SHARJAH: Afghanistan secured their first victory of the T20I tri-series with a 38-run win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday night. The result gave Afghanistan a strong comeback after their opening defeat to Pakistan, while the hosts remain winless after two matches.
The match began on a somber note, with both teams observing a minute of silence to honor victims of the devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, which killed around 800 people and injured 2,500 others. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims.
Match Summary
UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem opted to field first, but Afghanistan’s top order, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, gave their side a quick start. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi added crucial runs down the order, lifting Afghanistan to a competitive total.
In response, UAE’s batting faltered under relentless pressure from Afghan bowlers. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman led the attack, ensuring a 38-run win. The victory was Afghanistan’s 10th in 13 T20I encounters against the UAE.
