HIGHLIGHTS Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates, T20I Tri-Series in UAE 2025, 3 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for UAE's response with the bat. The umpires make their way out and the Afghans, led by Rashid Khan, spread out from the team huddle to take their positions on the field. Muhammad Waseem walks out to the crease and will be partnered by Muhammad Zohaib. And Afghanistan go with spin straightaway. Mujeeb Ur Rahman to begin the proceedings in the chase. Zohaib to face. Off we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right. 189 it is for the United Arab Emirates to chase and get their first win in this tri-series. But they will need their top order to support senior pros like captain Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan from the other end. Afghanistan's inning has shown that once you see off the new ball phase with caution, runs can be scored with wickets in hand. However, they will be up against a quality spin trio of Afghanistan on a slowish pitch. It is all set up for an exciting run chase which is on the other side. Stay tuned.

Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. Atal says that he is happy with his first T20I fifty but will be happier if they end up on the winning side. Adds that the wicket wasn't as easy as there was some spongy bounce so he took his time. Mentions that after the 5th over, they started counter-attacking and the plan was to put away the loose balls and also run doubles. Ends by saying that they were aiming for something around 160-165, and reckons that this total is enough for them to get over the line.

Again, the death-over phase proved a bit too costly for the UAE bowlers as runs flowed freely in the last stretch. A bit of inexperience was clearly evident. With enough wickets in hand, every incoming batter came out with intent and with the help of late cameos from Karim Janat and Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan managed to smash 62 runs in the last five overs.

The UAE bowlers weren’t poor by any stretch in the first half, yet they will likely feel the rewards didn’t come as often as they deserved. Whether you call it sharp batting or just the way the game unfolded, that’s how it stood. Afghanistan hit a small bump when Haider Ali broke the 84-run second-wicket stand. 100/1 became 120/3, but by then Ibrahim was well set and had brought up his own half-century, setting up for a strong finish. But he couldn't hang in there till the end.

But as soon as the movement faded away, batting appeared to be a bit easier and that's when Sediqullah Atal fueled in some aggression. However, the sluggish nature of the pitch kept the batters in check once the spinners were brought in. However, the partnership took a decent shape between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran. They didn't go bang-bang, but steadied the ship at halfway, adding 31 in the next four after the restrictions lifted. Eventually, Sediqullah got off to his well-constructed fifty, looking to go big.

There was just enough lateral movement early on and UAE’s new ball pair, Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid, made the most of it with disciplined lines. Rahmanullah Gurbaz never looked settled against the swing, and neither did the others sharing the crease. The pacers kept probing in the right areas, inducing a series of false strokes. A few streaky boundaries came off the edge, but the middle of the bat was rarely found. By the end of the Powerplay, Afghanistan were restricted to 43/1 with Gurbaz back in the hut.

Such an anti-climactic end to the innings. A job well done by Junaid Siddique in that final over. He executed four pinpoint yorkers off the six balls, and did not concede a single boundary. He, though, will have to wait for another match to complete 100 T20I wickets. Afghanistan were well within reach to go past 200 runs, but with the last over going for just 5 runs, UAE might feel they have pulled things a bit. However, 188, on a slow Sharjah wicket, is still a huge score to hunt down.

Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Exceptional last over from Junaid Siddique! Just 5 runs off it! This is a full toss, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet and thumps it on the bounce to long off for one more. Afghanistan finishes on 188/4!

Junaid Siddique to Karim Janat, Almost gets it through! Another fine yorker, on middle, Karim Janat backs way and just about squeezes it out towards point for one.

Junaid Siddique to Karim Janat, This is superb bowling! He nails the yorker again, on middle, angles in a bit. Karim Janat can only get his bat down to dig it out on the pitch.

Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Low full again, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it to long on for anothe run.

Junaid Siddique to Karim Janat, Good stop! Low full toss, angling into leg, Karim Janat clips it away wide of short fine. The fielder dives to his right to make a fine stop. Either side of him, it would have been a boudnary, Just a run.

Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, A good yorker, on middle and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai jams it out to long off for a single.

Junaid Siddique (3-0-29-0) to bowl the last over of the first innings. Can Afghanistan get to 200?

