Chasing 17 runs in the final over, the United Arab Emirates managed 10 off the first two balls but couldn’t finish the job, handing Afghanistan a dramatic victory.
In the final over, UAE needed 17 runs to win. Left-arm pacer Farid Ahmed gave hope with a four and a six off the first two deliveries, partnered by Asif Khan. But in the remaining four balls, they couldn’t make much impact. Afghanistan emerged victorious in this nail-biting contest.
This was Afghanistan’s win in the final match of the first leg of the Tri-Nation T20 series, securing their place in the final. UAE had already been eliminated, and Afghanistan had confirmed their spot alongside Pakistan.
Even after making six changes to their XI from the game against Pakistan, Afghanistan managed to win. UAE has now lost all four matches of the series, while Afghanistan advances to contest the trophy after winning three.
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, Afghanistan posted 170/4 in 20 overs. In response, UAE could only manage 166.
Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s standout performer, scoring 48 off 35 balls with three fours and three sixes, earning him the Man of the Match award. In Rashid Khan’s absence, Zadran also led the side.
Afghanistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, gave themselves a strong start with a 98-run opening stand between Ibrahim and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz scored 40 off 38 balls with three fours and a six before being bowled by Haider Ali, just two runs short of a consecutive third fifty.
Other contributions came from Karim Janat (28 off 14), Gulbadin Naib (20*, 14 balls), and Azmatullah Omarzai (14*, 9 balls), helping Afghanistan reach 170.
UAE began the chase positively. Openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Wasim added 65 off 46 balls, with Sharafu scoring 27 off 23 and Wasim 44 off 29. Muhammad Zohaib contributed 23 off 29. After Rahul Chopra’s quick dismissal, Asif and Harshit brought UAE closer to the target.
With three overs remaining, UAE needed 43 runs. Asif hit two fours and a six in the 18th over to score 16 runs. In the next over, they added 10, aided by a missed catch from debutant Abdullah Ahmadzai.
In the final over, Farid’s first two deliveries yielded a four and a six. Asif took two off the third ball, leaving five needed from three balls. However, he couldn’t score off the remaining deliveries and was caught on the last ball for 40 off 28, sealing the four-run victory for Afghanistan.
The final will see Afghanistan face Pakistan next Sunday.
Brief Scores
- Afghanistan: 170/4 (Gurbaz 40, Ibrahim 48, Ishaq 5, Janat 28, Gulbadin 20*, Omarzai 14*; Juneid 4-0-34-0, Rohid 3-0-27-0, Haider 4-0-23-2, Simranjit 4-0-24-1, Farooq 3-0-36-1, Harshit 2-0-24-0)
- UAE: 166/5 (Sharafu 27, Wasim 44, Zohaib 23, Rahul 7, Asif 40, Harshit 15*; Farid 3-0-35-1, Mujib 4-0-27-1, Sharafuddin 4-0-20-1, Omarzai 1-0-10-0, Noor 4-0-23-1, Ahmadzai 3-0-31-1, Naib 1-0-17-0)
Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs
Man of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran
