The rivalry between the United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team reflects a classic contest between an emerging side and a cricketing powerhouse. While Pakistan has historically dominated, the UAE has shown determination and gradual improvement. Their timeline highlights key encounters, growth, and the expanding reach of cricket in the Gulf region.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
United Arab Emirates Score
Pakistan Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Asia Cup T20I
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Sep 17, 2025
Pakistan (bat)
105 (17.4 overs)
146/9 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 41 runs
Asia Cup 2025
Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
UAE T20I Tri-Series
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Sep 4, 2025
Pakistan (bat)
140/7 (20 overs)
171/5 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 31 runs
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
Abrar Ahmed (PAK)
UAE T20I Tri-Series
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Aug 30, 2025
Pakistan (bat)
176/8 (20 overs)
207 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 31 runs
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
Saim Ayub (PAK)
Asia Cup T20I
Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Feb 28, 2016
UAE (bat)
129/6 (20 overs)
131/3 (18.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 7 wickets
Asia Cup 2016
Mohammad Hafeez (PAK)
ICC Cricket World Cup ODI
McLean Park, Napier
Mar 4, 2015
Pakistan (bat)
210/8 (50 overs)
339/6 (50 overs)
Pakistan won by 129 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Ahmed Shehzad (PAK)
ICC & Asia Cup Matches Timeline
Date
Tournament
Venue
Format
UAE Score
Pakistan Score
Winner
Margin
24 Feb 1996
ICC Cricket World Cup
Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala
ODI
109/9 (33 ov)
112/1 (18 ov)
Pakistan
9 wickets (90 balls rem.)
4 Mar 2015
ICC Cricket World Cup
McLean Park, Napier
ODI
210/8 (50 ov)
339/6 (50 ov)
Pakistan
129 runs
29 Feb 2016
Asia Cup
Shere Bangla Stadium, Mirpur
T20I
129/6 (20 ov)
131/3 (18.4 ov)
Pakistan
7 wickets (8 balls rem.)
17 Sep 2025
Asia Cup 2025
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
T20I
105 (17.4 ov)
146/9 (20 ov)
Pakistan
41 runs
Top 5 Standout Performances
Rank
Player
Team
Performance
Match Details
Date
1
Ahmed Shehzad
Pakistan
93 runs
ICC World Cup 2015
4 Mar 2015
2
Shoaib Malik
Pakistan
63* runs
Asia Cup 2016
29 Feb 2016
3
Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakistan
65 runs
ICC World Cup 2015
4 Mar 2015
4
Shaiman Anwar
UAE
62 runs
ICC World Cup 2015
4 Mar 2015
5
Fakhar Zaman
Pakistan
50 runs + key opening stand
Asia Cup 2025
17 Sep 2025
Head-to-Head & Key Performers Overview
Statistic
Pakistan
UAE
Notes
Matches Played
4
4
2 ODIs + 2 T20Is
Wins
4
0
Pakistan 100% win rate
No Results / Ties
0
0
–
Highest Team Total
339
129
Pakistan (2015 WC)
Lowest Team Total
–
105
UAE (2025 Asia Cup)
Early Encounters and Pakistan’s Clear Dominance (1994–2005)
The first matches between the UAE and Pakistan took place in the mid-1990s during ICC tournaments. Pakistan, with its strong cricketing legacy and world-class players, dominated these early encounters. The UAE, still developing its cricketing infrastructure, struggled to compete against Pakistan’s depth and experience. Matches were largely one-sided, with Pakistan securing comfortable victories through strong batting and disciplined bowling. However, these contests were significant for the UAE as they gained valuable exposure at the international level. Playing against a top-tier team helped them understand the demands of high-level cricket. Despite the results, the UAE showed resilience and determination. This early phase set the tone for the rivalry, with Pakistan firmly in control while the UAE focused on learning and growth.