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, SIX MORE! 22 runs off the over! Muhammad Rohid decides to go fuller and on middle, in the slot again, begging to be put away. Karim Janat clears his front leg away and dispatches it over the long on fence for a biggie. 32 runs from the last two overs for the Afghans. Muhammad Rohid closes his spell with figures of 4-0-34-2.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, Swing and a miss! Bangs this into the pitch, around off, pace on this time, Karim Janat has a wild heave across the line but fails to connect.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, Takes pace off, short of a length and well outside off, Karim Janat goes through his cut early and misses.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, WIDE! Fuller and outside the guideline, Karim Janat offers no shot at it. Wided again.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, SIX! SMOKED! The game is getting away from UAE! Pitched up and on middle, in the slot as well. Karim Janat steps across and smashes it with ease over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, WIDE! Changes his angle again and tries the wide yorker, but this is way outside off, Karim Janat leaves it alone. Wided.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Lack of experience is showing from Muhammad Rohid now. He goes 'over the wicket and serves this full and around off, angling in. Karim Janat once again extends his arms and smacks it over extra covers for another boundary.

Muhammad Rohid to Karim Janat, FOUR! Excellent shot! Fuller one and just outside off, Karim Janat stays firm in his crease. He  just uses his hands to reach out and thumps it to the long off fence for a boundary.

Muhammad Rohid (3-0-12-2) to bowl the penultimate over. Which means, Junaid will probably bowl the final over.

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short of a length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai bunts it out down the pitch.

Saghir Khan to Karim Janat, On a length and on off, Karim Janat pushes it through covers for one.

Karim Janat is in at 6.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! TAKEN! Something to smile about for Saghir Khan! He pitches it up, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran throws the kitchen sink at it, but loses his body shape completely. Gets a thick outside edge that flies quickly to short third. Junaid Siddique reacts well and takes a sharp reverse cup near his face. Ibrahim Zadran walks back for a fine 63 off 40, and Afghanistan are 160/4!

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Low full toss, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai forces it to long on for a singl.

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Clears the fence! Goes full again and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai already knows this plan. He stays in his crease and extends his arms to reach out for it. Opens the bat face slightly and slices it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Gets it right this time! Fuller and outside off, keeps it inside the guideline, only just, Azmatullah Omarzai swings hard but misses.

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, WIDE! And again! Goes short this time, but again outside of the guideline, Azmatullah Omarzai lets it go. Called a wide.

Saghir Khan to Azmatullah Omarzai, WIDE! Fuller one but well outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone. Wided.

Saghir Khan (3-0-42-1) is back for his final over, replacing Harshit Kaushik.

Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, A low full toss around off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 17 runs off the over! Also, 150 up for Afghanistan!

Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Much better! Junaid Siddique nails the wide yorker, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran fails to dig it out.

Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! That is outta here! Junaid Siddique goes length again, on off, takes pace off too. Ibrahim Zadran picks it up early, steps across to get inside the line of it, and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen. It lands on the roof and goes out of the stadium. New balls, please!

Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, A full toss, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran moves across and drills it away wide of deep point for a brace.

Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Right in the blockhole, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai throws his bat at it but gets a bottom edge towards short fine for a single.

Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Salt to the wounds! Back of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter. Azmatullah Omarzai picks up the length in a trice and heaves it away over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Junaid Siddique (2-0-12-0) is back on. He replaces Muhammad Rohid.

Harshit Kaushik to Ibrahim Zadran, Shortish and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it straight to point. Good first over from Harshit Kaushik.

Harshit Kaushik to Azmatullah Omarzai, DROPPED! Should have been a wicket for the debutant! He gives this some more air, full and on middle and leg. Azmatullah Omarzai backs away and looks to slog it away but fails to get the timing right. The ball flies wide of long on where Ethan D'souza runs to his right, but slips at the crucial moment. He gets both hands on the ball but spills it out. They cross. It could prove to be costly, as we all know what Azmat can do in the last few overs.

Harshit Kaushik to Ibrahim Zadran, A bit short and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to long on for another run.

Harshit Kaushik to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! FIFTY FOR ZADRAN! 9th T20I half century for him. A change of position for him and a change of fortunes as well. A fantastic knock from him and he will look to go big in the last few overs now. Flighted, full and angling into leg, Ibrahim Zadran goes down on one knee nails the slog sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Harshit Kaushik to Azmatullah Omarzai, Floated, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it to long on for a run.

Harshit Kaushik to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it through covers for a single.

Muhammad Rohid to Ibrahim Zadran, On that in-between length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran hangs back and punches it to deep point for an easy single. A successful over for Rohid and UAE. Just 7 off it and a big wicket of Rasooli.

Muhammad Rohid to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! PUNISHED! Rohid errs in length and line both. Good length, on the leg stump, Ibrahim Zadran shuffles inside the line and pulls it behind square towards the long leg fence for a boundary.

