In the grander scheme of things, it was nearly a perfect game for Pakistan.

The 1992 champions finally defeated a team in the tournament by a margin large enough to boost both morale and the crucial net run rate (NRR). Yet, they were exposed enough by the UAE to warrant some soul-searching.

It was a relief that Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail finally made significant contributions. Their runs also allowed Misbah-ul-Haq some breathing room, who played a more natural game, free of the demands of rebuilding an innings.

Another welcome sign was the striking form of players like Afridi and Maqsood, whose blows could come in handy against South Africa, especially since that particular match takes place at a small ground like Eden Park.

It was a little disappointing that neither Shehzad nor Sohail were able to convert their innings into big hundreds, but after the failures against Zimbabwe, fans will be largely happy with today's scorecard.

Of more concern was the nervous start made by Shehzad, where he was gifted a few chances by the UAE fielders – an occurrence unlikely to happen against South Africa.

Another correction Pakistan must make before South Africa is in its death bowling.

The good length deliveries resulted in some mighty hits from Amjad Javed against Sohail Khan. Coach Waqar Younis must also urge Rahat Ali to bowl a little fuller in general, especially in conditions where the ball is swinging. As Ian Bishop pointed out in the commentary box, Rahat Ali’s shorter deliveries are more likely to be punished by South Africa at Eden Park.

The decision to play Jamshed and Irfan

But perhaps bigger the greatest concern was the continuing failure of opener Nasir Jamshed, who isn’t performing well in any capacity. It was rumoured that the team management fought tooth and nail for Jamshed’s inclusion in the original squad, but he was – as confirmed by selector Mohammad Akram on Ten Sports – kept out because he was deemed extremely unfit and in poor form in the first class circuit.