Afghanistan Edge UAE by Four Runs in Thrilling Tri-Series Clash

Afghanistan Edge UAE by Four Runs: The Sharjah Cricket Stadium witnessed a nail-biting finish as Afghanistan held their nerve to defeat the United Arab Emirates by just four runs in the final group match of the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025. The result sealed Afghanistan’s place in the series final against Pakistan, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter ahead of the Asia Cup.

Afghanistan’s Steady Batting Display

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan put up a competitive 170/4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to strong contributions from their top order.

Opening partnership dominance: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave their side a commanding start, stitching together a 98-run stand for the first wicket. Their partnership provided the stability and momentum needed for a big total.
Gurbaz’s knock: The explosive wicketkeeper-batter played a composed innings of 40 off 38 deliveries, striking three boundaries and a six. With this effort, Gurbaz’s career tally rose to 1,776 runs in 70 T20Is. Notably, he now sits just two sixes shy of the coveted 100 mark in international T20 cricket.
Zadran’s reliability: Ibrahim Zadran once again showed his growing consistency in the shortest format. He scored a fluent 48 from 35 balls, decorated with three fours and three sixes. With this innings, Zadran’s total climbed to 1,290 runs in 48 matches, averaging over 30—a remarkable record for a young top-order batter.

As the openers fell in quick succession, Afghanistan relied on late cameos. Karim Janat’s brisk 28 from just 14 deliveries and Gulbadin Naib’s unbeaten 20 provided a timely acceleration, ensuring the team crossed the 170-mark.

UAE’s Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing 171, the hosts UAE came agonizingly close but finished on 166/5. Despite a promising start, Afghanistan’s bowlers struck at key moments to derail the chase.

Promising opening stand: UAE openers Alishan Sharafu and skipper Muhammad Waseem provided a flying start with a 65-run partnership. Sharafu scored 27 from 23 balls, while Waseem impressed once again with a quickfire 44 off 29, including two fours and three sixes. His consistency remains UAE’s biggest asset he now has 2,922 T20I runs at a strike rate over 155.
Middle-order wobble: Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs, reducing UAE to 113/4. That collapse proved costly as the asking rate crept up.
Asif Khan’s heroics: The game came alive in the final over when Asif Khan threatened to pull off a miracle. Smashing 12 runs from the first three balls, Asif left UAE needing just five runs from the last three deliveries. But Fareed Ahmad held his nerve, bowling two dot balls before dismissing Asif on the final delivery. His 40-run knock, which included four boundaries and two sixes, almost turned the game on its head.

Bowling Highlights

While the batters grabbed attention, bowlers played pivotal roles in shaping the contest.

Haider Ali’s impact: The UAE spinner was particularly effective, returning figures of 2/23 from his four overs. He now has 22 wickets in just 13 T20Is at a staggering average of 12.90 and an economy of 5.40—numbers that underline his potential as a genuine match-winner in the format.
Fareed Ahmad’s match-winning moment: Tasked with defending 16 runs in the final over, Fareed showcased nerves of steel. His dismissal of Asif Khan sealed the victory for Afghanistan and highlighted his ability to deliver under immense pressure.

Key Stats Recap

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 40 (38) | Career: 1,776 runs, 98 sixes.
Ibrahim Zadran: 48 (35) | Career: 1,290 runs, Avg 30.71.
Muhammad Waseem: 44 (29) | Career: 2,922 runs, Avg 37.94, SR 155+.
Haider Ali: 2/23 | Career: 22 wickets, Econ 5.40.
Asif Khan: 40 (final over dismissal).

Why This Win Matters for Afghanistan

This victory wasn’t just about progressing to the final it was also about confidence and momentum.

Mental edge before the Asia Cup: Beating UAE in a tense finish showcased Afghanistan’s ability to handle crunch moments, something they’ll need against bigger teams like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.
Dependable opening pair: Gurbaz and Zadran continue to provide strong starts. For a side often criticized for its middle-order instability, the reliability of their openers is invaluable.
Death-bowling resilience: Fareed Ahmad’s composure in the last over demonstrates that Afghanistan have bowlers capable of closing out tight games, a department where they’ve faltered in the past.

What’s Next: Afghanistan vs Pakistan Final

Afghanistan will now face Pakistan for the third time in this series a fitting finale given the rivalry and balance between the two teams. Both sides have beaten each other once, making the final a virtual decider not just for the trophy but also for psychological supremacy ahead of the Asia Cup.

The Afghans will be buoyed by their fighting spirit in Sharjah, while Pakistan will be eager to assert dominance with their star-studded lineup. With both teams eyeing silverware and fine-tuning combinations for the Asia Cup, cricket fans can expect fireworks.

Final Word

Afghanistan’s narrow win over UAE highlighted everything T20 cricket is about power-hitting, collapses, pressure bowling, and last-over drama. Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation, Haider Ali kept UAE in the hunt, and Fareed Ahmad finished the job in style.

For UAE, the result was heartbreaking but full of positives. Skipper Waseem’s form and Asif Khan’s fearless batting show the hosts can push top-tier teams right to the edge. As the tri-series final approaches, one thing is certain Afghanistan Vs Pakistan are set to deliver another blockbuster in Sharjah.