Afghanistan outplayed the United Arab Emirates 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.
Set a target of 189, the UAE managed 150 for 8 in their 20 overs. Rahul Chopra offered resistance with a fighting 52 off 35 balls, including three fours and three sixes, but lacked support at the other end. Muhammad Waseem contributed a brisk 67 from 37 balls at the top, though his dismissal alongside Asif Khan derailed the chase.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 188 for 4, built on half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (63 off 40) and Sediqullah Atal (54 off 40). The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for a strong finish, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat providing late acceleration.
Sharafuddin Ashraf starred with the ball, taking 3 for 24, and was named Player of the Match. Afghanistan 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 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.
Afghanistan captain Rashid praised his spinners’ discipline and the batting unit’s maturity, while UAE skipper Waseem admitted his side faltered in the final overs with both bat and ball.
Afghanistan now turn their attention to their next Tri-Series clash against Pakistan on Tuesday.
