The Afghanistan national cricket team delivered a commanding performance to defeat the United Arab Emirates UAE national cricket team by 38 runs in Sharjah in their most recent T20I tri‑series match. The win was anchored by key contributions from Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal and Rashid Khan each playing a pivotal role in shifting momentum in Afghanistan’s favour.
Solid batting sets the tone
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a challenging total of 188/4 in 20 overs. Atal and Zadran forged a strong second‑wicket partnership early on: Atal smashed 63 off 40 balls, while Zadran followed with a composed 54 off 40. Their aggressive starts laid the foundation for a big total, but it was the late‑innings surge that truly sealed the deal Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat both chipped in with big hits in the death overs to take the score beyond 150 and ultimately close near the 190‑mark.
That kind of batting depth and finishing ability is exactly what a team like Afghanistan needs in the short format: a strong platform followed by power at the death. The UAE bowlers struggled to find consistency, particularly in the middle overs when the game was up for grabs.
Rashid leads the bowling charge
Chasing 189, the UAE looked to get off to a strong start with their captain Muhammad Waseem leading the charge — he scored 67 off 37 balls, including six sixes, and looked to steer the chase. Their score of 66/1 at the end of the PowerPlay suggested the target was within reach. But then Afghanistan’s spin attack bowled with discipline and aggression.
Rashid Khan emerged as the match‑winner with figures of 3/21, and with that wicket tally, he became the leading wicket‑taker in T20Is. His spell came at a crucial time dismissing key batsmen and putting pressure on the middle and lower order, which subsequently collapsed.
While Waseem provided the impetus, the rest of the UAE batting order could not sustain the momentum. Their middle‑order folded under pressure and the required run‑rate climbed too steeply in the last 10 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept things tight at the death overs, taking advantage of the mounting pressure.
Why this win matters for Afghanistan
This victory gives Afghanistan their first points in the tri‑series and boosts their confidence especially as they continue to build their T20 credentials. The combination of strong batting, depth and match‑winning spins shows they are not just relying on one or two. Atal and Zadran’s opening partnership emphasises that the top‑order is capable of delivering big scores, and Rashid’s ongoing dominance with the ball solidifies their position as a T20‑threat.
Their strategy seems clear: set a strong first‑innings total, then turn to their spin weapons to choke opposition. The UAE executed parts of their plan well particularly Waseem’s knock but lacked support from others when it mattered. The difference in quality and execution between the two sides was evident in the latter overs of both innings.
What UAE will need to improve
For the UAE, there are positives to take from Waseem’s innings, but plenty of areas to work on:
- Their bowling in the early overs allowed Afghanistan to get the upper hand in the PowerPlay and build momentum.
- The middle‑order batting lacked resilience once the required run‑rate accelerated.
- Their bowlers, especially in the death overs, leaked too many runs and were unable to apply sustained pressure.
If they want to compete at this level, they will need more consistent contributions from all members — not just one or two standouts.
Looking ahead
Afghanistan now have momentum and will look to build on this for the rest of the tri‑series. With Atal and Zadran showing form, and Rashid continuing to lead the bowling attack, they pose a serious threat to opponents.
Meanwhile, the UAE must regroup quickly. They’ve found a star in Waseem, but cricket is a team sport and they’ll need the rest of the squad to step up. Their upcoming matches will test their depth and ability to adapt.
In summary, this was a strong Rah for Afghanistan they executed their plan well, capitalised on key moments, and proved yet again why they are becoming a side to watch in T20 cricket. For UAE, it’s a reminder that in the fast‑paced world of T20s, one big performance isn’t enough consistency and collective execution are essential.
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