Shoaib Malik smashed 63 not out as Pakistan survived an early stumble in its run chase to beat United Arab Emirates by seven wickets in the Asia Cup Monday. UAE made 129-6 in its 20 overs after opting to bat first before Pakistan reached the winning total with 131-3 in 18.4 overs. Malik was aided by Umar Akmal, who hit an unbeaten 50. The duo combined for a T20 record fourth-wicket partnership of 114 after Pakistan was reduced to 17-3. The previous record was held by Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan who shared an unbeaten 112 for England against Pakistan in 2010. UAE medium-fast bowler Amjad Javed claimed 3-36 after scoring a fluent 27 not out to pace the UAE innings. Swinging the ball at considerable pace against the over-casual Pakistan top order, Javed struck twice in his first over — dismissing Sharjeel Khan (4) and Khurram Manzoor (0). He then raised the prospect of an upset victory by removing Mohammad Hafeez for 11 in his next over. Malik, aided by Akmal, steered the side through a torrid period, playing sensible shots. The outcome could have been different had Usman Mushtaq not dropped Malik off Mohammad Shahzad when he was on 41. Malik then smacked a consecutive four and six to reach his fifth T20 half-century. Malik clobbered seven fours and three sixes in his 63 runs off 49 balls, while Umar Akmal had two fours and hit three sixes in the 46 balls he faced during his 8th T20 half century. Earlier, Shaiman Anwar steadied the UAE innings after it was reduced to 12-3. All three Pakistani pacers — Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Sami — shared the wickets in triggering UAE's collapse. Anwar hit five fours and two sixes in his 42-ball 46. Amir finished with 2-6 and Irfan 2-30. Brief scores: UAE 129-6 (Shaiman Anwar 46, Amjad Javed 27; Mohammad Amir 6 for 2, Mohammad Irfan 30 for 2) loses to Pakistan 131-3 in 18.4 overs (Shoaib Malik 63 not out, Umar Akmal 50 not out; Amjad Javed 3 for 36) by 7 wickets. Tamim replaces Mustafizur Bangladesh Monday called up opening batsman Tamim Iqbal for the remaining part of the Asia Cup as a replacement for pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was ruled out with injury. Team physio Bayjedul Islam said Mustafizur complained of discomfort after Sunday's match against Sri Lanka and an MRI scan and a report from the radiologist confirmed a strain on a right rib. "He is under conservative treatment and rest for next 48 hours. Following that the rehab will begin," Islam said in statement. "We are expecting that he will make a quick recovery and resume bowling soon." Mustafizur played a key role in Bangladesh's 23-run win over Sri Lanka with four tight overs for just 19 runs. He also took the vital wicket of all-rounder Thisara Perera. Tamim, who is a regular member of the side, was allowed to skip the Asia Cup to be with his wife, who gave birth to a baby boy in Bangkok Sunday. Tamim returned home Monday and joined the training camp. Bangladesh will face Pakistan in its last league match of the tournament Wednesday. The host, which has four points from three matches, will qualify for the March 6 final if it can beat Pakistan in the last match. — Agencies
