PAK vs UAE: Aliya Riaz's half-century books semi-final spot for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022

Women's T20 Asia Cup: Aliya Riaz scored 57 runs in 36 balls against UAE

By Web Desk
October 09, 2022
Aliya Riaz in action against UAE — PCB

SYLHET: Aliya Riaz smashed an unbeaten half-century to help Pakistan trounce UAE by 71 runs in the 17th fixture of the Women's T20 Asia Cup at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. 

With eight points from four games and second place on the points table, Pakistan's victory secured their spot in the semi-final.

UAE won the toss and opted to bowl first, which the Green Shirts took advantage of and posted 145 runs on the scoreboard before restricting the UAE to 74-5 in 20 overs.

In pursuit of 145 runs, UAE only managed to score 74 for five in their 20 overs, never looking like they would be able to chase down the goal.

Khushi Kumar led the team in scoring with a perfect 19-ball 20 that featured two fours.

For Pakistan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Aiman Anwar claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 145 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to Aliya's 57 runs in 36 balls.

Pakistan lost in-form opening batter Sidra Amin (two off six) in the fourth over with 14 runs on the board.

Muneeba was joined by captain Bismah Maroof, but the left-handed Bismah went away scoring seven off 12 balls and Omaima Sohail for first ball duck to put Pakistan in a spot of bother with 41 for three in the eighth over.

The right-handed Aliya Riaz joined Muneeba and both batters added a 36-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Muneeba scored 43 off 45 balls, smashing five fours and a six. Ayesha Naseem (one of four) was next to go, both batters fell to Esha Oza – who bagged three wickets for 22 from her four overs.

At 78 for five in 14.2 overs, Nida Dar joined Aliya in the middle. Both all-rounders put up an unbroken 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket off just 34 runs.

Aliya returned undefeated on a 36-ball 57, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Nida struck four boundaries during her knock of 25 from 17 balls.

On October 11, Pakistan will now play Sri Lanka in their last group game.

The top team will take on the fourth-ranked team in the first semi-final, while the second semi-final will feature the teams that finished second and third in the group round. 

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