Afghanistan tightened their grip on the UAE T20I Tri-Series with a commanding 38-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates in Sharjah on Monday night, showcasing disciplined spin bowling and a composed top-order display.
Afghanistan Set Up the Game with Calm Batting
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a solid 188 for 4. Ibrahim Zadran (63 off 40) and Sediqullah Atal (54 off 40) anchored the innings with a steady second-wicket stand, nullifying UAE’s early seam threat. Their measured approach allowed Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat to swing freely in the closing overs, giving the visitors a defendable total without taking unnecessary risks.
UAE Falter After Bright Start
UAE’s reply started with promise as captain Muhammad Waseem blasted 67 off just 37 balls, setting a brisk pace in the powerplay. However, his dismissal, followed closely by Asif Khan’s, left the hosts wobbling. Despite a fighting half-century from Rahul Chopra (52 off 35), Afghanistan’s spinners seized control, restricting the middle order and choking the chase.
A late 28-run stand for the ninth wicket between Chopra and Junaid Siddique gave UAE a sliver of hope, setting a new national T20I record for the lower order, but the damage was already done. UAE finished on 150 for 8, well short of their target.
Rashid Khan Makes History
Sharafuddin Ashraf’s 3 for 24 earned him Player of the Match honors, while skipper Rashid Khan’s own three-wicket haul carried greater significance — the Afghan star surpassed New Zealand’s Tim Southee to become T20I cricket’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 165 scalps.
Captains Reflect
Rashid credited Afghanistan’s “discipline and patience” with both bat and ball, while Waseem admitted his side’s struggles in the final overs were decisive. The defeat leaves UAE searching for their first win in the series.
Afghanistan next face Pakistan in what could be a series-defining clash on Tuesday.
