The cricketing fans were treated to an exhilarating contest as Afghanistan took on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a high-stakes T20 International match on September 1, 2025. Played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the game showcased some intense cricketing action, skillful performances, and nail-biting moments. Afghanistan’s strong bowling attack and powerful batting lineup earned them a hard-fought victory against the spirited UAE side.
Match Overview
The toss was won by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who elected to bat first on a pitch expected to offer some help to the bowlers under the evening lights. Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 165 runs in 20 overs, thanks to some excellent middle-order batting and quickfire boundaries.
In response, UAE’s batting lineup started positively, with openers providing a steady platform. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Hamid Hassan, applied pressure consistently, picking key wickets at crucial junctures. Despite a valiant effort from UAE’s middle order, the team could manage only 156 runs in their 20 overs, falling short by 9 runs.
Afghanistan Batting Highlights
Afghanistan’s innings began cautiously as openers tried to assess the pitch conditions. However, it was their middle order that really accelerated the scoring. Captain Rashid Khan’s calm 40 runs off 28 balls included several crucial boundaries that shifted momentum in Afghanistan’s favor.
Najibullah Zadran emerged as the star batsman, smashing 55 runs from just 30 deliveries, including five towering sixes. His aggressive hitting helped Afghanistan reach a challenging total.
UAE Batting Highlights
Chasing 166 to win, UAE’s openers Hazza Juma and Chirag Suri gave a solid start, adding 50 runs in the powerplay overs. However, the breakthrough came when Mujeeb Ur Rahman trapped Juma LBW for 22 runs, slowing the chase.
UAE’s captain, Rohan Mustafa, played a fighting innings of 48 runs off 35 balls, anchoring the innings amidst tight bowling. But regular wickets in the middle overs stifled the chase.
Bowling Performances
Afghanistan’s bowling was disciplined and effective. Mujeeb Ur Rahman led with figures of 3 wickets for 27 runs, while Hamid Hassan and Rashid Khan chipped in with two wickets each. Their combined efforts kept UAE under pressure and prevented any big partnerships.
For UAE, medium-pacer Zahoor Khan took two wickets early, but their bowling unit could not contain Afghanistan’s batsmen in the second half of the innings.
Key Moments of the Match
The 10th over by Mujeeb Ur Rahman was a game-changer, picking up two quick wickets and halting UAE’s momentum.
Najibullah Zadran’s fiery knock, especially his sixes over long-on, was crucial to setting a challenging total.
Rashid Khan’s tight bowling in the death overs, conceding just 15 runs in his final four overs, sealed the win for Afghanistan.
Player of the Match: Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan)
For his explosive batting performance that turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor, Najibullah was named Player of the Match.
What This Victory Means for Afghanistan and UAE
This win adds to Afghanistan’s growing reputation as a competitive force in international cricket, especially in the shorter formats. The team’s ability to defend totals and the bowling depth make them a tough opponent.
For UAE, despite the loss, the performance was encouraging. The team showed resilience and fighting spirit, highlighting the progress of cricket in the Emirates. With continued experience and exposure, UAE aims to close the gap with higher-ranked teams soon.
What’s Next?
Afghanistan will next face Bangladesh in the upcoming Asia Cup fixtures, while UAE prepares to take on Hong Kong in their next qualifier match.
Fans eagerly await these upcoming clashes as both teams look to build momentum and sharpen their skills.
Final Thoughts
The Afghanistan vs UAE match was a thrilling encounter filled with excellent cricketing displays and strategic battles. The narrow 9-run victory for Afghanistan underlined the unpredictable and exciting nature of T20 cricket.
For cricket lovers worldwide, such matches showcase the expanding competitive landscape of the game beyond traditional powerhouses.
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