AFG vs UAE (6th T20I) – Highlights
In a thrilling encounter at Sharjah, Afghanistan edged past the United Arab Emirates by a narrow margin of four runs in the sixth match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series. Ibrahim Zadran’s masterclass guided Afghanistan to a respectable 170/4 in their full quota of overs, leaving the opposition with a challenging chase ahead. The innings was a display of calculated aggression and smart shot selection, as the Afghan batsmen ensured their team set a challenging target for the hosts.
Ibrahim Zadran stole the limelight with a blistering 48 off 35 deliveries, anchoring the innings at a crucial phase and maintaining a strike rate of over 137. His innings featured three exquisite boundaries and three towering sixes, providing the momentum that Afghanistan needed. Karim Janat also contributed a rapid 28 from 14 balls, further accelerating the run rate with a strike rate of 200, while Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai finished strongly with quickfire contributions, ensuring the total was competitive. Afghanistan’s bowlers would have been pleased to see their batsmen leave them with a defendable score, setting the stage for a gripping chase.
The UAE responded with intent, but the Afghan bowlers ensured they were constantly under pressure. Alishan Sharafu provided a brisk start with 27 runs off 23 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals, disrupting the innings. Captain Muhammad Waseem played a brilliant counter-attacking innings of 44 off just 29 balls, keeping the UAE in contention with three boundaries and three sixes, but the lack of consistent partnerships proved costly. Asif Khan’s 40-run cameo off 28 balls showed his intent to take the game deep, yet it came too late to overhaul Afghanistan’s total. The UAE managed 166 for five, falling agonizingly short of the target.
AFG bowlers executed their plans meticulously, with Haider Ali taking two key wickets and Simranjeet Singh supporting well with one. Fareed Ahmad and Noor Ahmad shared the spoils among the UAE batting lineup, each picking crucial wickets at important junctures. Sharafuddin Ashraf delivered tidy overs and Fareed Ahmad struck early, but Afghanistan’s finish left the UAE chasing shadows.
The match was highlighted by fine fielding efforts, crucial wickets at critical moments, and power-packed batting from both sides, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout. Ibrahim Zadran was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match, not just for his runs but for the impact he had on the game, scoring heavily when his team needed it most. His performance also earned him POTM award for the contest, reflecting his instrumental role in Afghanistan’s narrow victory.
Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates Scoreboard
Afghanistan – 170/4 (20)
United Arab Emirates – 166/5 (20)
Result – Afghanistan won by 4 runs
Player of the Match – Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG vs UAE Playing Eleven
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai |
United Arab Emirates | Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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