Afghanistan beat the UAE by 38 runs in Sharjah to claim their first points of the ongoing tri series. The victory came through half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, supported by Rashid Khan’s clinical spell. Rashid also became No. 1 on the all-time men’s T20I wicket list, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. UAE fought back with captain Muhammad Waseem’s 67, but once he fell, Afghanistan tightened control and closed the game.
The UAE vs AFG clash ended with Afghanistan posting 188 for 4, while the UAE finished at 150 for 8. Ibrahim made 63 off 40, Atal added 54 off 40, and Rashid combined with Sharafuddin Ashraf to share six wickets. That effort sealed Afghanistan’s win.
Key Turning Points
The Afghanistan vs UAE cricket match had two main shifts. First, Ibrahim and Atal built an 84-run stand after Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s early exit. Then Rashid struck with 3 for 21, breaking the UAE’s chase when the asking rate climbed.
Waseem gave UAE hope with a fast 67 off 37. His shots kept the game alive until Sharafuddin dismissed him. From 90 for 2, the innings fell apart to 120 for 8. Rahul Chopra’s unbeaten 52 reduced the margin but did not change the result.
In this UAE vs Afghanistan T20, Afghanistan handled the pressure moments better. Rashid and Ashraf slowed the run rate once Waseem departed. Chopra cleared the ropes off the final ball, but the earlier collapse had already sealed the game.
Tribute and Emotions
Before play, both teams observed a minute of silence for victims of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, as reported by Khaleej Times. The gesture added emotion to the evening. Afghanistan’s players later dedicated their win to that memory.
Power Shifts in the Innings
Afghanistan started slowly. UAE seamers Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid kept runs down in the opening overs. Rohid also removed Gurbaz, and only 16 runs came from the first three overs. But momentum flipped when Saghir Khan’s first over went for 18.
From there, Ibrahim and Atal took control. They added boundaries regularly and ran smartly between the wickets. UAE’s bowlers kept trying, but Afghanistan pressed ahead in the final overs.
Karim Janat smashed 22 in the penultimate over, while Azmatullah Omarzai hit cleanly. That late burst added 49 in just three overs and lifted Afghanistan to a strong total.
Rashid and Ashraf Dominate
Rashid’s spell was the difference. His mix of flight and pace changes dismissed key UAE batters. He raised the asking rate and left the chase in trouble. Ashraf backed him with stump-to-stump bowling and smart variations.
Waseem had started well, even hitting Rashid over the sight screen. But once he fell, the spinners controlled the middle overs. UAE lost momentum, and Afghanistan’s grip tightened.
Sharafuddin Ashraf was named Player of the Match. He explained his success by focusing on reading conditions and trusting his skills, as reported by Cricbuzz. He also thanked Rashid for his support. Rashid, meanwhile, spoke about keeping plans simple and praised the batters’ maturity after their earlier loss to Pakistan.
Lessons From Both Camps
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem admitted his team lost control at the death. He pointed to expensive overs at the end of Afghanistan’s innings and a collapse around the 10th over of the chase. He promised improvements in death bowling.
The UAE vs AFG result changed the points table. Pakistan leads with two wins from two. Afghanistan now has one win from two, while the UAE remains winless.
The tri series continues quickly. Pakistan meets Afghanistan on September 2, followed by Pakistan vs UAE on September 4. Afghanistan then faces the UAE again on September 5. The final is on September 7, all in Sharjah.
What It Means for the Tri Series
Afghanistan showed progress. Ibrahim controlled the tempo with clean strokes, while Atal rotated strike and avoided dot-ball pressure. Their stand built the platform, and late hitting from Janat and Omarzai lifted the total above par.
For the UAE, Waseem’s attacking knock was a highlight, and Chopra’s fifty showed depth. But the middle order collapsed once the spinners applied pressure. In the field, Afghanistan stayed sharp, while the UAE leaked runs with wides and loose balls.
Rashid’s milestone added history. His 3 for 21 not only won the match but also took him to the top of the all-time T20I wicket list.
The UAE vs Afghanistan T20 was a mix of drama and control. Afghanistan held its nerves better, while the UAE will look for faster corrections in the next game.
The Afghanistan vs UAE cricket match also carried a human touch. The pre-match silence showed respect, and Afghanistan played with purpose. The win gave them confidence and balance after their earlier defeat.
Looking Ahead
The tri series is now wide open. Afghanistan is finding momentum, with Rashid and Ashraf forming a reliable spin duo. If their seamers also strike early, they will stay dangerous.
UAE carries positives despite the loss. Waseem’s form at the top and Chopra’s finish give hope. But they need tighter death bowling to change outcomes.
The next UAE vs AFG clash will be crucial. It will test both sides’ ability to adjust quickly in the same conditions. Afghanistan holds the advantage for now, but the rivalry is far from settled.
The Afghanistan vs UAE cricket match in Sharjah showed how small shifts define T20 games. Pakistan may lead the table, but every game counts. Fans now wait eagerly for the next UAE vs Afghanistan T20 to see how the story continues.
