HIGHLIGHTS Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 28 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the all-important chase. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of United Arab Emirates. It will be the usual duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Junaid Siddique is all set to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

... The Run Chase ...

The UAE's bowlers need to step up - United Arab Emirates have a decent score on board but it seems like a middling one and their bowlers will need to get wickets in the Powerplay to set things up. Talking a bit about their batting, Muhammad Waseem fell early once again and Aryansh Sharma, who was the anchor against Canada also faltered, leaving UAE at 13/2 in just 2 overs. Sohaib Khan continued his stellar work from the last game and built an 84-run stand with Alishan Sharafu, setting things up nicely for the second half. However, the UAE kept losing wickets throughout the last 10 overs and only Sohaib could manage to score big. In the end, they will feel, they are 15-20 runs short of where they wanted to be. Right then, 161 seems like a pretty straightforward score to chase down but with the wicket basking in the sun, it might just start to turn a bit more. Afghanistan will look to attack in the Powerplay and get ahead of the required rate, whereas the UAE will hope the likes of Junaid Siddique and co make early inroads. Stay tuned as the chase is up next.

Azmat's day out with the ball - Azmatullah Omarzai is one of the most premier all-rounders in the world and once again, on a pitch that didn't aid the spinners much, he has stamped his authority with his immaculate lengths. His four-fer really has been the difference for Afghanistan but even Mujeeb Ur Rahman showed great wicket-taking ability in different phases of the game. The likes of Noor Ahmad and Ziaur Rahman, who came in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi today, were off color and were put away with ease. Rashid Khan did bowl a decent spell in the middle overs and ensured that the batters didn't get any freebies. All in all, Afghanistan will feel they have made a fine comeback.

An innings of two halves - United Arab Emirates, even after a tough start, managed 93/2 in the first 10 overs of their innings. However, they have just managed to score 67 runs in the next 10, whilst losing 7 wickets as well. It was a bit topsy-turvy from start to end but at the halftime interval, Afghanistan will be very pleased as they have restricted the UAE to just 160 runs.

Ziaur Rahman to Junaid Siddique, OUT! SIDDIQUE IS RUN OUT! Ziaur Rahman nails the yorker again, on off, Junaid Siddique forces it down to long off for a run. He is very late to turn around for the second run, and Rashid Khan is quick to throw it to the keeper's end, where Rahmanullah Gurbaz does the rest. Junaid is nowhere near the crease. United Arab Emirates finish on 160/9.

Ziaur Rahman to Junaid Siddique, In the blockhole, on middle, Junaid Siddique jams it out to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

The next batter is Junaid Siddique.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, OUT! HAIDER ALI IS RUN OUT! After coming close on a few occasions, Afghanistan have finally managed to get a run out. Ziaur Rahman bowls a good yorker, on middle and leg, angling in. Haider Ali backs away to dig it out but misses as it goes between his legs to the keeper. He sets off for the run but is sent back. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the keeper, rolls it with an underarm throw and hits the stumps at the striker's end with Ali short of his crease. United Arab Emirates are 157/8 now.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, WIDE! Back of a length but way down the leg side, slower too, Haider Ali leaves it alone. Another wide.

Ziaur Rahman to Simranjeet Singh, A full toss, on middle, Simranjeet Singh drills it towards short extra cover for another run. The fielder throws it at the batter's end but misses the stumps.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, Gets the yorker in, on middle, Haider Ali jams it out onto his foot as the ball drops to the off side. They cross.

Ziaur Rahman to Simranjeet Singh, Slower one, on a length and on off, Simranjeet Singh steers it towards point for a single.

