Afghanistan Crush UAE by 38 Runs to Register First Win in T20I Tri-Series

SHARJAH – Sept. 2, 2025: Afghanistan secured their maiden victory in the ongoing T20I tri-series with a commanding 38-run win over hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a formidable target of 189, the UAE faltered despite spirited half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem and wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra, ultimately managing 150/8 in their 20 overs.

Waseem, Chopra Shine in Vain as Rashid, Ashraf Star with Ball

UAE looked well-placed at 76/1 after 8 overs, with Waseem and Ethan D’Souza settling in. However, Rashid Khan struck immediately after the powerplay, trapping D’Souza lbw to trigger a collapse. In the very next over, Waseem, who top-scored with a blistering 67 off 37 balls (10 fours, 6 sixes), was dismissed by Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Following Waseem’s dismissal, UAE’s batting unravelled quickly, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Rahul Chopra stood firm at one end, finishing unbeaten on 52 off 35 (3 fours, 3 sixes), but the lack of support from the middle and lower order saw UAE fall well short.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Sharafuddin Ashraf were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming three wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi chipped in with one apiece.

Zadran, Atal Power Afghanistan to 188/4

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Afghanistan posted a competitive 188/4 on the back of strong performances from Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Ishaq Atal.

The innings had a shaky start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz departing early for just 7, but Atal and Zadran rebuilt with a vital 84-run second-wicket stand. Atal scored 54 off 40 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) before falling to Saghir Khan, while Zadran top-scored with a fluent 63 off 40 (3 fours, 4 sixes).

Zadran was supported by Azmatullah Omarzai, who added a handy 20 in a 40-run partnership. The innings concluded with a quick 28-run unbeaten stand between Omarzai and Karim Janat, giving Afghanistan the finishing kick.

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For UAE, Saghir Khan and Muhammad Rohid took two wickets each, while Junaid Siddique remained wicketless — leaving him still one short of a milestone 100 T20I wickets.

Points Table Update

The win lifted Afghanistan to second place in the tri-series standings with two points from two matches, while UAE remain winless at the bottom after back-to-back defeats. The result boosts Afghanistan’s chances of making it to the tri-series final, with momentum now on their side.