Afghanistan outplayed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 38 runs in the third match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series at Sharjah on Monday night, powered by sharp spin bowling and steady top-order batting. Chasing a target of 189, the UAE could only manage 150 for 8 in their 20 overs. Rahul Chopra put up a fighting 52 off 35 balls, including three fours and three sixes, but lacked support from his teammates. Muhammad Waseem contributed a brisk 67 from 37 balls at the top, though his dismissal alongside Asif Khan derailed the chase.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 188 for 4, built on half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (63 off 40) and Sediqullah Atal (54 off 40). Their partnership laid the foundation for a strong finish, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat providing late acceleration.
Sharafuddin Ashraf was named Player of the Match for his stellar bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 24 runs. Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, who also picked up three wickets, became the leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals with 165 scalps, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee.
For the UAE, Chopra and Junaid Siddique added 28 runs for the ninth wicket, setting a new national record in T20Is for the lower order, but the effort was too little, too late.
Post-match, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised his team’s disciplined bowling and the maturity of their batting unit, while UAE skipper Waseem admitted his side faltered in the final overs with both bat and ball. Afghanistan will now prepare for their next Tri-Series clash against Pakistan on Tuesday.