Ziaur Rahman or Gulbadin Naib for the final over of the innings? It will be the former, 3 overs for 36 runs so far for Zia.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Haider Ali, Play and a miss! Fuller delivery, around off, angling away. Haider Ali takes a couple of steps forward to push it away but misses. Azmatullah Omarzai finishes an incredible spell of bowling with figures of 4-0-15-4.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Simranjeet Singh, Run out chance...missed! A low full toss, on off, Simranjeet Singh jams it out towards extra cover and sets off for the run. Rashid Khan picks up, takes aim but misses his shy at the bowler's end. Singh did not drag his bat in and was well short of his crease.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Simranjeet Singh, Hard length and on middle, Simranjeet Singh pats it back to the bowler.

The next batter is in. It is Simranjeet Singh at number 9.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Azmatullah Omarzai gets his fourth and this is a big one as well. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off. Sohaib Khan hops up and looks to swat it across the line, but fails to ride the bounce. It takes the top edge and lobs straight into the hands of Mujeeb Ur Rahman at square leg. Khan walks back after a fine knock of 68 off 48 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Connects this time! Just misses the wide yorker, pitches it up, outside off. Sohaib Khan reaches out and squeezes it away through backward point. The fielder from sweeper cover runs to his left and dives but only manages to parry it over the fence for a boundary. That brings up the 150 for the UAE.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and outside off, there to be hit. Sohaib Khan throws his hands at it but fails to connect.

Oh, a bit of impetus for the UAE heading into the final couple of overs. 170 is certainly still on, which, if achieved, will be a defendable total for sure. For now, Azmatullah Omarzai is back into the attack.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, FOUR! The extra ball costs Ziaur Rahman here! Short of a length and around off. Haider Ali backs away and slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge that flies over short third for a boundary. 18 runs off the over.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, WIDE! Fuller but down the leg side, Haider Ali lets it go. Called a wide.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, FOUR! Gets it away! Overpitched delivery and around off. Haider Ali gets his hands through the shot and slams it past mid off for a boundary.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Really sloppy from the bowler. Pitched up and on off, Sohaib Khan drills it towards extra cover for a single. Mohammad Nabi collects the ball and just rolls it towards the bowler, but Ziaur Rahman is not aware of that. The batters take this opportunity to get an extra run. However, Rashid Khan is not happy and the umpire rules out the extra run, deeming the ball as dead once the first run was completed.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Into the stands! Ziaur Rahman bangs this into the surface, takes pace off again but this time it sits up nicely for the batter. Sohaib Khan waits for it, swivels and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, Goes fuller and on leg, pace on this time. Haider Ali backs away to play at it but gets an inside edge towards deep fine leg for a run.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Back of length, on middle, takes all the pace off, Sohaib Khan pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Ziaur Rahman (2-0-18-0) is back on, replacing Rashid Khan.

Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Hard length and on middle, Sohaib Khan pats it down to long on for one more.

Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, On a length and on leg, Haider Ali clips it through square leg for another run.

Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, Pitched up and around off, Haider Ali drives it wide of sweeper cover and comes back for the second run.

Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Fuller and on off, Sohaib Khan pushes it through covers for a run.

Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, Shout for LBW, but turned down! However, Rashid Khan takes the review here. Gulbadin Naib lands this on a good length and on middle, angling in. Haider Ali looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards square leg. A leg bye is taken. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows it is just clipping the leg stump on umpire's call. Not Out, but the Afghans keep the review.

It seems like Gulbadin Naib has forced Rashid Khan to take a review for LBW here. Seemed a bit too straight to begin with but the third umpire is called into action now. No need for UltraEdge as it has clearly missed the bat. Ball Tracking shows that it is closer than one thought initially, as it is 'umpire's call' as far as hitting the stumps is concerned. NOT OUT!

Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, A full toss and outside off, Sohaib Khan reaches out and slaps it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, WIDE! Again full, but way outside off, Sohaib Khan lets it go. Free Hit continues.

Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Tries the wide yorker from around the stumps, but serves this way, way outside off, Sohaib Khan leaves it alone. It is called a wide. However, the siren goes off and it means Naib has overstepped here. The call is changed from a wide to a No Ball. Free Hit to follow.

