; can pick early breakthroughs.

👑 Captaincy Choices:

• Captain: Fakhar Zaman / Shaheen Afridi
• Vice-Captain: Muhammad Waseem / Faheem Ashraf

📌 Tips Based on Dubai Conditions:

• Prioritize strike bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Siddique for wickets.
• Chasing teams benefit from dew; pick batters likely to exploit it, like Fakhar Zaman and Muhammad Waseem.
• All-rounders who contribute in both departments (Faheem Ashraf) add high fantasy value.