Pakistan dominates Afghanistan in the opening game of the Sharjah tri-series

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are all set to make their first Asia Cup appearance in over a decade, marking a significant milestone in their cricket journey. The team, led by captain Ahmed Raza, will face a tough challenge against Pakistan in the upcoming tournament.

The Asia Cup, which is set to begin on September 9 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will see the UAE take the field for the first time since 2010. The match between Pakistan and the UAE will start at 7 pm, with the UAE aiming to make a strong impression in their return to the tournament.

The match was played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a ground where the UAE has recently made history with a 2-1 T20I series win over Bangladesh. The victory serves as a boost of confidence for the team as they prepare to face Pakistan.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have already shown their form in the tournament, having won the first match of the tri-series against Afghanistan by 39 runs. Haris Rauf, one of Pakistan's key players, delivered an outstanding spell, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs in the match. Salman Agha scored an unbeaten 53 runs for Pakistan, contributing significantly to their victory.

However, Afghanistan's batting lineup struggled, being restricted to 143 all out in 19.5 overs. Rashid Khan scored 39 runs for Afghanistan, but several wickets lost in the overs between 11-15 hindered their momentum.

Haris Rauf, in a statement earlier, emphasised the importance of every match for the Pakistan team and how their preparations in Dubai have helped them. The UAE, eager to make a mark, will undoubtedly give Pakistan a run for their money in their highly anticipated match.

The second match of the tournament for Pakistan will be against the UAE on Saturday, promising an exciting encounter between the two teams. The Asia Cup, with its competitive matches and high stakes, is set to continue next month, offering cricket fans an unforgettable experience.