Play was temporarily halted in Dubai on Wednesday after umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on the ear by a throw during the Asia Cup Group A clash between Pakistan and the UAE.

The incident occurred in the sixth over of UAE’s chase when a return throw hit the Sri Lankan umpire on his left ear. Palliyaguruge, caught off guard with his back turned, appeared dazed as Pakistan fielders rushed to assist him. After treatment from the team physio, the reserve umpire took over on the field following a brief delay.

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Earlier, Pakistan posted 146 for 9 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first, largely thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s counterattacking 50 off 36 balls and a late surge from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi remained unbeaten on 29 from 14 deliveries, striking two sixes to rescue Pakistan from a potential collapse.

UAE’s bowlers largely controlled the innings, with Junaid Siddique claiming 4 for 18 and Simranjeet Singh Kang picking up 3 for 18, keeping Pakistan to a chaseable total. Pakistan’s top order struggled again, with Saim Ayub dismissed for his third consecutive duck of the tournament and Abdullah Shafique also falling cheaply.

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and opted to bowl against Pakistan in the group stage match of the Asia Cup.

The toss was delayed by an hour as Pakistan team left late for the stadium and waited for clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Pakistan board had threatened to pull out of the contest after the International Cricket Council turned down their plea to remove match referee Andy Pycroft.

Pakistan had cancelled the pre-match press conference on Tuesday but held the practice session.