Gulbadin Naib comes into the attack in the 17th over of the innings.

Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Ripper! A wrong 'un, full and around off, turns away sharply from the left-hander. Haider Ali gets bamboozled by it as the ball zips past the outside edge. 4-0-24-1, another fine outing for Rashid.

Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Slows it up, full and on off, Haider Ali fends it to the off side.

Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Flighted, full and on middle, Haider Ali blocks it down the pitch.

Not the first time we have seen a batter getting hit-wicket in this edition's T20 World Cup. Zane Green of Namibia suffered the same fate against India a few days back. Anyway, Haider Ali walks out to bat at number 8.

Rashid Khan to Muhammad Arfan, OUT! HIT WICKET! Rashid Khan gets into the act now and gets his 700th wicket in all T20 competitions. He bowls this flatter, full and around middle. Muhammad Arfan changes his stance early and plays the reverse sweep. He connects well, but cannot control the swing of his bat and it clatters into the stumps on the follow-through. A very unusual way to get out but Rashid won't mind it. United Arab Emirates have slipped from 114/3 to 121/6.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Shorter in length and on middle, Sohaib Khan nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Back-to-back fifties for Sohaib Khan! Tossed up, full and on middle, Khan gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This has been a fine knock from him and he will look to finish well here.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Muhammad Arfan, Good length at the stumps, Arfan blocks it off. What an over, top stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and his double strike has almost taken the wind out of UAE sails.

United Arab Emirates lose half their side now. That brings Muhammad Arfan out to the middle.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A double-whammy for Azmatullah Omarzai in the 15th over and UAE are throwing away a fine start. This is bowled full and outside off, just seams away a touch. Harshit Kaushik leans across to drive it square but gets an outside edge on it. Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves swiftly to his left and gobbles it up but the batter reviews it. There seems to be a certain edge but did the bat just hit the turf and miss the ball? Harshit Kaushik feels so but UltraEdge quickly confirms that the ball came straight off the edge and the bat jammed into the turf later. 97/2 has now become 114/5.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, Hard length outside off, slants back in. Kaushik has a tentative push at it again and is beaten again.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, Immaculate length again from Omarzai. Around the wicket to the left-hander, bowls it slightly short of a good length and angles it in. Harshit Kaushik has a poke at it but the ball straightens and beats the bat.

Drinks break brings in a wicket for Afghanistan. Harshit Kaushik walks out to bat now.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Syed Haider, OUT! TIMBER! Azmatullah Omarzai strikes on his return, just like Mujeeb did early on and Afghanistan are really pulling things back nicely here. Omarzai hammers it on a good length and attacks the top of off. Syed Haider is caught back on the crease and gets a bit squared up as the ball straightens off the deck. The ball beats the outside edge and clips the top of the stumps as Azmat gets his second wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length, hitting the deck hard and angling it into the batter. Khan tucks it off the hips and in front of square on the leg side for a single.

DRINKS! United Arab Emirates have done well to score at a good rate despite losing that wicket of Alishan Sharafu. They have not let the Afghan spinners settle and targeted Noor Ahmad to keep the pressure on him. Now, with Sohaib Khan well set and still plenty of batting to come, they have a great platform to get to a big total here. Afghanistan have been a bit inconsistent and will be looking for wickets to gain momentum back in the next few overs and then finish well. Also, Azmatullah Omarzai is to bowl after the break.

Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, SIX! Noor Ahmad's ordinary run in this tournament continues. Noor looks to drag the length back but bowls it well short and the ball just sits up for the batter. Syed Haider has all the time to rock back and he muscles it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie to close out the over. 9 off it and Noor has now gone for 35 runs in 3 overs, without getting a wicket as well.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fractionally short on leg, nurdled away to the left of short fine leg for one more by Khan.

Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, Nice and full, darted into the stumps, Haider backs away and strokes it through extra cover for a run.

Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, Flighted ball around leg, Haider moves past the leg stump and taps it into the off side.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fuller and on leg again, Sohaib Khan sits down and swings it on the bounce to deep backward square leg for just a single.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Bowled flatter and around leg stump, Sohaib defends with a straight bat and plays it back to the bowler.

Noor Ahmad is back on. He has conceded 26 runs in his first couple of overs.

Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, A googly now, angled into the pads, Haider fails to flick it away.

Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, Quicker delivery, attacking the off stump, Haider stays back to defend.

Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, FOUR! Slightly fortuitous but UAE will take it. Tossed up on leg stump, Syed Haider sits down and looks to sweep but gets a top edge that goes between the keeper and short fine leg and rolls away into the fence behind.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, On the pads again, worked away past square leg for another single. The 100 is now up for the UAE.

Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, A bit more flighted from Rashid, around leg, worked away around the corner on the leg side for a single.

Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, Full and flat around off, Syed Haider jams it out into the off side.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Pushed through a bit quicker and fuller around off, Sohaib Khan lunges to defend. Just a run and a big wicket off it. Mujeeb Ur Rahman ends with figures of - 4-0-31-2.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Flighted ball, in and around off, Khan blocks it back to the bowler.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Flighted up on middle, Sohaib opts to block it off.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Syed Haider, Drifted into middle and leg, Haider clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Afghanistan break the big 84-run partnership. Syed Haider is the next man in.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, OUT! CAUGHT! Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes back and breaks the threatening stand. This is floated up on off and middle, slightly full as well. Alishan Sharafu backs away to open up the off side and goes through with the lofted shot but doesn't get the right connection. The ball sails down to long off, where Ibrahim Zadran is standing well inside the ropes and takes a couple of steps back to reverse-cup it with ease.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Mujeeb starts the final spell with a fullish delivery around off, Sharafu leans on and pushes it to extra cover.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Fuller and angled into the pads, Sharafu gets inside the line to sweep but misses. The ball goes off the pads to square leg for aother leg bye.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Half an appeal for LBW, nothing more. On a hard length and on off, jags back in a bit. Khan gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball hits him high on the pads before rolling to point. They pick up a leg bye.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Back of a length, just outside off, nudged down to the right of deep third for an easy single.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, That's carried through nicely. Good-length delivery, wide outside off, Sharafu reaches out to smash it over covers but the ball sails over the willow.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length and outside off, Khan gets on his toes and guides it through short third for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Bowls a heavy short ball, over middle, Khan looks to pull but miscues it badly and back onto the pitch.

United Arab Emirates are in the ascendancy heading into the second half of the innings. 93/2 in 10 overs is an excellent platform to build on and the Afghans have their work cut out in the field. With that said, Ziaur Rahman is back on. He went for 16 in his first over.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Pushed through quicker, full and on leg, Sohaib Khan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 16 runs off the over!

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Sohaib Khan's turn now. Noor Ahmad floats it up, full and on middle. Khan gets on his knee and slogs it flat and hard over the deep mid-wicket fence for the second six of the over.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Short again, on middle, Alishan Sharafu nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Drags his length back, on middle, Alishan Sharafu punches it wide of long on and calls for two. His partner responds, and the throw comes in at the bowler's end. Khan puts in a dive in but Noor fails to collect the ball cleanly.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, SIX! That is a shot and a half! Tossed up, full and on off. Alishan Sharafu backs away early and goes down on one knee. He extends his arms to reach out and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Flighted, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Short and on middle, Sohaib Khan pats it to short extra cover.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan turns it to the leg side.

Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Short again and around off, Alishan Sharafu punches it through extra cover for one more.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Flighted, full and on off, Sohaib Khan taps it to cover for one.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, The stumps become a fielder! Flatter, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan uses his feet and drills it down the pitch. It hits the stumps at the other end and rolls towards extra cover. A boundary saved.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Beauty! Flighted, full and on off, turns away just a bit. Sohaib Khan gets forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Just short! Tossed up, full and on off, does not spin that much. Alishan Sharafu has a poke at it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge but it drops in front of first slip.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fires one full and on middle and leg, Sohaib Khan works it through mid-wicket for one.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, EDGED AND FOUR MORE! A googly, full and on middle, turns away sharply. Sohaib Khan tries to play it from the crease but gets a thin outside edge just past first slip and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Noor Ahmad bowls this quicker, but serves this full and down the leg side, begging to be put away. Sohaib Khan goes down and swipes it away to the deep backawrd square leg fence for a boundary.

Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Flatter, full and around leg, Alishan Sharafu looks to clip it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the right of short fine. A leg bye taken.

Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Floated, full and on off, Sohaib Khan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Two wrist spinners from both ends now as Noor Ahmad comes into the attack. Hang on, there is a halt in proceedings. It seems like the ball has gone out of shape after that last six from Alishan Sharafu and the fourth umpire is out with a box of balls. The on-field umpires select the one closest in wear and tear to the original ball and we can now continue.

Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, SIX! BOOM! Alishan Sharafu does take Rashid Khan on. More air on this one, full and around middle. Sharafu gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Flighted delivery, full and on off, Alishan Sharafu defends it on the front foot.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Slower through the air, full and on middle and off, Sohaib Khan eases it to long off for one.

Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Flatter, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu drills it down to long on for a run.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Drops it short and on middle, Sohaib Khan stays back and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Right on the money! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan gets forward and blocks it out.

DRINKS BREAK! Wow, what an entertaining phase of play. The first two overs were filled with drama and took a lot of time to complete but the game has now started to click along at a brisk pace. Afghanistan have dealt the early blows but UAE are now starting to counter-attack. Sohaib Khan is in pristine form and Alishan Sharafu is stepping up as well. The middle phase will be a crucial one and the Afghans will look to pick up a few more wickets. With that said, Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack, right after the break.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Streaky! Mujeeb Ur Rahman dishes out a carrom ball, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Alishan Sharafu looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge that flies between backward point and short third for a boundary. United Arab Emirates are 55/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Quicker one, short and on middle, Alishan Sharafu swipes it away through square leg for a brace. 50 UP FOR UAE!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu moves to the leg side early. He hits it through the line and pumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, A bit short and around leg, Sohaib Khan nudges it towards short fine for a run.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Shouts of 'Catch It.' Flatter, shortish and on middle, angling in. Alishan Sharafu backs away but still gets cramped up. He mistimes his lofted shot wide of mid on, where Rashid Khan dives to his right to make the stop. A single taken.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Floated, full and on off, turning in, Alishan Sharafu pushes it to short cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets a third over on the trot.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Up and over, and UAE get 16 runs off the over. This is dug in short over middle and leg, Khan stays back and swings it away over the backward square leg region for a boundary. UAE are on the charge now.

Simon Doull raised an interesting point on air regarding the first review of the game, suggesting that Afghanistan should not have lost it because there was a clear edge and it was the on-field umpire who felt otherwise, meaning the team was effectively penalised for an officiating call. Shaun Pollock agreed with that view, but added that if you asked the umpires, they would argue the decision was given not out because they believed the ball had not carried to the fielder. Pollock then wrapped it up with a smile, saying he would be taking the debate into the next ICC Men's Cricket Committee meeting, given that he is part of it.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Length again, in and around off, Sharafu charges down the track and slashes it away down to deep third for just a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Good-length delivery around off, Sharafu pushes it out towards cover.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, A bit shorter and over middle, Khan nudges it down towards mid-wicket for a single.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Can you believe it? The slip just comes out and the ball gets edged right through that region. On a hard length and in the channel, shapes away late. Khan gets squared up and edges it down to deep third for another boundary. 10 runs off Rehman's first 2 deliveries.

Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Sohaib does make the most of the Free Hit. Pitched up fuller and on off stump, Sohaib Khan stays leg side of the delivery and smacks it over cover-point for a boundary.

Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Rehman begins on the back of a length and bowls it around off, shaping it away. Sharafu hangs back and steers it through backward point for a single. Uh, oh! The siren has gone off, which means Ziaur Rahman has overstepped and a No Ball is signalled. Free Hit loading...

First bowling change? Yes, Ziaur Rahman replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Fullish length around off, Sohaib Khan blocks it with a straight bat.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, An appeal for LBW, and given. Sohaib Khan has reviewed it but if it's even umpire's call again, UAE will be three down inside the first four overs. This is bowled from wider on the crease by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, sliding it into the pads. Khan stays back and plays all around it, getting pinged on the front pad. The third umpire has a look at it. No bat involved but Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is going down leg on the angle. Sohaib Khan survives for now. NOT OUT!

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Sohaib Khan looking to make his form count. Tossed up, full and just outside off, Khan clears the front leg and extends the arms a bit before swatting it over long off for a biggie.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Nice and full again, on off, driven down to long off for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Full again, drifted into the legs, Alishan Sharafu looks to get inside the line and sweep it fine but fails to get it away.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Floated up, fuller and outside off, Sharafu eases it to covers.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Short of a good length and outside off, tapped down in front of point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length and outside off, Khan hangs back and dabs it down to backward point.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Back of a length and around off, Sharafu presses back and nudges it down past backward point for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! SHOT! Banged in short over middle, Alishan Sharafu gets up on his toes and rides the bounce well, before pulling it over the square leg region for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Banged in short and outside off, Khan backs away and slaps it to deep point for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Brilliant fielding. Hard length outside off, smacked away firmly towards point where the fielder puts in the dive and makes a half stop. They get a single.

The next batter is Sohaib Khan.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, OUT! LBW! Oh, just clipping the top of the stumps but that's enough when it's given out on-field. Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls the one that goes the other way from the right-hander. Lands it slower and fuller on off. Muhammad Waseem is drawn forward to block but is beaten past the outside edge and gets hit on the pads. There is a loud appeal and the umpire eventually raises his finger. Waseem reviews but Ball Tracking shows that the ball is clipping the top of off. UAE are two down in the first 2 overs.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Oh, that's terrible fielding in the deep. Tossed up on the stumps, Muhammad Waseem lunges to sweep and hits it towards deep square leg. Darwish Rasooli in the deep moves to his right and gets a favourable bounce but just lets it slip through for a boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Powerfully struck. The quicker inswinger from Mujeeb, fired in full at the toes. Waseem just backs away a bit and drills it to the left of mid on for a boundary, the first one of the game.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, Flatter one around off, Muhammad Waseem taps it away into the off side.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, WIDE! An in-drifter, spilled down the leg side by Mujeeb.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Nice and full again, around middle, Alishan Sharafu strokes it wide of mid on and turns the strike over.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, Mujeeb starts with a full ball on middle and leg, Waseem clips it wide of mid-wicket for one.

An 11-minute first over but filled with plenty of action. It will be spin from the other end as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is ready to share the attack.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Muhammad Waseem, End of a marathon first over, just 2 runs and a wicket off it. Back of a length and outside off, steered down to deep third for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Good-length delivery around off, shooting off the deck, Alishan Sharafu gets low and awkwardly plays it through backward point for one.

Early blow for United Arab Emirates. Alishan Sharafu walks out to bat at number 3.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! We have had just four deliveries but it feels like an eternity. Azmatullah Omarzai drags the length back and hammers an off cutter into the deck. Aryansh Sharma looks to pull but the ball grips in and dips a bit. Sharma ends up getting an underedge and Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives to his left to take a fine catch. Once again, it is not conclusive to begin with and the third umpire is called into action. UltraEdge confirms the nick and after checking plenty of replays, it is confirmed that the ball bounced off the fingers this time, not off the ground. Sharma departs for a four-ball duck and Omarzai gets his 50th T20I wicket.

