UAE Fall Short by Just 4 Runs in Final Group-Stage Clash

Hosts United Arab Emirates narrowly missed victory in their final group-stage match, falling just 4 runs short of Afghanistan’s 171-run target as they were restricted to 166.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran got them off to a flying start, putting on 98 runs in 12 overs. However, both fell in quick succession within the space of two deliveries. Gurbaz made 40 off 38 balls, while Zadran struck 48 off 35 (3 fours, 3 sixes).

Mohammad Ishaq added only 5 from 10 balls, but Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib chipped in with valuable cameos. Janat blasted 28 off 14, Naib scored 20 off 14, and Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 14 off 9 to take Afghanistan to 170/4 in their 20 overs.

In reply, UAE started strongly. Alishan Sharafu and skipper Muhammad Waseem put together 65 runs off 46 balls for the opening stand. Sharafu made 27 from 23 before falling to Noor Ahmad, while Waseem smashed 44 off 29 before being dismissed by Abdullah Ahmadzai.

A 23-run knock from Muhammad Zohaib was cut short by Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Rahul Chopra was removed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, leaving UAE struggling at 113/4.

Asif Khan and Harshit Kaushik revived hopes in the closing stages. With 17 needed off the final over, Asif hammered a four, a six, and two singles from the first three balls. But he couldn’t find the boundary again, and perished off the last delivery, handing Afghanistan a thrilling 4-run win.

Asif top-scored with 40 off 28 balls, while Kaushik chipped in with 15 off 12.