Afghanistan beat UAE by 38 runs in Sharjah encounter
Rashid, Ashraf spin Afghanistan to first win of tri-series
SHARJAH – Afghanistan recorded their opening victory of the T20I tri-series with a 38-run triumph over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday night.
The result leaves the hosts winless after two outings, while Afghanistan gained momentum following their defeat to Pakistan in the series opener.
The evening began with a poignant tribute, as both teams observed a minute’s silence to honour the victims of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Afghanistan at midnight, killing around 800 people and injuring 2,500 in Kunar province. Players from both sides stood in solidarity as the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Emirates Cricket Board paid respects.
Match highlights
Put into bat first, Afghanistan’s top order set the platform for a competitive total. Ibrahim Zadran struck a fluent 63 off 40 deliveries, while Sediqullah Atal compiled 54 from 40 balls. The pair added significant runs before late hitting from Azmatullah Omarzai (20*) and Karim Janat (23*) lifted the score to 188 for 4 in 20 overs. UAE seamers Muhammad Rohid (2 for 34) and Saghir Khan (2 for 41) were the pick of the attack.
In reply, UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem led the charge with a blistering 67 from 37 balls, including six sixes, while Rahul Chopra added an unbeaten 52 off 35 deliveries. However, the Afghan spinners dictated terms as Rashid Khan (3 for 21) and Sharafuddin Ashraf (3 for 24) dismantled the middle order. Fazalhaq Farooqi (1 for 24) and Mohammad Nabi (1 for 9) applied further pressure to restrict the hosts to 150 for 8 in their allotted overs.
Scorecard snapshot
Afghanistan 188/4 (20 overs) – Ibrahim Zadran 63 (40), Sediqullah Atal 54 (40); Muhammad Rohid 2/34 (4), Saghir Khan 2/41 (4).
UAE 150/8 (20 overs) – Muhammad Waseem 67 (37), Rahul Chopra 52* (35); Rashid Khan 3/21 (4), Sharafuddin Ashraf 3/24 (4).
Sharjah tri-series
The victory marked Afghanistan’s 10th win over the UAE in 13 T20I encounters, underlining their dominance in the head-to-head record. For the UAE, the defeat extends their search for a first win in this series, raising concerns ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
The tri-series in Sharjah, which runs until 7 September, features Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UAE, serving as a prelude to the Asia Cup beginning in the UAE on 9 September. The next fixture sees the UAE face Pakistan on 4 September, with the hosts aiming to regroup quickly before the continental tournament.