Afghanistan Clinch Dramatic Victory Over UAE in T20 Tri-Series Clash

Last-Over Drama Seals Afghanistan’s Win

Afghanistan emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against UAE, winning by four runs after posting 170 for 4, while UAE managed 166 for 5 in response.

Match Highlights

Despite making six changes to their lineup, Afghanistan delivered a well-rounded performance. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a solid foundation. Gurbaz contributed 40 runs before falling in the 12th over, while Zadran narrowly missed his half-century, scoring 48. The middle-order maintained the momentum, with Karim Janat (28 off 13) and Gulbadin Naib (17 off 10) providing crucial late-innings acceleration.

UAE’s Valiant Chase

UAE’s chase began impressively with Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu putting up a quick 59-run opening partnership in just 7 overs. Waseem looked particularly impressive, scoring 38 off 26 balls, but the dismissals of key batsmen by Noor Ahmad and Azmatullah Omarzai triggered a middle-order collapse. The pressure mounted during the middle overs, and after losing Zohaib and Rahul Chopra, the responsibility fell on Asif Khan. With 43 runs needed from the final three overs, Asif kept UAE’s hopes alive, bringing the equation down to 7 runs needed off the final 3 balls.

Dramatic Finale

The final over began with high drama as Fareed Ahmad was hit for 4 and 6 off the first two deliveries. With Asif Khan batting on 40 off 25 balls, an upset seemed possible. However, Fareed demonstrated remarkable composure, closing out the match with a sequence of 4, 6, 2, dot, dot, wicket.

Although Afghanistan fielded a second-string side with six players, including captain Rashid Khan, sitting out, they managed to maintain their winning momentum. For UAE, despite ending the tri-series without a win, they showed remarkable fighting spirit, particularly through the performances of Asif Khan and skipper Muhammad Waseem.