Afghanistan edged out United Arab Emirates in a pulsating contest at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, clinching a narrow 4-run victory in the last league match of the T20I Tri-Series 2025. The Afghanistan side showcased nerves of steel with the ball to defend their score and secure a crucial win in a high-pressure situation.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran propelled Afghanistan to a strong total

Batting first on a lively Sharjah pitch, Afghanistan’s innings got off to a steady start thanks to openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and captain Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz played a smart, calculated knock of 40 off 38 balls, anchoring the innings with well-timed boundaries. Meanwhile, Zadran was the aggressor, tearing to a quickfire 48 from just 35 deliveries, a knock peppered with three fours and three sixes. Their partnership built a strong foundation, taking the side to 98 before both departed in quick succession around the 12th over, which exposed the middle order just as they were building momentum.

The UAE bowling attack put in a disciplined effort, with Haider Ali shining as the standout performer. Ali finished with impressive figures of 2 wickets for just 23 runs in his 4 overs, maintaining a tight line and striking at critical moments to dismiss key batters. Simranjeet Singh also contributed effectively, giving away only 24 runs from his 4 overs and taking a crucial wicket to slow Afghanistan down in the middle overs. Despite the UAE bowlers applying pressure at decisive moments, Afghanistan’s lower-order acceleration ultimately saw their total reach 170.

Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan’s efforts fall short

Chasing 171, the United Arab Emirates mounted a spirited reply, with skipper Muhammad Waseem leading the charge. Waseem’s dynamic 44 off 29 balls, laced with three sixes, kept the UAE in the hunt alongside Alishan Sharafu, who crafted a composed 27 at the top. Even after Sharafu’s dismissal, Muhammad Zohaib chipped in with a vital 23, ensuring the UAE maintained the required run rate through the middle phase.

The turning point came as Afghanistan’s spinners, Noor Ahmad and Sharafuddin Ashraf, began to stifle the run flow. However, Asif Khan reignited UAE’s hopes with a bold 40 from 28 balls, punishing any mistakes in length and nearly swinging the game back in their favor. But regular wickets at key junctures, including Mujeeb’s tight spell and Fareed Ahmad’s crucial dismissals at the death, meant the hosts fell agonizingly short. They finished at 166 for 5 after 20 overs. Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling under pressure secured a thrilling triumph in a contest that was decided in the very last moments.

Also READ: Ibrahim, Atal, Rashid and Sharafuddin shine in Afghanistan’s victory over UAE

Afghanistan beat UAE by 4 runs https://t.co/jEPreA1rTq
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