WATCH: Scary moment in Asia Cup 2025 as umpire suffers head blow during Pakistan vs UAE game

Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four with a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday, but the victory was overshadowed by an unsettling incident involving an umpire and the lingering off-field tensions that continue to shape the tournament.

Umpire exits field after head injury during Pakistan-UAE clash

The biggest talking point came in the sixth over of UAE’s chase when on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on the head by a wayward throw from Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris. The throw, aimed at bowler Saim Ayub, instead hit the Sri Lankan official above the left ear as his back was turned.

Palliyaguruge immediately clutched his head, prompting Pakistan players to rush to his aid. After a concussion check by Pakistan’s physio, he was deemed unfit to continue. To his credit, he managed to walk off the field, though visibly shaken. Bangladesh’s Gazi Sohel replaced him, marking one of the rare instances in international cricket where an umpire was substituted under concussion protocols. The incident sparked criticism of former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who, while commentating, exclaimed “Bullseye!” in what many fans felt was a poorly judged reaction.

Here’s the video:

The ball hit the umpire.

— الف (@Offcourseasssad)

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Pakistan wins a crucial game to qualify for Super 4

On the field, Pakistan’s batting faltered early after losing both openers cheaply. Ayub’s third straight duck and Sahibzada Farhan’s early dismissal left the team wobbling at 17 for 2. Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings with a composed 50 off 36 balls, but it was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late fireworks that pushed Pakistan to 146 for 9. Afridi bludgeoned 29 not out from just 14 balls, including two big sixes in the final over, echoing his crucial cameo against India earlier in the tournament.

UAE’s bowlers deserved credit for their discipline. Junaid Siddique was outstanding with figures of 4 for 18, while spinner Simranjeet Singh claimed 3 for 26. Their efforts kept Pakistan under pressure, but the batting could not back them up.

Chasing 147, UAE looked competitive at 63 for 3 thanks to a steady stand between Rahul Chopra (35) and Dhruv Parashar. However, their innings unravelled spectacularly. From 85 for 3, they crashed to 105 all out, losing seven wickets for just 20 runs in 23 balls.

Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised ruthlessly. Afridi followed up his batting heroics with 2 for 16, while Abrar Ahmed (2 for 13) and Haris Rauf (2 for 19) dismantled UAE’s middle and lower order.

The result confirmed Pakistan’s progression to the Super Four, where they will face arch-rivals India again on Sunday. Their group-stage encounter had already grabbed headlines after a bizarre handshake controversy, and with both teams now through, another high-stakes clash awaits. Pakistan captain Salman Agha struck a confident note after the win: “We’re ready for any challenge. The team has worked hard over the past few months and we believe in our rhythm.”

For UAE, this was another harsh lesson in the unforgiving world of top-level cricket. For Pakistan, despite the drama, the mission was accomplished—they are still in the hunt, and the stage is set for another showdown with India.

Also READ: Pakistan players with most consecutive ducks in T20Is ft. Saim Ayub