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SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reflected on the team’s performance after a 31-run victory over UAE, lauding Fakhar Zaman and Abrar Ahmed as match-winners for their vital contribution.
Pakistan defeated UAE in the fifth fixture of the T20I tri-series, sealing a final berth here on Thursday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
In pursuit of a 172-run target, UAE fell short by 31 runs and could only muster 140-7 in their 20 overs.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his four-over spell and giving away just nine runs.
In batting, Fakhar Zaman top scored with 77* off 44 balls, an innings featuring two sixes and 10 fours.
He stitched a vital 91* run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz after early jitters to power Pakistan to a strong total.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha highlighted key aspects of the game.
“I think we started well in the power play, but lost too many wickets in the middle overs. Fakhar and Nawaz played outstandingly well. Fakhar is a match-winner–he doesn’t always get the respect he deserves, but he showed his class today. Nawaz has been doing well since his comeback,” he said.
“I think today the ball gripped and turned the most. It was difficult to adjust. Credit goes to Fakhar and Nawaz; they gave us those extra 20 runs,” he added.
He praised bowlers, hailing Abrar Ahmed for his outstanding contribution, stating that he was sure that the 170-run target was enough.
“We knew if we got to 170, we could defend it. Abrar is a match-winner. And the way Shaheen is bowling is outstanding.
Everyone chipped in, but the pick of the bowlers has to be Abrar. We just come to the ground, assess the conditions, and use our bowlers accordingly. Bowling is always going to depend on the pitch. As for the batting, it’s settled,” he concluded.
READ: Fakhar, Abrar star as Pakistan seals tri-series final berth
