Afghanistan edge UAE in high-voltage T20 World Cup thriller

It was fireworks, tension, and pure T20 drama as Afghanistan outlasted United Arab Emirates in a nail-biting encounter, sealing victory in 19.2 overs with five wickets down.

EARLY BLOW, BIG RESPONSE

Chasing 161, Afghanistan’s innings got off to the worst possible start when Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for a duck, caught by Sohaib Khan off Junaid Siddique. The pressure was immediate.

Gulbadin Naib counterattacked with 13, but his cameo ended in the deep. Sediqullah Atal added a brisk 16 before falling to Muhammad Jawadullah, keeping the contest finely poised.

ZADRAN ANCHORS THE CHARGE

Then stepped up Ibrahim Zadran.

Cool under pressure, Zadran crafted a superb 53 off 41 balls, peppering the boundary with six fours and a towering six. Just when he looked set to finish it off, Muhammad Wasim held onto a sharp catch off Muhammad Irfan, reigniting UAE hopes.

But Afghanistan weren’t done.

Darwish Rasooli unleashed a rapid 33 from 23 deliveries, smashing a six and three fours to tilt momentum back his side before being bowled by Siddique.

UMARZAI FINISHES IN STYLE

With nerves jangling and the target within sight, Azmatullah Omarzai took control. Calm, composed, and clinical, he hammered an unbeaten 40 to guide Afghanistan home. Veteran Mohammad Nabi remained not out on three as the winning runs sparked celebration in the Afghan camp.

Afghanistan reached 161 in 19.2 overs – mission accomplished.

UAE POST COMPETITIVE 160

Earlier, UAE put up a spirited fight after Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl.

Alishan Sharafu struck a steady 40, while Sohaib Khan lit up the innings with a blistering 68. Their efforts powered UAE to 160 for nine in 20 overs — a total that promised a contest.

But Afghanistan’s bowlers ensured it never ran away from them. Omarzai starred with four crucial wickets, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up two and Rashid Khan chipped in with one.

In the end, it was Afghanistan’s nerve, firepower, and finishing punch that proved decisive in a gripping T20 showdown, a match packed with twists, big hits, and relentless drama right until the final over.