Afghanistan won 38 runs over hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the third match UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Afghanistan’s batting talent sets tone to win
After winning the Toss of the UAE, asked to bat first, Afghanistan launched an early shock when opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed cheaply for 7. However, the innings soon found stability through Sedikullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran, who together put up a significant participation together.
At 40 balls, Atal had a mix of 54 out of 54, with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Zadran performed the role of anchor beautifully, expedited the right moments to score 63 from 40 delivery with three fours and four sixes. His 84 -run stand set the foundation for a large clan.
The finishing touch came from the lower middle order. Azmatullah Omrajai scored 20 runs from 12 balls, while Karim Janat’s explosive cameo was on 10 runs, including two fours and two sixes, operating Afghanistan till 188/4 in 20 overs.
For the UAE, the bowlers worked hard. Muhammad Rohid Khan (2/34) and Muhammad Sagir Khan (2/52) took wickets, but accepted heavily, while others struggled to play aggressive strokes of Afghanistan.
UAE chased by Afghan Spin
Chasing 189, the UAE needed a strong start, and met his opener in the same way. Wasim Muhammad scored 67 runs in 37 balls scoring 67 runs and hit 4 fours and six huge sixes, giving a glimpse of hope to the hosts. With him, Rahul Chopra provided solubility with fluent 52 off 35 balls. Both of them kept the UA chase alive in and beyond the powerplay, disappointing the Afghan seamors.
However, once Afghanistan introduced the spin, the game was fully transferred. Sharafuddin Ashraf (3/24) broke the dangerous stand, dismissed the set batsmen and tightened the grip in the middle overs. Skipper Rashid Khan (3/21) proved to be unexpected, mixing sharp Gogali with microscopic variations to trigger a collapse. From a promising situation at 76/2, the UAE fell under pressure, Management of only 150/8 in 20 overs,
The rest of the batting lineup offered little resistance. Asif-Khan Lala, Harshit Kaushik and Dhruv Parashar all fell into cheap, after which the top order was left, followed in the tatters. Mohammad Nabi (1/9 in 2 overs) and Fazalhak Farooqui (1/24 in 3) provided significant support to spin twin children.
UAE vs AFG: Prominent Artist
- Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): Afghanistan’s innings with a fluent 63 for 40 runs anchored.
- Sedikullah Atal (AFG): Gave initial speed with 54 out of 40 balls.
- Wasim Muhammad (UAE): retaliating with a blazing 67, keeping his stand in hunting.
- Rahul Chopra (UAE): Supported with 52 out of 35, but there was a lack of middle-order support.
- Sharafuddin Ashraf (AFG): Match of 3/24-to shift the decisive speed.
- Rashid Khan (AFG): three wickets for just 21 runs, sealing the competition in favor of Afghanistan.
Also read: Saim ayub shine as pack
