AFG vs UAE (3rd Match) – Highlights
In the UAE T20I Tri-Series, AFG maintained their winning streak with a 38-run victory over the United Arab Emirates. By batting first, they registered a competitive 188/4 over 20 overs, setting a challenging target for the opposition. The duo of Zadran and Atal powered the innings, scoring at brisk rates of 63 and 54 from just 40 deliveries apiece. Both displayed excellent stroke play, combining aggression with smart risk management to capitalize on loose deliveries.
The middle order contributed effectively, with Azmatullah Omarzai scoring 20 and Karim Janat finishing unbeaten on 23, ensuring a strong late-innings push. Afghanistan also benefited from 11 extras, highlighting moments of wayward bowling from the UAE. The innings was marked by a well-managed top order that rotated strike efficiently, maintained momentum, and created a cohesive team environment. Overall, Afghanistan’s balanced batting effort, with controlled aggression and strategic shot selection, laid down a challenging target and set the tone for a comfortable win.
In response, the UAE struggled to keep up with the required run rate despite a brilliant innings from captain Muhammad Waseem. Waseem’s 67 off 37 balls was the standout effort for the home side, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary and rotate strike under pressure. Rahul Chopra provided a solid supporting act with a composed 52 not out off 35 deliveries, but the lack of contributions from the rest of the lineup ultimately hurt the UAE’s chase. After losing Zohaib and D’Souza cheaply, the UAE struggled to regain momentum, with the middle order offering only sporadic resistance. The final total of 150 for 8 highlighted the dominance of Afghanistan’s bowling attack and their ability to strike at crucial moments, particularly in the death overs.
The AFG bowling unit was led by Sharafuddin Ashraf, who was awarded Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul conceding just 24 runs. His performance dismantled the UAE’s middle and lower order, preventing any momentum from building. Rashid Khan, a consistent match-winner, also starred with the ball, claiming three vital wickets for just 21 runs while keeping the run rate under control. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi contributed crucial breakthroughs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled tightly without taking a wicket, maintaining pressure and ensuring there were no easy runs. Afghanistan’s bowlers were disciplined in line and length, making it difficult for the UAE batters to free their arms.
Overall, Afghanistan’s all-round performance, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling, ensured they secured a comprehensive victory. The win reinforced their position in the tournament and highlighted their depth and talent in both departments. For the UAE, the match emphasized the need for more contributions from the top and lower-middle order to compete against strong sides like Afghanistan.
Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates Scoreboard
Afghanistan – 188/4 (20)
United Arab Emirates – 150/8 (20)
Result – Afghanistan won by 38 runs
Player of the Match – Sharafuddin Ashraf
Sharafuddin Ashraf
AFG vs UAE Playing XIs
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi |
United Arab Emirates | Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Ethan D’Souza, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid |
