Pakistan on Wednesday set up another politically charged showdown with archrivals India at the Asia Cup after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs in Dubai.
The match began an hour late as the fallout rumbled on from a handshake row with India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board was considering pulling out from the tournament and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft for the must-win group game against the hosts.
Photo: AFP
The Zimbabwean oversaw Sunday’s game with India, after which the victorious India team refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players.
However, following urgent talks between the board and the International Cricket Council, Wednesday’s encounter eventually went ahead and Pycroft remained the match referee.
Fakhar Zaman scored 50 off 36 balls and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi added a brisk 29 not out as Pakistan made a modest 146-9 after being put in to bat.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan’s bowling charge with 2-13 as the UAE were dismissed for 105 in 17.4 overs. Shaheen took 2-16 and fellow paceman Haris Rauf 2-19.
The win means Pakistan join India in the Super Four from Group A. They are to meet again in Dubai on Sunday.
Haris Rauf said Pakistan would be more competitive in their rematch with India after losing by seven wickets in the first clash between the rivals in cricket since the countries fought a brief but deadly border conflict in May.
“Yes, we were not up to the mark in the first game, but we will do our best to be competitive,” he said. “Cricket is a game of expectations, fans have a lot of expectation so we will try to live up to that.”
Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2013 and they play each other only in multi-team tournaments.
India and Pakistan could meet for a third time at the tournament if they both reach the Sept. 28 final.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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