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SHARJAH: Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz struck half-centuries as Pakistan thumped the United Arab Emirates by 31 runs in Sharjah on Saturday, making it two wins from two in their T20 tri-series also featuring Afghanistan.

Opener Ayub smashed a 38-ball 69, with four sixes and seven fours, while Nawaz’s 26-ball 56 included six maximums, lifting Pakistan to 207 all out in exactly 20 overs.

Asif Khan threatened to snatch an unlikely win for UAE with a brilliant 35-ball 77 before falling in the last over.

The UAE managed 176-8 from their 20 overs.

Skipper Muhammad Waseem also hit a breezy 18-ball 33 but was run out in the sixth over.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was built around the excellence of Ayub and Nawaz after they won the toss and batted first.

Once Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Agha cheaply, it was left to Ayub and Hasan to provide the rescue acts.

Ayub’s fourth T20I half-century came off just 25 balls while Nawaz’s fifty was reached in 24 deliveries with a hat-trick of sixes off spinner Haider Ali.

Nawaz added 57 for the fifth wicket off just 25 balls with Mohammad Nawaz, who added a 15-ball 25.

Faheem Ashraf chipped in with 16 as Pakistan clubbed 64 in the last five overs.

Junaid Siddique and Saghir Khan grabbed three wickets apiece, but were both expensive.

Afghanistan, who lost to Pakistan by 39 runs on Friday, face the UAE in the next match on Monday.

DUBAI: Jonathan Figy has been in sensational form while leading the Gulf Giants Development at the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament. The 24-year-old has amassed 180 runs in four matches, including three half-centuries, taking the team to two wins in four matches.

The UAE-born cricketer has showcased both his value to the team and highlighted his ambition to make a return to the national side. 

“Three 50s in four games feels good, especially against strong bowling attacks,” Figy said. “I’m happy to get runs and contribute to the team. Conditions haven’t been easy with movement under lights. There has been a bit for the spinners as well, but I’ve applied myself and it’s paying off. Hopefully, I’ll continue getting some big innings.” 

The left-hander has already represented the UAE, having played two ODIs for the senior side. He also holds the distinction of being the UAE’s first and only U19 World Cup centurion, achieved in the 2020 edition that also saw India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal finish as the tournament’s top scorer.  

Since returning from the UK in 2022, Figy has featured heavily in domestic cricket and now sees the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament as the perfect springboard, especially with the DP World ILT20 Season Four Player Auction coming up. “Ideally, I’d love to play in the DP World ILT20 and test myself alongside international stars. To get that opportunity would be great and it’s where my game can improve. Most importantly, I aim to be back in the UAE side. Playing for the country is the ultimate honor,” he said. 

Reflecting on his personal connection to the UAE, he added: “I was born and raised here. Wearing that jersey is a huge honor, and I’m working hard to give myself the best chance to get back in the side.” 

Figy also highlighted the tournament’s broader significance.

“This competition gives us exposure and visibility. The Emirates Cricket Board has done a fantastic job creating opportunities for UAE players. A strong performance here can open doors not just in franchise cricket, but also for UAE selection. To brush shoulders with top international stars and compete at this level can really take your game to the next level.”