Afghanistan are set to take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a do-or-die Group D encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, February 16. The Rashid Khan-led side will be hoping to pick up a win and mathematically remain in the race to reach the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Afghanistan suffered a heartbreaking defeat against South Africa in the double super over. The management groups of both the teams will look to consider their best combination to take advantage of the Delhi conditions, where the pitch is expected to be flat and the early moisture before the spinners are expected to help the seamers.
This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of Afghanistan and UAE for this important encounter, providing expert insight into team selection and tactical adjustments.
Afghanistan playing eleven vs uae
Afghanistan’s batting against South Africa was excellent, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz playing a brilliant inning. The management can resist making rash changes in the batting order and rely on the top order being re-energized. The bowling unit remains world class despite failing to defend in the Super Over.
Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper) and Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides the explosive starts, while Ibrahim Zadran plays the role of anchor. Zadran’s technique will be key to surviving the first hour of the swing. Gurbaz scored 84 runs in 42 balls against the Proteas in one innings of the tournament.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal.
Azmatullah Umarzai has been performing brilliantly with the new ball and is also a key batsman at number 4. The experienced Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib provide composure, while Shahidullah Kamal adds a vital left-arm option to counter the UAE spinners in the middle overs.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (captain), Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqui
They boast one of the best spin attacks in the tournament. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman and Noor Ahmed are expected to enjoy the Delhi surface. Fazalhaq Farooqui will be a dangerous man in the powerplay, with the surface likely to give him significant swing.
Afghanistan probable XI: Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (captain), Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazalhaq Farooqui.
UAE Playing XI vs Afghanistan
UAE has a lot of inexperienced batsmen, who may be exposed against Afghanistan’s quality spin. As a result, they are expected to make strategic changes to strengthen their batting depth and bowling options.
Openers: Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper) and Muhammad Wasim (captain)
Captain Muhammad Wasim is the wicket Afghanistan would want most. It has the power to disrupt Afghanistan’s plans but it needs support at the other end. Young Aryansh Sharma will have to rotate the strike better to ensure that Wasim is not forced into high-risk shots early on.
Middle-order batsmen: Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Mayank Kumar, Harshit Kaushik
Alishan Sharafu has looked good in parts but needs to change his starts. Harshit Kaushik and Sohaib Khan bring balance to the batting lineup.
If UAE loses early wickets to the swing of Fazalhaq Faruqi, their lower order could come under severe pressure. It could be challenging to face the Rashid Khan-led spin attack along with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmed.
Bowlers: Junaid Siddiqui, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Arfan
Junaid Siddiqui will be UAE’s trump card in the morning conditions. His ability to hit the deck hard and move the ball makes him a threat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Muhammad Jawadullah provides the left-back angle, while Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Arfan complete the attack.
UAE probable XI: Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Wasim (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddiqui, Muhammad Jawadullah.
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