Minnows UAEs brave batting against Pakistan pacer

DHAKA: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the minnows of cricket made a brave attempt against the best pace attack of the world, setting a good target of 130 for Pakistan in the sixth Twenty20 International of the Asia Cup here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Monday.After winning the toss, they batted first but made a disastrous start losing three wickets to Pakistan pacers for only 12 runs in four overs.However, it was Shaiman Anwar, the most in-form batsman of the UAE, who repaired the damage with his courageous batting against the pace trio of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Sami.He made 46 off 42 balls with two sixes and five fours.Later, Muhammad Usman and captain Amjad Javed added 46 runs from 32 balls before Usman was bowled by Amir for 21off 17 balls with two fours and a six.The UAE, however, reached 129 for six by the end of the 20th over with Javed remained not out on 27, hitting two sixes and three fours in 18 balls. ”Amir bowled remarkably well to finish with two for six in four overs while Irfan also grabbed two wickets but conceded 30 runs in four overs. Sami and Afridi got one wicket each.Both teams made one change each as Pakistan rested fast bowler Wahab Riaz for left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz while Usman Mushtaq replaced Saqlain Haider for the UAE.Nawaz has made his international debut. The 21-year old is the youngest member of the squad and a fine Pakistan Super League discovery with 13 wickets in 10 matches.This is for the first time Pakistan and UAE are playing each other in T20 internationals. They had played three ODIs before in 1994, 1996 and 2015.Pakistan became the first country to play 100 T20 Internationals. They have so far won 57 matches.’