CRICKET – Afghanistan clinched a thrilling four-run victory over the UAE in the final league match of the T20 Tri-nation Series at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted 170 for 4 in their 20 overs. Captain Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 48, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz added a quickfire 40.
The innings concluded strongly with Gulbadin Naib and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai stitching together an unbeaten 40-run partnership off just 18 balls. Naib scored 20 not out from 14 deliveries, while Omarzai contributed 14 off 9 balls.
For UAE, Haider Ali claimed two wickets, while Samranjeet Singh and Muhammad Farooq picked up one each.
Chasing 171, UAE put up a spirited fight but fell short, finishing on 166 for 5 in their 20 overs.
This victory ensures Afghanistan head into Sunday’s final against Pakistan with momentum. Rashid Khan, having already secured a place in the decider, opted to rest for this fixture, leaving Zadran to lead the side.
The Afghan squad featured Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
UAE’s playing XI included captain Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Ali Shah Sharafu, Rahul Chopra, Harshit Koushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohaid, Junaid Siddique, and Samranjeet Singh.
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