We are going upstairs again. However, this time it is an umpire's review to check for a fair catch, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is involved once more in the game. The replay shows that it is very similar to the first ball of the game, and looks close. After watching a few replays from different angles, the third umpire deems that the ball bounced on top of the fingers of the keeper before nestling into the gloves. Second time lucky for Afghanistan.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, Hard length around off, Sharma punches it out towards cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, A brute of a delivery again from Azmat. Pitched up fuller and closer to the off stump, Sharma looks to drive but the straightens a touch and zips past the outside edge.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, Drama on the very first ball! Azmatullah Omarzai starts with the outswinger and gets it to move away from the fifth stump line. Aryansh Sharma has a poke at it but seems to be beaten past the outside edge. Is that an appeal for a caught behind? The appeal looked half-hearted to begin with but Afghanistan reckon there is a certain outside edge but aren't convinced if it carried or not. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is confident that his fingers were underneath the ball and the review is taken. UltraEdge does confirm the outside edge but the actual catch seems very dicey. The ball does seem to bounce, but whether that is off the fingers or off the ground is hard to tell. The third umpire checks it thoroughly and feels that the ball hit the turf just before going into the gloves. NOT OUT!

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghan players in a huddle where Rashid Khan is giving them a pep talk before they take on the field. Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Waseem are the two openers for United Arab Emirates. Azmatullah Omarzai has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

It's time for the unfurling of the flags for both countries as the players walk out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will UAE's first followed by that of Afghanistan.

PITCH REPORT - Former Kiwi pacer, Simon Doull, is pitchside. Doull starts by saying that humidity is not going to be a problem but there is a bit of bias on the square boundaries. On one side it is 67 meters and on the other it is just 59 meters, with the straight hit being 73 meters. Former South African skipper, Shaun Pollock, joins him and says that the surface looks patchy. Feels that the last game that was played here, spin played a role as well and sometimes there was turn in excess of over 5 and 6 degrees, which gives Afghanistan the edge.

The skipper of United Arab Emirates - Muhammad Waseem says that the boys are confident, but today is a different game and a different challenge. Says that they are ready for the challenge to bat first and they know the first 2-3 overs will be crucial. Informs that they have made a couple of changes with Muhammad Farooq and Mayank Kumar not playing annd the likes of Simranjeet Singh and Syed Haider come in.

The captain of Afghanistan - Rashid Khan says that it is a fresh wicket, an early morning game and he thinks it will be better to bat later on. Mentions that they were lucky to be part of one of the best games of cricket but unlucky not to be on the winning side. Says that they cannot dwell on the past, as that game is behind them now and they will have to focus on what's in front of them. Informs that they have made one change as Fazalhaq Farooqi misses out and Ziaur Rahman comes in for him.

United Arab Emirates (Playing XI) - Aryansh Sharma (WK), Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider (In for Mayank Kumar), Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh (In for Muhammad Farooq), Junaid Siddique, and Muhammad Jawadullah.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman (In for Fazalhaq Farooqi).

TOSS - It's toss time in Delhi, and the two captains are out in the middle. Rashid Khan spins the coin, where Muhammad Waseem calls 'Heads.' It lands as 'Tails,' and Afghanistan will BOWL first.

Which team will deal the knockout blow? As we start the final week of the group stage, every encounter seems like a clash that can send a team packing, or it could really bolster their chances of making it through to the next stage of the competition. This match is no different, and with the stakes pretty high, it might all come down to individual brilliance and a couple of performances could change the dynamic of the contest. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

UAE looking to prove their mettle - The UAE, led by the explosive Muhammad Waseem, arrives with significantly more momentum after a clinical five-wicket victory over Canada. This win has catapulted them to third in the group standings, keeping their dreams of a historic Super 8 qualification very much alive. The Emirati side will rely heavily on the pace of Junaid Siddique, who recently claimed a five-wicket haul, and the steady batting of young wicket-keeper Aryansh Sharma. While they have historically struggled against Afghanistan’s world-class spinners, the UAE's ability to thrive in subcontinental-style conditions makes them a dangerous underdog capable of capitalizing on any Afghan nerves.

