NEW DELHI: The Pakistan-UAE Asia Cup match took place after high drama, confusion, and extreme uncertainty over the handshake controversy, with the PCB claiming that match referee Andy Pycroft had apologised to the Pakistan manager and captain.

There was intense drama in the run-up to the game as the Pakistan team refused to leave its hotel after learning that Pycroft will be persisted with. Teams are required to report at the stadium two hours before the start of the game which Pakistan failed to do in protest.

Undeterred by the controversy, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to secure a comfortable 41-run win over the UAE, setting up a much-anticipated Super 4s grudge match against India in the Asia Cup.

Skipper Salman Agha admitted that the team’s middle order remains a concern but issued a warning ahead of the India clash, declaring that Pakistan is ready for any challenge.

Barring senior batter Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36 balls), Pakistan’s top-order failed once again. Mohammad Haris (18) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (29 not out off 14 balls) used the long handle to push them to 146 for nine. Their bowlers, however, ensured a 41-run win against a young UAE side in the final group league fixture.

"We got the job done but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That's been a concern and something we need to work on. Apart from that, we did a good job," Agha said at the post-match presentation.

"We haven't batted at our best yet... we're still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition."

"We're ready for any challenge and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we'll be good against any side. (on the upcoming match against India)," he said.