Afghanistan achieved their first success in their current T20I tri-series, this time against the UAE, with a convincing 38-run victory over the United Arab Emirates due in part to all-round displays from Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal. The game witnessed some dramatic moments, but the Afghans prevailed to remain in contention for the competition.
Rashid Khan Becomes No. 1 in T20I Wicket-Takers
The pick of the AFG vs UAE match was Rashid Khan’s spell, which broke records. With a bowling figure of 3/21, Rashid not only shattered the UAE middle order but also became the leading all-time wicket-taker in men’s T20 Internationals. The wickets were timed impeccably, immediately after UAE appeared threatening in their pursuit of 189.
Afghanistan Set Competitive Total After Early Jitters
Batting first, Afghanistan struggled when Rahmanullah Gurbaz got cheaply dismissed, with only 16 runs on the board after three overs. But a vital 84-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal steered their innings back.
Zadran and Atal batted maturely, steadying the innings by taking calculated risks. The turnaround was in the 6th over when Afghanistan took 18 off Saghir Khan, leading the way for the middle overs.
Late-Order Surge Propels Afghanistan to 188
Though UAE bowlers did a fine job to stem the run flow in the middle overs, the Afghan batsmen went into a frenzy in the death overs and pumped 49 runs off the last three overs.
Karim Janat’s 22-ball cameo was crucial, dismissing Muhammad Rohid, who had previously bowled beautifully. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zadran also played important boundaries to propel Afghanistan to a par-plus score of 188/5.
Muhammad Waseem’s Solo Fight for UAE
Pursuing 189, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem provided his team with hope with a dazzling 67 off 37 balls, taking on the Afghan bowlers with grace and power. UAE was in control at one point, needing more than 9 runs per over by the 10th. But after Waseem got out to Sharafudin, UAE went down in chase.
Rashid Khan Causes Collapse in Middle Overs
In the space of merely four deliveries, Afghanistan totally turned the tables. Asif Khan was bowled first ball by Rashid. Rashid then got rid of Ethan D’Souza and Dhruv Parashar, finishing off his spell in style.
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His match-turning over left UAE with an asking rate of almost 16 runs per over, an impossible task even with Rahul Chopra’s late half-century.
Rahul Chopra’s Late Fifty Not Enough
Rahul Chopra attempted to rescue UAE’s pride with an unbeaten *50, achieving the figure with a six on the last ball. But by that point, Afghanistan had already won the match, getting a much-needed victory and climbing the points table in the AFG vs UAE tri-series match.
Final Scorecard Summary – AFG vs UAE:
Afghanistan: 188/5 in 20 overs
Ibrahim Zadran – 50+
Sediqullah Atal – 50+
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Karim Janat – 22 (1 over)
UAE: 150/8 in 20 overs
Muhammad Waseem – 67 (37)
Rashid Khan – 3/21
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