In a nail-biting encounter that went down to the final over, Afghanistan edged past the UAE to win the sixth match of the ongoing tri-series by four runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
With a spot in the final already guaranteed, Afghanistan chose to rest several of their in-form players, including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Sediqullah Atal and Fazalhaq Farooqi, for the match that had no impact on the standings, making six changes to their line-up from the previous game.
Batting first, stand-in captain Ibrahim Zadran once again top-scored for his side with a crafty 48. Opening the innings, he took his chances as Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled to find his timing. Gurbaz, who has not been in the best form with the bat, forced Zadran to take on more of the scoring responsibility. A 38-ball 40 reflects Gurbaz’s struggles, but going into the final, time at the crease and some runs under his belt may help restore his confidence. Both openers were dismissed in quick succession after adding 98 for the first wicket. Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib then played useful cameos to take the team’s total to 170.
Asif’s fiery knock in vain as Afghanistan spinners shine again
Muhammad Waseem and in-form opener Alishan Sharafu were key to the UAE’s run chase. They forged a 65-run partnership, giving the hosts an ideal start. Then came four overs that changed the course of the game. Noor Ahmad removed Sharafu in the eighth over, while Waseem fell to Abdullah Ahmadzai. The UAE lost their way in the middle overs, as Afghanistan’s spin trio of Noor, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sharafuddin Ashraf bowled with control and did not allow the host batters to break free. The 12 overs of spin conceded just 70 runs, with each spinner claiming one wicket.
In the end, it was too steep a mountain to climb for the UAE. Despite the best efforts of Asif Khan, they fell just short.
Afghanistan will lock horns with Pakistan in the UAE T20I tri-series final on 7 September in Sharjah.
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