Sharjah – UAE’s aggressive middle-order batter Asif Khan has credited his team’s lack of experience as the key reason for their defeat against Pakistan in the ongoing triangular T20I series.

Speaking at a post-match press conference following the 31-run loss in Sharjah, Asif Khan said that the Emirati side had shown glimpses of potential but inexperience proved costly.
“Had we handled the pressure better, the result could have been different,” he remarked. “But we’ve certainly given the bigger teams a wake-up call.”

Asif, who played a blistering knock of 77 runs off just 35 balls against Pakistan, highlighted that their strategy had been to launch a power-hitting assault in the final overs. However, he admitted that Pakistan’s disciplined bowling derailed those plans. He also praised UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem’s innings, though he pointed out that his run-out at a crucial stage proved detrimental to the chase.

“Our home ground, Sharjah, gave us incredible support,” Asif said. “We have been training hard in recent weeks, and I’m confident that these efforts will bear fruit soon.”

Reflecting on the team’s strengths, Asif emphasized that UAE cricket is best suited to the T20 format. “If our bowlers can restrict opponents to around 170–180, then we stand a real chance of winning,” he noted.

Born in Lahore in 1990, Asif Khan previously played 32 first-class matches in Pakistan between 2007 and 2014 before moving to the UAE, where he has emerged as one of the most reliable performers for the national side.

The second match of the triangular series saw Pakistan post a daunting total of 208 runs, powered by their aggressive batting lineup. In reply, UAE fought hard but fell short, finishing on 176 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Despite the defeat, cricket observers believe that Asif Khan’s innings and UAE’s spirited performance highlight the team’s growing competitiveness in international cricket. Many analysts argue that such performances against top-tier teams like Pakistan could boost the Emirati side’s confidence ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup.