Karachi: After a long gap of nearly nine years, the cricket teams of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to lock horns in a T20 International match on Saturday. The much-anticipated contest will be held in Sharjah as part of the ongoing triangular T20 series, with both teams eager to showcase their best performances.
For cricket fans across Asia, the match carries a sense of nostalgia and renewed excitement. The last time Pakistan faced the UAE in T20 cricket was way back in 2016, during the ICC World T20 in Mirpur, Bangladesh. On that occasion, Pakistan led by Shahid Afridi emerged victorious with a convincing seven-wicket win. Now, nearly a decade later, the two sides are preparing for a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
The Last Encounter: Pakistan vs UAE in 2016
The only previous T20 International between the two teams took place on March 3, 2016, during the group stages of the World T20. Pakistan, chasing a modest target, found themselves in early trouble at 17 for 3. However, a spectacular unbeaten partnership of 114 runs between Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik rescued the innings and sealed the win for the Green Shirts.
That victory reinforced Pakistan’s dominance in the shortest format while highlighting the UAE’s resilience as a rising associate nation in cricket. Since then, the two teams have not crossed paths in T20s, making this weekend’s clash all the more significant.
Sharjah: A Historic Venue for Cricket
The choice of Sharjah Cricket Stadium as the venue adds a special dimension to the match. Sharjah has long been considered a second home ground for Pakistan, with countless iconic matches played here since the 1980s.
- The ground has hosted more than 200 ODIs, making it one of the busiest cricket venues in the world.
- Pakistan’s cricketing history in Sharjah is rich with memorable victories and legendary performances, from Javed Miandad’s last-ball six against India in 1986 to more recent T20 fixtures.
- For the UAE, Sharjah represents an equally important venue, providing them a chance to test themselves against the best in front of passionate crowds.
As UAE captain Muhammad Wasim remarked, “Sharjah is in a way the home ground for all three teams in this series. The crowd here supports cricket wholeheartedly, and that adds to the energy of the contest.”
The Stakes for Pakistan
For Pakistan, the triangular series is more than just another tournament. It serves as a testing ground for form, fitness, and strategy ahead of upcoming international fixtures, including preparations for the T20 World Cup.
The Green Shirts are determined to:
- Regain consistency in their batting order, which has often struggled with collapses.
- Test bench strength, giving opportunities to young players.
- Strengthen bowling combinations, especially in middle overs and death bowling.
With big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan leading the side, Pakistan will be eager to secure a commanding win over UAE and build momentum.
UAE’s Ambitions: Proving Their Mettle
For the UAE cricket team, this match is a golden opportunity to test themselves against a full-member side of the ICC. Captain Muhammad Wasim expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and highlighted their ambition:
“The opportunity to play against two big teams in Asia is another milestone in our journey of development and a source of pride. We have defeated Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in recent times. As an associate team, it is important for us to keep testing ourselves against the best.”
Wasim also emphasized that the current Emirati squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience. Youngsters in the side, he noted, have been playing with exceptional skill and confidence, making UAE a stronger and more competitive unit than ever before.
UAE’s Recent Rise in International Cricket
The UAE’s cricket journey has been marked by gradual but steady progress:
- The team has recorded victories against higher-ranked opponents in recent years, such as Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, showcasing their growth.
- Participation in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup qualifiers has given UAE players exposure to high-pressure games.
- The country’s domestic structure, boosted by leagues like the ILT20 (International League T20), has also provided young Emirati players the chance to share dressing rooms with international stars.
This mix of experience and learning opportunities is beginning to bear fruit, and the upcoming clash with Pakistan will test just how far the team has come.
Pakistan vs UAE: A Battle Beyond Numbers
While Pakistan enters the game as the clear favorite, cricket fans know that short-format matches often deliver surprises. For Pakistan, the pressure lies in living up to expectations and avoiding complacency. For UAE, the challenge is to punch above their weight and prove themselves on a bigger stage.
The match also represents something beyond just cricket:
- Cultural exchange: With millions of Pakistani expatriates living in the UAE, the encounter will be celebrated as a festival by South Asian fans.
- Associate cricket development: Every game against a top-tier side helps UAE strengthen its case for more international fixtures and greater recognition.
- Sharjah nostalgia: For older fans, the setting itself revives decades of cricketing memories.
Preparations and Strategies
Both teams have been preparing rigorously:
- Pakistan’s focus is likely to be on aggressive batting at the top order and disciplined bowling in the death overs. Key players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will look to set the tone early.
- UAE’s focus will be on containing Pakistan’s batting lineup and capitalizing on mistakes. With home-like conditions and familiar pitches, the Emiratis believe they can pull off a strong performance.
Captain Muhammad Wasim summed it up confidently:
“Considering the way we have been preparing for a month and a half and the performances we have shown in the last few years, I think we will play good cricket.”
The Role of Sharjah Crowds
One of the most fascinating aspects of cricket in Sharjah is the crowd. The city is home to a large South Asian diaspora, particularly Pakistanis and Indians, who bring unmatched energy to the stadium.
- Expect Green Shirts’ fans to turn up in huge numbers, giving Pakistan a home-like advantage.
- At the same time, the local support for UAE will also be strong, with Emirati fans eager to cheer on their side.
This unique mix ensures that the atmosphere will be electric, with every run and wicket celebrated passionately.
Looking Ahead
While this is just one fixture in the triangular series, its significance extends further:
- For Pakistan, it is an important step in their journey towards global tournaments and an opportunity to fine-tune combinations.
- For UAE, it is a chance to measure progress, inspire local talent, and prove that associate nations can compete with cricket’s giants.
Regardless of the result, the match represents the spirit of cricket: tradition, competition, and unity across nations.
Conclusion
After nine years, Pakistan and UAE are set to renew their rivalry in Sharjah, a venue steeped in cricketing history. The Green Shirts, determined to deliver a strong performance, will rely on their experience and star power, while the UAE, under the inspirational leadership of Muhammad Wasim, is ready to challenge expectations with a squad full of promise.
As the two teams take the field, fans across Pakistan, UAE, and beyond will witness more than just a cricket match—it will be a celebration of the game’s unifying power and its ability to bridge cultures, histories, and ambitions.
All eyes now turn to Saturday in Sharjah, where history will be written once again.