Pressure on the Afghans - After an opening defeat to New Zealand and a heartbreaking double Super Over loss to South Africa, the Afghans find themselves second from bottom in Group D. Despite their rocky start, Afghanistan enters as the heavy statistical favorite, boasting an 11–3 head-to-head record against the UAE and a spin-heavy attack perfectly suited for the turning tracks of Delhi. However, one wrong step and the 2024 semi-finalists could be the first ones to be knocked out from their group.

Welcome to the coverage - Hello, and a warm welcome to one and all. Match 28 sees Afghanistan facing off against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. For Rashid Khan’s men, this fixture is nothing short of a must-win survival battle, whereas for the UAE, it is an opportunity to stake a real claim for a Super 8 berth.

... MATCH DAY ...

From Super Over chaos to Do-or-Die drama - If that double Super Over between Afghanistan and South Africa left you stunned, you are not alone, and as Group D shifts to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the aftershocks of that thriller are still rippling through this World Cup. That game had everything a T20 match can offer, with momentum swinging wildly, both teams dragging themselves back from the brink before South Africa finally edged it, denying Rahmanullah Gurbaz a fairytale after his heroic second Super Over, and leaving Afghanistan heartbroken and suddenly on the edge of elimination. State of the Group - The semi-finalists from the last edition, Afghanistan, now find themselves in a do-or-die clash against a UAE side riding high after a morale-boosting win over Canada, one that has opened up a genuine chance for them to stay in the qualification race. With the Proteas all but through, Afghanistan still need to win here, beat Canada, and hope New Zealand slip up, while UAE know that if they can get past the Afghans and then somehow topple South Africa, net run rate will decide their fate against the Kiwis if they finish level on points. So close, yet so fragile - Afghanistan's campaign so far has been one of brilliant individual efforts, failing to add up to a complete performance. Gulbadin Naib's fifty against New Zealand and Gurbaz's blistering 84 off 42 against South Africa have kept them competitive, but the lack of runs from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran and Nabi's limited all-round impact have left too much work for too few. Azmatullah Omarzai has offered flashes with both bat and ball, and Rashid Khan has once again been the leader of the spin unit, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman making an impact in the opening game and Noor Ahmad stepping up in the last match, contributing vital runs before that costly decision to take a second run that pushed the game into a Super Over. The bowlers have still conceded 180-plus twice already, an unthinkable stat for a side that prides itself on control and pressure. Add in Fazalhaq Farooqi's costly Super Over and the absence of Naveen-ul-Haq, and it feels like a campaign defined by missed moments rather than missed talent. UAE sensing a real opportunity - The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, have quietly put together a far more rounded start. They were overwhelmed by the record-breaking opening stand of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in their first game, but their response against Canada showed real steel. Junaid Siddique's sensational 5 for 35 and Jawadullah's yorkers gave them a platform, while Haider Ali has provided valuable control in the Powerplay and middle overs. With the bat, Aryansh Sharma's anchoring 74 and Sohaib Khan's rapid 51 rescued a tricky chase, while skipper Muhammad Waseem's earlier fifty against New Zealand, along with Alishan Sharafu's valuable knock in the same game, underlined how deep and reliable this batting line-up has become. Team Form (Last 5 T20Is, latest result first) - Afghanistan - LLLWW | UAE - WLLLL. What to expect? Conditions in Delhi have favoured chasers in the morning and afternoon, with little dew expected, which only adds another layer of intrigue. UAE will back their familiarity and recent confidence, while Afghanistan know that only a composed, collective performance will keep their World Cup alive in what is shaping up to be a true knockout.