Muhammad Rohid to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length just outside off, and a slower ball. Zadran looks to dab it behind towards short third, but gets beaten off the pace taken off.

Muhammad Rohid to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fuller delivery, on the leg stump, Azmatullah flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next man in.

Muhammad Rohid to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! GONE! CAUGHT! Muhammad Rohid gets his second wicket and continues to impress in this outing! Hits the deck hard, does Rohid, outside off. The ball just holds up in the deck as Darwish Rasooli prepares to whack it over cover with a flat bat. Does not account for the ball arriving late and hence, mistimes it straight toward Ethan D'souza at mid off, who takes a sharp reverse-cup catch, over his head. Darwish Rasooli departs on 10 (7) and Afghanistan are 120/3.

Muhammad Rohid to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a good length, around the fourth stump. Ibrahim Zadran plays off the back foot and punches it with soft hands, wide of cover for a quick run.

Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Spins away from off, on a fuller length. Darwish Rasooli prods half-forward to drive it through the covers, but misses and the ball deflects off the keeper's right pad toward short third. Haider Ali wraps up his spell with figures of 4-0-28-0.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushed through, around off, Ibrahim Zadran leans forward with a giant stride and slices it between backward point and short third for a single.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Low full toss, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to deep extra cover for a couple more.

Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Full and around off, darted in, Darwish Rasooli slices it to wide short third for a single.

Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Nice and full, around off, pushed off the front foot to the cover region.

Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, On the stumps, Darwish Rasooli gets an inside edge and the ball is squirted past the stumps to the short fine leg region for a couple.

Haider Ali (3-0-22-0) to bowl out now.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Stylishly struck! Into the arc, a slower one, full and on middle and leg. Ibrahim Zadran gets his bat properly under the bat and with no intentions to keep it down, whips it behind deep square leg for a six.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and around off, Ibrahim drives it straight to cover.

Saghir Khan to Darwish Rasooli, Excellent work in the deep by Muhammad Waseem! Short of a length and outside off, Rasooli waits for it and thrashes it through the gap of cover and mid off. Waseem from mid off sprints towards the ball, and dives near the ropes and flicks it back in play. The replays confirm the same. Waseem saves one for his side as the batters cross each other thrice.

Saghir Khan to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! Picture-perfect! A juicy half volley to the new batter, on middle. Darwish Rasooli plays with a vertically bat angle, brings it straight through the line and lofts it magnificently over the bowler for a boundary. Holds his pose for the photographers to click that as well.

Darwish Rasooli comes out to the middle now.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! Saghir Khan provides a huge wicket for the UAE and breaks the 84-run partnership for the second wicket. Not too full and not too short either, it is that in-between length-delivery, outside the off stump line, slower too. Sediqullah Atal is caught in a bit of indecision, whether to commit on the front foot or go on the back foot. Decides to play that from the crease and hangs the bat away from the body, only managing to get an outside edge. Rahul Chopra does the rest behind the stumps. Sediqullah Atal departs for a well-constructed 54 (40). Afghanistan are 100/2.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Off cutter, on a length, on middle. Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to wide deep mid-wicket for a single. The 100 is up for Afghanistan!

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Slammed hard into the pitch, too short and outside off, climbing over the batter's head height. Ibrahim watchfully leaves. Wide called for height.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch short and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran backs away and punches it to deep extra cover for an easy single. An expensive over for UAE, as 15 runs come off it. 24 off the last couple of overs for Afghanistan.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Length ball, spinning in, onto the pads, this is tucked across by Ibrahim, wide of deep mid-wicket, to his left for a couple more.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! That has been timed to perfection! Overpitched delivery, into the wheelhouse, on the stumps.  Ibrahim Zadran reads the length early and gets low before powerfully slogging it behind wide long on for another half a dozen.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker delivery, outside off, spinning away. Ibrahim Zadran is hurried on the shot and misses to work it square on the off side.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Just held up off the deck, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran is taken aback by the lift and just bunts it down the pitch.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Eye-pleasing! Dropped into the slot, on off. Ibrahim Zadran clears the front leg, and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Moves into his 20s now, does Ibrahim.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Too full and on the sticks, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it down to long on for a single.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, around off, Ibrahim punches it straigh to the man at cover.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, Length ball, tucked to deep square leg for a single.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, Good running! Slower, length-delivery, outside off. Sediqullah Atal pushes it to deep cover, and calls Zadran through for the second. A wayward throw to the keeper allows them to complete the second easily.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! MAIDEN T20I FIFTY FOR SEDIQULLAH ATAL! He has been the architect to bring in the control and calm from one end with elegant strokeplay. Big moment for the young lad. Back of a length, outside off. Sediqullah Atal weighs back and cuts it past the left of the diving backward point fielder for a boundary. Calmly raises his bat and gets back to bat as the job is not done yet.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it on the rise and through the cover and point gap for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. 43/1 in the Powerplay and 31/0 in the next four overs. Afghanistan have slightly snatched the momentum from UAE with alert batting by Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran. There is enough for the spinners in the track, but batting has looked far easier against the older ball as compared to the new hard leather. UAE's immediate aim will be to halt this blossoming partnership and induce a collapse, testing the Afghan middle order which looked vulnerable against Pakistan in the series opener. By the looks of it, anything in excess of 170 will be a challenging total on this pitch. Here's Saghir Khan (1-0-18-0) back on. He replaces Haider Ali.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Shoritsh, and on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it past extra covers for one more. 10 runs off the over, 21 in the last two!

