Afghanistan edge UAE by 4 runs in thrilling Tri-Series clash

Afghanistan showed great courage and determination as they held their nerves to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by just four runs in the sixth match of the UAE Tri-Series in Sharjah on Friday, September 5, 2025. This was not just another victory for the Afghan side—it marked their third win in a row, showing how strongly they bounced back after a poor start in the tournament against Pakistan.

The game had all the ingredients of a thriller—powerful batting, steady bowling, a late heroic chase, and finally, a last-ball drama that left fans holding their breath.

Afghanistan’s Steady Start with the Bat

Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran made sure his team got off to a confident start. Winning the toss did not go their way, as they were asked to bat first, but that did not stop the Afghan batters from setting a strong total.

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Zadran played a captain’s innings, scoring a fluent 48 runs off 35 balls. He entertained the crowd with three elegant fours and three powerful sixes. His innings was calm yet attacking, and he made sure Afghanistan’s top order stayed firm. His leadership and shot selection earned him the Player of the Match award.

At the other end, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played his natural game. He held one side steadily and scored 40 runs, ensuring that the run rate did not dip. His patience and ability to rotate strike allowed the Afghan middle order to play freely later.

Middle Order Acceleration

After the openers laid a solid foundation, Afghanistan’s middle order added the fireworks. Karim Janat played a short but fiery innings of 28 runs from just 14 balls. His sixes and quick boundaries brought life into the innings, lifting the team’s scoring rate when it mattered most.

Towards the end, Gulbadin Naib (20*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (14*) played with maturity. Their unbeaten partnership in the last overs ensured Afghanistan crossed the 170-run mark, which looked like a fighting total on Sharjah’s pitch.

In 20 overs, Afghanistan posted 170 for 4 wickets, setting UAE a tough but achievable chase.

UAE’s Chase Begins with Waseem’s Brilliance

The United Arab Emirates knew they needed a good start to chase down 171. Their skipper, Muhammad Waseem, led from the front with an aggressive 44 runs off 29 balls. He played attacking strokes all around the ground, giving UAE hope of pulling off the chase.

But once Waseem was dismissed, UAE’s momentum slowed. Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened their lines, making sure UAE’s middle order could not accelerate easily.

Asif Khan’s Heroics

The real twist came when Asif Khan walked to the crease. With UAE needing 65 runs from 46 balls, the task looked challenging. But Asif played fearlessly. He smashed the Afghan bowlers with clean hits and powerful strokes.

In just 28 balls, he scored 40 runs, hitting four boundaries and two big sixes. Every time Afghanistan tried to pull things back, Asif Khan found a way to keep UAE in the game.

With only three overs left, UAE still needed 43 runs. Asif’s brilliance brought the equation down to 14 runs required from the last over—a finish that promised high drama.

The Last-Over Drama

Afghanistan gave the final over to Fareed Ahmad, and all eyes were on whether he could defend 14 runs. The first few balls kept the tension alive as Asif Khan managed to score boundaries. With each stroke, the UAE crowd cheered louder, believing the impossible was about to happen.

But destiny had other plans. On the last ball of the match, Asif Khan was dismissed by Fareed Ahmad. UAE ended at 166 for 5 in 20 overs, just four runs short of the target.

The Afghan players celebrated with joy, as they had survived a real scare.

Bowlers Who Made the Difference

Afghanistan’s bowlers faced immense pressure but still delivered at key moments.

• Noor Ahmad bowled with excellent control, giving away only 23 runs in his four overs and picking up one wicket.

• Sharafuddin Ashraf was miserly too, conceding just 20 runs and taking a wicket, ensuring UAE’s run rate did not run away too early.

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with his variations, also chipped in with 1 for 27.

Even though they were challenged by Asif Khan’s hitting, the Afghan bowlers never gave up and showed mental strength in crunch situations.

Afghanistan – 170/4 in 20 overs

• Ibrahim Zadran – 48

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 40

• Karim Janat – 28 (14)

• Bowlers: Haider Ali 2/23, Simranheet Singh 1/24

UAE – 166/5 in 20 overs

• Muhammad Waseem – 44

• Asif Khan – 40

• Bowlers: Noor Ahmad 1/23, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/27

Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs.

Afghanistan’s Turnaround in the Series

This victory was Afghanistan’s third consecutive win in the Tri-Series. It highlighted their ability to recover from setbacks, as they had lost their opening game against Pakistan. Since then, the Afghan players have shown unity and belief, making them a strong force in this tournament.

Captain Ibrahim Zadran has led with both bat and strategy, while players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, and the bowling unit have provided consistent support.

Why This Match Will Be Remembered

This match will be remembered for its thrilling ending, where the result was decided only on the final ball. Asif Khan’s valiant innings gave fans a match to remember, even though UAE fell short. For Afghanistan, it was a test of nerves, and they passed it with flying colors.

Sharjah once again witnessed why cricket is called a game of uncertainty. A single ball changed the outcome, and both teams walked off with their heads held high—Afghanistan as winners and UAE as fighters who refused to give up until the last moment.

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