Year
Event
Winner
Venue
1994
ICC Trophy
Pakistan
Kenya
1996
World Cup
Pakistan
Pakistan
2004
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
UAE’s Development and Improved Performances (2006–2014)
Between 2006 and 2014, the UAE began to show gradual improvement in international cricket. Their performances in ICC qualifiers and regional tournaments reflected better team coordination and skill development. While Pakistan continued to dominate their encounters, the UAE started putting up more competitive performances. Matches during this period saw the UAE improving in both batting and bowling departments, occasionally challenging Pakistan in certain phases of the game. Pakistan’s experience and depth still ensured victories, but the gap between the two teams began to narrow slightly. This era marked an important phase in the UAE’s cricketing journey, as they transitioned from a developing side to a more competitive team capable of holding their own against stronger opposition.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2008
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Strong Win
2010
ICC Qualifier
Pakistan
Dominance
2014
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Competitive Phases
World Cup Clashes and Global Exposure (2015)
A significant moment in the UAE vs Pakistan timeline came during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The UAE faced Pakistan on a global stage, gaining valuable exposure and experience. Pakistan dominated the match with a strong all-round performance, but the UAE’s participation itself was a milestone. Competing in such a prestigious tournament against a top team highlighted the UAE’s progress and ambition. The match demonstrated the gap in experience between the two sides, but it also showcased the UAE’s determination to compete at the highest level. This encounter remains an important chapter in their rivalry, emphasizing the role of global tournaments in developing emerging cricket nations.
Year
Tournament
Winner
Highlight
2015
World Cup Match
Pakistan
Strong Performance
2015
Global Event
UAE
Valuable Experience
2015
ODI Clash
Pakistan
Comfortable Win
Continued Pakistan Supremacy (2016–2019)
From 2016 to 2019, Pakistan continued to dominate the rivalry with consistent performances across formats. The UAE, despite improvements, struggled to match Pakistan’s depth and experience. Matches were generally one-sided, with Pakistan controlling most aspects of the game. Their strong batting lineup and effective bowling attack ensured comfortable victories. The UAE, however, continued to develop its squad and gain experience through international exposure. This period highlighted the ongoing gap between the two teams while also emphasizing the importance of such matches for the UAE’s growth. Pakistan’s dominance remained a defining feature of the rivalry during this era.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2016
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Dominant Win
2018
ICC Qualifier
Pakistan
Strong Squad
2019
ICC Event
Pakistan
Consistency
Modern Era and Emerging Competitiveness (2020–Present)
In recent years, the UAE has continued to improve, showing signs of becoming a more competitive team. While Pakistan remains a strong cricketing nation with consistent performances, the UAE has developed young talent and improved its overall structure. Matches have become slightly more competitive, with the UAE occasionally challenging Pakistan in limited-overs formats. The rivalry now reflects a balance between experience and growth, with Pakistan maintaining dominance but the UAE steadily progressing. This era highlights the expanding reach of cricket in emerging regions and the increasing competitiveness of associate nations.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2021
T20 Series
Pakistan
Strong Play
2022
ICC Event
Pakistan
Dominance
2023
Bilateral Series
—
Competitive Matches
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The UAE vs Pakistan rivalry has been shaped by several key players. Pakistan’s stars like Wasim Akram and Babar Azam have delivered outstanding performances, showcasing skill and leadership. The UAE has relied on players like Shaiman Anwar and Chirag Suri to strengthen their lineup. These players have played important roles in defining matches and contributing to their teams’ performances. While Pakistan’s players have often dominated, the UAE’s individuals have shown resilience and determination. Their contributions have added depth to the rivalry and helped the UAE grow as a competitive cricketing nation.
Player
Team
Era
Contribution
Wasim Akram
Pakistan
1990s
Bowling Legend
Babar Azam
Pakistan
Modern Era
Consistent Batting
Shaiman Anwar
UAE
2010s
Key Batter
Chirag Suri
UAE
Modern Era
Emerging Talent
Future Outlook and Growth of the Rivalry
The future of the UAE vs Pakistan rivalry looks promising as cricket continues to expand globally. Pakistan will remain a dominant force with its strong cricketing system, while the UAE is expected to improve further with continued investment in talent and infrastructure. Increased opportunities in ICC tournaments and regional competitions will strengthen this rivalry. As the UAE gains more experience, matches are likely to become more competitive and engaging. This rivalry represents the growth of cricket beyond traditional powerhouses and highlights the importance of nurturing emerging teams. The coming years promise exciting encounters and continued development for both sides.
Aspect
UAE
Pakistan
Impact
Strength
Emerging Talent
Experience & Depth
Competitive Growth
Challenge
Consistency
Maintaining Dominance
Close Matches
Future
Rising Team
Strong Contender
Exciting Rivalry
Conclusion
The timeline of the United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team rivalry reflects a journey of growth, dominance, and evolving competition. Pakistan has consistently led the rivalry with strong performances and experienced players, while the UAE has shown steady improvement and determination. From early one-sided matches to more competitive modern encounters, the rivalry highlights the development of cricket in emerging regions. As the UAE continues to progress and Pakistan maintains its strength, future matches promise greater excitement and closer contests. This rivalry plays an important role in expanding the global reach of cricket and inspiring new generations of players.