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Quicker, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal looks to drive but gets an inside edge towards short fine for one.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! Shot of beauty! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal skips down the track and once again gets to the pitch of the ball. He does not try to hit it hard, just shows the full face of the bat and dispatches it beautifully with a high elbow over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Dragged down and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran slaps it to sweeper covers for a run. The 50-RUN PARTNERSHIP comes up between these two batters.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Short again and on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to long off for a single. He moves into the 40s now.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Short and around off, Sediqullah Atal stabs it out to extra covers.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Darts this one full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal works it to long on for one. 11 runs off the over!

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! BOOM! Afghanistan needed that, and perhaps they will get a move on now! Flights it up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal dances down the track to get closer to the pitch of the ball and clubs it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter in length and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran works it off the inside half of the bat to short fine for one.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal drills it down the pitch. Haider Ali makes a mess on his follow-through and lets it between his legs to long off for another run.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to long on for a run.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal uses his feet and drags it to long on for a single.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Slower through the air, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal comes down the track to slog it across the line but gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for just one. The fielder from the deep charges in to pick it up the first time but fails to do so. However, no harm done.

Dhruv Parashar to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted, full and around off, Ibrahim Zadran crouches low and drills it to sweeper overs for a run.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Short and on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it in front of short covers and scampers across for a single.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it firmly but straight to short covers.

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Goes short and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and nudges it with soft hands through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 50 up for Afghanistan!

Dhruv Parashar to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal bloks it down the pitch.

Spin in tandem now. Here's Dhruv Parashar into the attack, replacing Saghir Khan.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Quicker, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal lofts it away wide of long on for a brace.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Fires in a yorker, on off, Sediqullah Atal digs it back to the bowler.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Risky run! Flatter, full and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to the leg side and sets off for the run. The keeper, Rahul Chopra, runs towards the ball, picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Atal puts in a dive that would have saved him even if it was a direct hit. Good cricket all around!

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal uses his feet and eases it to long off for a single.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Short and on middle and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

Haider Ali (1-0-6-0) to continue and will begin the post-Powerplay period.

Saghir Khan to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran nudges it wide of short fine where a fumble allows the second run. Afghanistan are 43/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, Pitched up and on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to covers for one.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Much more in control this time! Short of a length but outside off, gives the batter width. Sediqullah Atal frees his arms and crunches it over point for a boundary.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Streaky! Back of a length and just around off, Sediqullah Atal extends his amrs and looks to loft it over covers. But the extra bounce catches the outside edge and it flies towards short third. The fielder dives to his right and tries to grab it with his right hand. The ball lands in front and goes over to roll away to the thrid man fence.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Saghir Khan sees the batter advance and tries to keep it away from the reach of the batter. Serves it full but way outside off. Sediqullah Atal swings wildly but fails to connect. Wided.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length and around off, sticks to the surface a bit, Sediqullah Atal looks to punch it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Saghir Khan to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! BANG! Welcome to the game, Saghir Khan! He goes full and on middle, angling into the pads. Sediqullah Atal uses the angle and brings his wrists into play to whip it nonchalantly over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Haider Ali to Sediqullah Atal, Darted on the off stump, into the pitch. Sediqullah Atal steers it to deep square leg for a single. 6 off this over!

