Afghanistan Edges the UAE in Thrilling Finish at Sharjah
Sharjah — Afghanistan secured a narrow four-run victory over the UAE in a nail-biting T20 clash at Sharjah Stadium on Friday, despite resting several of their key players ahead of the tri-series final against Pakistan.
Chasing 171, the UAE fell just short at 166-5 after Asif Khan’s late fireworks nearly turned the match around. Needing a boundary off the final ball, Asif was caught after striking a four, a six, and a two earlier in the over.
Afghanistan, who left out captain Rashid Khan, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, and opener Sediqullah Atal, still managed to post 170-4 after being sent in to bat. Stand-in skipper Ibrahim Zadran led from the front, adding 98 runs with Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the opening wicket.
Zadran smashed 48 off 35 balls with three sixes and as many fours, while Gurbaz struck 38 off 38 deliveries before both departed in successive balls. The late charge came from Karim Janat, who blasted 28 off just 14 balls, and Gulbadin Naib’s unbeaten 20 off 13, lifting Afghanistan to a strong total.
Left-arm spinner Haider Ali stood out for the UAE with figures of 2-23.
In reply, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem gave the hosts a fighting start, hitting 44 off 29 balls with three sixes and two fours. Asif Khan kept hopes alive with a valiant 40 off 28 deliveries, but Afghanistan held their nerve in the final over to seal victory.
The result confirmed Afghanistan’s momentum going into Saturday’s tri-series final against Pakistan.
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