In the captivating turn of events, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged victorious over Afghanistan in the thrilling second T20I held at Sharjah on Sunday, securing a hard-fought win by a narrow margin of 11 runs. The triumph showcased the host team’s resilience and determination and levelled the series in the ongoing Afghanistan’s tour of UAE. With the contest now poised at 1-1, the contest has become even more ꦓintense, setting the stage for exciting and closely contested games ahead.
Openers shine for UAE
Opting to bat first, UAE witnessed an impressive display of batting prowess, led by opener Muhammad Waseem, who wasted no time in finding the boundaries early on. He and Aryan Lakra forged a commendable 72-run partnership, with Waseem contributing a notable 53 runs, featuring four boundaries and three maximums. Qais Ahmad disrupted their flow by dismissing Waseem and then Vriitya Aravind for two runs.
Despite setbacks in the middle order, Lakra stood resilient, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 47 balls, supported by Akif Raja‘s 13 runs. The formidable performance from the openers propelled UAE to a competitive total of 166/7, ultimately proving to be a challenging target for their guests.
Afghans fall short of their target
Chasing a respectable target, the Afghan openers set an impressive tone, notching up 47 runs in 5.2 overs, with Hazratullah Zazai contributing a solid 36 runs in 27 balls and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the centurion from the last game, adding 21 runs in 17 balls. However, the momentum shifted as wickets started falling at regular intervals. Mohammad Nabi emerged as a standout performer, scoring a resilient 47 in 27 deliveries and ste൩ering the game into the final stages.
Despite his efforts, the task became challenging, with 20 runs needed in the last over and 12 required off the final two balls. Nabi’s dismissal saw the team bundled out for 155 in 19.5 overs. UAE pacer Ali Naseer showcased exceptional bowling masterclass, finishing with figures of 4/24, includin🌞g a maiden in his 4-over spell, and was adjourned Player of the Match.
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Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a PERFORMANCE UAE!🇦🇪🔥
Ali Naseer (4 for 24) and Jawadullah (4 for 26) star with the ball as UAE defeat Afghanistan by 11 runs to level the three-match T20I series 1-1 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
UAE: 166/7 – 20 overs
Afghanistan 155 all out – 19.5 overs— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket)
Such a fitting 🍌way to round out 2023, as UAE beat Afghanistan in Sharjah, yet another Test Nation scalp for 🇦🇪!
The most successful ever year for Assoc𓃲iate Cricket.
Shows the incredible depth cricket now enjoys, remember no UAE or Zimbabwe at next year's 20 team !
— Andrew Leonard (@CricketBadge)
Uae cricket t🐼eam>>>; current Pakistan cricket team
— Sankalp Dubey (@Sankalp9731)
Wrapping up 2023 with a spectacular light show ꦗat Sharjah Cricket Stadium during the thrilling 2ndไ T20i between UAE and Afghanistan. A big shoutout to the passionate fans who made the atmosphere electric! 🏏🎆
— Sharjah Cricke💧t Stadium (@sharjahstadium)
Second T20I: Ali Naseer – player of the match – made early inroads as UAE registered a thrilling 11-run win to square the Dafa News UAE vs Afghanistan T20 Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Decider to be played on 2nd January.— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket)
UAE DEFEATED AFGHANISTAN
HISTORIC DAY FOR UAE CRICKET!
WHAT A WAY TO END 2023
baqi apkhud smjhdar han 😂😂 dhum tana𝐆 nana dance krou— Dr Ejaz (@_Ejaz_butt)
While Afghanistan cricket conclud🧔ed the year 2023 with a defea♛t to UAE, it proved to be a remarkably fruitful year for them. A remarkable achievement was their victory over Pakistan in , an accomplishment celebrated by Afghan fans as if they have won the World Cup.
— __🥀جميل وفا💔 (@jamilwafa23)
UAE cricket is on Rise
— MaLik Saleh (Punjabi) (@its_maluk)
UAE thrashed Afghanistan by 11 runs in the 2nd T20I
Hanji to kesa Raha Sunday dosre walo padosiyoMAZA AGYA || || ||
— Azman Rehmani (@RehmaniAzman)
