PAKISTAN v UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

At Gujranwala, February 24. Pakistan won by nine wickets. Toss: Pakistan.

Pakistan made a late entry into the tournament, delayed by the fasting month of Ramadan. They were further held up by overnight rain, which left the outfield waterlogged and reduced the match to 33 overs a side. But they needed only 18 overs to overtake the United Arab Emirates' 109; Javed Miandad, now the sole surviving player from the first World Cup in 1975, was not required to bat. After the loss of Aamir Sohail in the first over, Saeed Anwar and Ijaz Ahmed knocked off their target at a run a ball - assisted by 12 wides. Batting first while the ball was moving in the damp atmosphere, the Emirates made another aggressive start. Saleem Raza, who dashed to 22 in 20 balls, hit Wasim Akram over square leg for a huge six. But once he skied a catch to Miandad they struggled. Mushtaq Ahmed took three wickets in ten balls; the first was his 100th wicket in limited-overs internationals, in his 91st match.

Man of the Match: Mushtaq Ahmed.