Sharjah, September 5, 2025 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan produced one of the most gripping matches of the T20I Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. In a contest that swung dramatically from one side to the other, Afghanistan narrowly defended their total of 170, edging out the hosts by just four runs. The match provided everything a cricket fan could ask for—power hitting, clever bowling, nervy moments, and a last-over finish that had the crowd on its feet.
Afghanistan’s Balanced Batting Display
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan approached their innings with a clear strategy: lay a solid foundation in the powerplay before accelerating in the latter half. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran shouldered responsibility admirably.
Gurbaz, known for his aggressive stroke play, mixed caution with calculated aggression, crafting a steady 40 off 38 deliveries. At the other end, Zadran played the role of anchor but did not shy away from punishing loose deliveries. His 48 off 35 balls included crisp boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking. Together, the duo ensured Afghanistan maintained stability, setting up a platform for a late flourish.
As the innings entered the final five overs, Karim Janat injected the required acceleration. Smashing 28 off just 14 balls, he swung momentum back in Afghanistan’s favour. Gulbadin Naib also chipped in with a brisk cameo, taking the side to 170 for 4 in 20 overs. While the total did not look insurmountable, it was competitive on a surface that offered something for both batters and bowlers.
UAE’s Fiery Start
Chasing 171, UAE made a dream start thanks to their skipper Muhammad Waseem. The aggressive opener was in no mood to play second fiddle, taking on Afghanistan’s seamers right from the outset. His powerful 44 provided the backbone of the chase and raised hopes of a famous victory for the hosts.
Supporting him was Alishan Sharafu, who struck 27 off 23 deliveries. The pair raced to 54 inside the powerplay, putting Afghanistan under pressure and thrilling the home crowd. At this stage, UAE looked well on track to cause an upset, but T20 cricket is often a game of momentum swings—and Afghanistan had plans of their own.
Spinners Bring Afghanistan Back
Afghanistan’s famed spin attack once again turned the tide. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad (1/23) was economical and broke the threatening partnership by removing Sharafu. Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled with his usual guile, choking the run flow during the crucial middle overs.
Veteran Sharafuddin Ashraf added to UAE’s troubles, giving away just 20 runs in his spell while also picking up a key wicket. The trio’s combined effort slowed UAE’s progress, pushing the required run rate higher with every passing over.
Still, UAE did not go down without a fight. Basil Hameed and Aryan Lakra tried to revive the chase, keeping the equation within striking distance.
Fareed Ahmad’s Icy Finish
The real drama unfolded in the final over. UAE required 17 runs off the last six balls—a tall order, but not impossible in modern T20 cricket. Afghanistan handed the responsibility to Fareed Ahmad, and he delivered under immense pressure.
Despite being hit for a boundary early in the over, Fareed kept his composure and mixed up his lengths cleverly. He conceded only 13 runs, sealing a narrow 4-run win for Afghanistan. The bowler’s calmness under fire was widely praised and underlined his growing reputation as a reliable death-overs specialist.
What This Means for the Teams
For Afghanistan, the victory ensured they maintained their unbeaten streak in the tri-series. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball showcased the team’s depth and adaptability. Ibrahim Zadran’s steady knock and Fareed Ahmad’s last-over heroics were standout moments in a well-rounded team effort.
For UAE, it was heartbreak. Despite a strong start and several standout performances, they fell agonisingly short of what could have been a morale-boosting win against one of cricket’s rising forces. Still, their ability to challenge Afghanistan to the very end reflected their progress as a competitive T20I side.
Match Summary
- Afghanistan (1st Innings): 170/4 in 20 overs
- Ibrahim Zadran: 48 (35)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 40 (38)
- Karim Janat: 28 (14)
- Gulbadin Naib: 20*
- UAE (Chase): 166/5 in 20 overs
- Muhammad Waseem: 44 (31)
- Alishan Sharafu: 27 (23)
- Basil Hameed: 20*
- Key Bowlers (Afghanistan):
- Noor Ahmad: 1/23
- Sharafuddin Ashraf: 1/20
- Fareed Ahmad: Defended 17 runs in last over
- Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs
Conclusion
The match was a perfect advertisement for T20 cricket—unpredictable, tense, and exhilarating. Afghanistan showcased their resilience, while UAE showed they are capable of pushing top-tier teams to the edge. The four-run victory will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests of the tri-series, highlighting how the shortest format of the game never fails to entertain.
