Asia Cup 2025: Umpire Hit By Ball In Pakistan-UAE Match By Pakistani Player

In the Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and the UAE, play was suddenly interrupted when umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge got hit on the ear by a fielder's throw. The incident occurred in the sixth over when the UAE was batting. The ball was thrown back to bowler Saim Ayub, but the umpire failed to stop it; tension was visible on the faces of the Pakistani players. The team physio arrived, and the umpire underwent a concussion test. The umpire later left the match and was replaced by reserve umpire Gazi Sohel.

The match started late because Pakistan had asked not to play following the handshake controversy against India in the previous match. However, the team later returned to the field. Pakistan defeated the UAE by 41 runs in the final group league match, paving the way for their Super 4 match against India.

Pakistan's start was not particularly impressive. But Shaheen Shah Afridi played well, scoring 29 not out off 14 balls to take the team to a respectable total. UAE managed only 105 runs in 17.4 overs.

Afridi broke the back of UAE with his bowling, taking 2/16. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem was dismissed for 14 runs by Abrar Ahmed. Mohammed Nawaz made a brilliant run and held on. Saim Ayub bowled Muhammad Zohaib with a fast delivery.

UAE tried to play intermittently thanks to player Rahul Chopra (35 runs), but the match slipped out of their hands. Experienced Pakistani batsman Fakhar Zaman scored 50 runs off 36 balls. Mohammed Haris made 18, and Afridi made an unbeaten 29, helping the team post a total of 146/9.

UAE's bowling showed its strength—Simranjeet Singh took 3 wickets in 4 overs (3/26), and Junaid Siddique recorded an impressive 4/18. However, the UAE's batting struggled against Pakistan's bowlers. They struggled to make big shots and ultimately managed to reach 105 runs despite their excellent bowling.