Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs in a nail-biting contest at Sharjah, where the underdogs pushed them to the limit. Despite resting several senior players, including captain Rashid Khan, Afghanistan held their nerve in the closing stages to seal the win. Fareed Ahmad, who looked under pressure at the start of the final over, showed great composure to close out the match and keep Afghanistan on track for the Asia Cup.
UAE’s Late Fight Falls Short
Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs in a match that could have easily gone the other way. UAE, winless in the series, came alive in the final over with Asif Khan smashing a four and a six off the first two deliveries. Suddenly, the equation was six runs needed off four balls, and an upset looked very possible.
But Fareed Ahmad responded like a seasoned finisher. He conceded only two runs off the third delivery, bowled two dot balls under pressure, and then removed Asif off the final ball. The sequence, 4, 6, 2, dot, dot, wicket, ensured Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs despite the late fireworks.
Ibrahim Zadran, standing in as captain, played an important role too. His knock of 48 and calm leadership proved vital, especially when he encouraged Fareed during the final over. That moment of reassurance helped the bowler turn the tide, and Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs in dramatic style.
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Afghanistan’s Strong Batting, UAE’s Spirited Chase
Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs, thanks in part to a brilliant opening stand of 98 between Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz, who was dropped early, made the most of his second chance by scoring 40 off 38 balls. Zadran looked fluent before falling to Haider Ali’s clever change of pace, but his contribution set up a strong platform.
The middle overs saw a slump, with three wickets falling quickly and only 16 runs scored across overs 13 to 15. However, Karim Janat changed the tempo with a six and some clean hits, guiding Afghanistan to a healthy 170 for 4. Haider Ali impressed with 2 for 23, while Simranjeet Singh and Muhammad Rohid kept things tight for UAE, though fielding lapses cost them dearly. Still, Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs as their batting depth proved crucial.
UAE began their chase aggressively, smashing seven boundaries in the powerplay compared to Afghanistan’s four. Skipper Muhammad Waseem was in sublime touch, playing an upper-cut and a glorious six over cover, raising hopes of a famous win. Yet, after his dismissal for 44, Afghanistan clawed back. From 67 needed off 48 balls, UAE were left with 43 off 18 after superb spells from Mujeeb and Noor Ahmad. It looked as though Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs with ease, but Asif Khan’s late assault changed everything.
Asif hammered 16 runs off debutant Abdollah Ahmadzai in one over, keeping UAE’s hopes alive. Four more boundaries, including one from a dropped catch, kept the tension high in the final overs. Still, when it mattered most, Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs thanks to Fareed Ahmad’s clutch performance at the death.
For UAE, it was heartbreak. Asif’s 40 and Waseem’s 44 had nearly carried them across the line, but small errors and Afghanistan’s cool finish made the difference. Though they ended the tri-series without a win, their performance showed they are capable of challenging bigger teams. On the other hand, Afghanistan Beat UAE by 4 Runs in a game that reminded them of the importance of composure under pressure. With the Asia Cup around the corner, this scare might just be the perfect wake-up call.
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