In a major upset on the new year’s eve, UAE beat Afghanistan by 11 runs in the second T20I at Sharjah, to record just their third-win over the relatively experienced Asian nation overall. After losing the first match by 72 runs, UAE drew parity in the three-match series 1-1, with all to play for, in the final match on Tuesday.
The hosts, after opting to bat first, scored 166/7, courtesy of Aryan Lakra’s 63 from balls, and Muhammad Waseem’s 32-ball 53, as the duo came up with an opening stand of 72. But it wasn’t the perfect script for UAE, as they lost quick wickets after that, and were reduced to 127/7 at one stage.
But from there on Aryan and Akif Raja, scored 39 crucial runs together. Extras played a significant role too, as the Afghanis gave away 12 of those, and in the end, that proved to be the only detrimental factor, separating the two teams. But still, Qais Ahmad was excellent on the day, as he returned with figures of 2/15.
Come the chase, Afghanistan, despite starting well, lost some momentum, and ended with 155. Mohammad Nabi top-scored with 47, but wasn’t enough to take them over the line. Muhammad Jawadullah and Ali Naseer, both picked four wickets each, to notch a win for their country.
Meanwhile, this win has come in close succession after UAE’s stunner against New Zealand, five months ago.
Brief Scores: UAE 166/7 in 20 overs (Aryan Lakra 63 not out, Muhammad Waseem 53; Qais Ahmad 2/15) vs Afghanistan 155 all out in 19.5 overs (Mohammad Nabi 47, Hazratullah Zazai 36; Ali Naseer 4/24, Muhammad Jawadullah 4/26).
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