Afghanistan have clinched a tense four-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in the 6th match of the tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
UAE'S INNINGS
According to details, chasing a 171-run target, UAE could not managed to sweep past Afghanistan and were restricted on 166-5. It was Asif Khan, who provided the hosts with the glimmer of hope to clinch the victory.
However, the stand-up captain, Ibrahim Zadran had brought experienced bowler Fareed Ahmad into the attack, when UAE needed 17 runs in the last over. Asif Khan started the proceedings with a boundary and then clobbered a six.
But when UAE needed 5 off 3 deliveries, the Afghanistan players tried to remain calm and briefly hold a conversation and then Fareed came up with better idea to contain Asif Khan, who perished on the last bowl of the UAE’s innings. He clubbed four boundaries and two towering sixes in an innings, which was clearly an entertainment.
At the outset, UAE were once again off to the flying start, scoring 54 runs in the powerplay, with losing any wicket. UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem was once again brilliant with the bat, creaming two boundaries and three towering sixes.
Alishan Sharafu (27) and Muhammad Zohaib (23) have also shown some resistance with the bat, but not enough to steer their team to the victory.
Rahul Chopra (7) failed to show resistance with the bat. Harshit Kaushik has remained unbeaten on 12-ball 15.
For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmad (1-35), Mujeebur Rahman (1-27), Sharafuddin Ashraf (1-20), Noor Ahmad (1-23), Abdollah Ahmadzai (1-31) took a scalp each.
Azmatullah Omarzai (0-10) and Gulbadin Naib (0-17) have remained wicketless.
AFGHANISTAN'S INNINGS
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have powered Afghanistan to 170-4 against UAE.
Haider Ali had removed Ibrahim Zadran, who was looking in sublime form.
Zadran had smashed three boundaries and three sixes in his 35-ball 48.
Gurbaz had made his way back to the pavilion, scoring 38-ball 40. Gurbaz creamed three boundaries and one towering six before Muhammad Farooq removed him.
Alishan had dropped a catch of Gurbaz off Rohid.
Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were off to a cautious start against UAE bowlers as they could merely managed to score 19 runs in the first four overs.
Haider Ali was once again tidy with the bowl, conceding merely two runs in his first over.
Karim Janat has scored a blistering 14-ball 28, studded with one boundary and three towering sixes.
Mohammad Ishaq (5) has failed to show significant resistance with the bat.
Gulbadin Naib (20) and Azmatullah Omarzai (14) have remained unbeaten.
For UAE, Haider Ali (2-23) was once again remained the standout bowler, picking up two wickets.
Simranjeet Singh (1-24) and Muhammad Farooq (1-36) also took a scalp each.
Junaid Siddique (0-34), Muhammad Rohid (0-27) and Harshit Kaushik (0-24) have remained wicketless.
Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in the final on Sunday (September 7).
TOSS
Afghanistan have elected to bat first against the United Arab Emirates in the 6th match of the tri-nation series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Friday.
PLAYING XI
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Singh
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai