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Yards behind fuller length, tossed up, on off. Ibrahim Zadran gets on the back foot and tries to punch it to the off side, but inside edges it to backward square leg for a single.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Through the gap! That will ease down the nerves of the batter to an extent! Around the off pole, on a length, Ibrahim Zadran picks the length in a trice and cuts it perfectly between cover and point for a boundary.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Three dots! Excellent so far, is Haider! Just around off, on a length, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it off the back foot to backward point.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Keeps it on middle, quick through the air, Ibrahim Zadran hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and sliding on middle. Ibrahim Zadran leans on and taps it out to the off side with soft hands.

Time for spin as Haider Ali comes into the attack now.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller delivery, on off, Sediqullah Atal blocks it solidly. Fantastic over from Muhammad Rohid. His figures read 2-0-5-1.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, Good length, outside off, punched off the back foot to point.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, Back of a length, just outside off. Atal hops of and tries to pierce the cover and point gap. Muhammad Zohaib moves to his left from point and stops the ball which forces Atal to retreat back to the crease.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Exaggerated movement outside the tramline, on the off side. Sediqullah Atal throws his bat at it, but it is still far from the blade. Wide given.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length, on the stumps, nudged to mid-wicket.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Miles outside off. Wide called.

Muhammad Rohid to Ibrahim Zadran, JUST IN! On a good length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to the point region and rushes through for a quick single. The fielder is quick to get on the ball and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. However, the replay shows that Sediqullah Atal has comfortably made his ground before the throw hit.

Ibrahim Zadran walks out to bat at number 3.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Muhammad Rohid is rewarded for his consistency. Afghanistan lose an early wicket. Short of a good length, slanting away from the batter with some extra bounce. Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves across and just pokes tentatively toward the ball, playing away from the body. An outside edge is found and the ball carries back to the keeper. A regulation catch for Rahul Chopra. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looked extremely scratchy and departs for a sluggish 7 (11).

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, Short delivery, seaming away late, around off. Sediqullah Atal tries to pull but does not lay his bat on ball. This is a really good start for United Arab Emirates! Just 6 off it.

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller delivery, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz forces it down to mid on for a single.

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A bit of yes and no! Full and around off, Gurbaz pushes it to Harshit Kaushik at cover who fumbles. Sniffing a chance, Gurbaz runs a couple of yards but is sent back by Atal on a sharp call.

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz advances down the track and tries to whack it through covers, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies towards the deep third boundary. One bounce into the fence.

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Big swing and a miss! Hard length, pace off by the looks of it, jagging back in from middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track and tries to pull, but the ball goes past the inside edge to the keeper.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, Good length, outside off, glided behind to deep third for a single.

Muhammad Rohid to Sediqullah Atal, Length ball, on middle, swatted wide of mid on for a single.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on middle, tucked across to mid-wicket for a single.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, BEATEN! Shapes away late off the pitch, going across off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pokes at it and is beaten past the outside edge.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and curving away from the batter, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes at the delivery with hard hands. Ekes an outside edge and the ball shoots past the vacant slip cordon. Junaid Siddique from deep third runs to his left and intercepts the ball with a dive. Fumbles a bit but recovers well. Very strange. The on-field umpire has signalled as a leg bye.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A bit of seam movement away from the batter, on a hard length. Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and tries to thrash that over covers with a flat bat, but misses to connect.

Muhammad Rohid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hits the deck hard, in line of the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets behind it and blocks.

Muhammad Rohid to share the attack.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length, outside off, tapped out to cover. Tidy start from Junaid. Just 2 off the opening over.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, BEAUTY! Swings away from the batter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal does not account for the away shape and is beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, A huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Remember, there is no DRS in this tri-series. Fuller and angling towards and down the leg stump line. Sediqullah Atal plays across from the crease, and is beaten on the inside edge before getting rapped on the front pad. Junaid Siddique, at 99 T20 wickets, pleads to the umpire but gets no response. Just doing a bit too much to slide down leg.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Lovely shot! Touch full and angling into the batter. Sediqullah Atal plays with a straight bat face and lofts it over his partner at the non-striker's end for a boundary.

Junaid Siddique to Sediqullah Atal, Around the stumps to the southpaw. Jags back in a touch, on a good length, around off. Sediqullah Atal knocks it off the back foot, beside the pitch on the off side.

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, nipping away from middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz lets the ball arrive and taps it with soft hands, in front of cover-point for a quick single. Gurbaz is off the mark!

Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! Starts off with a loosener. Sprays it far down leg, full in length. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across to flick, but misses. Wide called.

All in readiness! The two umpires pick up the match ball and make their way out to the middle. United Arab Emirates players follow them and spread out to take their respective field positions. A new opening pair for Afghanistan as ​​​Sediqullah Atal joins Rahmanullah Gurbaz to come out to bat. Junaid Siddique has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Before we start the game, the players from both sides take a moment of silence to pay tribute to the lives lost in last night’s devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, standing in solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy.

UAE's Asif Khan is up for a quick chat with Bazid Khan. He says he has played a lot of domestic cricket in the UAE. Adds that he tries to settle in the first ten balls and then takes the chances and goes aggressive. Mentions this tri-series is a huge opportunity for them to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup. Details that he just tries to play to his strengths, and also adds that he and Waseem try to contribute as much as they can. Shares that their bowling lineup is very good but admits that they gave away too many runs in the previous game. Highlights that they have done decently against the Test-playing nations in recent times and ends by saying they will take the positives from that to progress ahead.

PITCH REPORT - Aamir Sohail is pitchside for his analysis. He says that there is a bit of moisture on the wicket. Adds that it will initially offer some grip, and the batters need to be patient. Mentions the difference between now and when he played on the surface back in the days is the grass, and that there is no sheen. Ends by saying that it has something for everyone.

The captain of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, says that they would have batted first and is happy that they got what they wanted to do. On the conversation about playing against different oppositions, Rashid details that they do not see which opposition they are playing against. Says it is all about how they are going to play and that they don't want to repeat the mistakes made in the last game. Informs that they have made one change - Sharafuddin Ashraf comes in for Fareed Ahmad.

The captain of United Arab Emirates, Muhammad Waseem, says that they will bowl first. Adds that no specific reason but the wicket looks good and he hopes that the ball does a bit early on but expect it to not change much in the second innings. Mentions that they have a lot of boundary balls away in the last game and needs to improve on that. Says that they will be happy to restrict Afghanistan under 160. Informs they have made a couple of changes in the side.

United Arab Emirates (Playing XI) - Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (WK), Ethan D'souza, Harshit Kaushik (On T20I debut and in for Alishan Sharafu), Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid (In for Muhammad Jawadullah), and Junaid Siddique.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf (In for Fareed Ahmad), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin is won by the United Arab Emirates and captain Muhammad Waseem elects to BOWL first.

Two games in Sharjah have told one story clearly. Spin has been the king, pace has been punished. But if a fresh surface is in play this time around, the equation might shift, demanding that both pace units adapt quickly. UAE have two wins in their last six fixtures against Afghanistan, and the most recent coming in December 2023, which is proof that they can land a punch. But the determined Afghan side will be ready to take them head-on. An interesting match-up overall. Toss and teams coming up shortly.

UAE’s homework isn’t any lighter. The top order has to shoulder more responsibility. Leaving the repair work to power-hitter Asif Khan every time isn’t sustainable for the long run. Skipper Muhammad Waseem and the senior batters need support, and they need it early. In the bowling department, the first few overs looked promising, but control evaporated in the middle and death overs. The pacers, led by Muhammad Jawadullah and Junaid Siddique, were scattered across the park. Line, length, and death-ball variations will decide if UAE can contain Afghanistan this time.

For Afghanistan, the task is all about tightening the loose ends. They pushed Pakistan hard, had the game within reach, and still watched it slip badly when the pressure mounted. Their spin core of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi delivered exactly what was expected, control and wickets. But the seamers fell short and couldn’t quite match the standards. This is their chance to iron out these wrinkles. With the bat, the top three of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Darwish Rasooli gave a solid start, but the middle overs became a trap. Too many wickets fell in clusters, momentum drained, and in the end, it cost them the match. Those are the fine margins they’ll be desperate to fix.

Both teams have played once, both have been handed defeats by Pakistan, the current leaders. That’s what makes this one crucial. Win, and you’re still in the race. Lose, and the climb gets steeper. Afghanistan walk in as the favorites, carrying experience and exposure with them. UAE walk in with hunger and a point to prove. Afghanistan will hold their ground in second place, while UAE can climb off the bottom and throw the fight for the final wide open before the reverse fixtures commence.

Sharjah Cricket Ground lights up again after a day’s break as the Tri-Series in the Emirates rolls on. Match 3 is here, and it’s Afghanistan locking horns with the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, in what promises to be a thrilling battle for pride and progress on the international stage. Afghanistan have proven their class at the highest level, while for a young side like the UAE, this is the perfect stage to punch above their weight and shake things up. On that note, hello and welcome, we are excited to have you all with us.

... MATCH DAY ...

The T20I Tri-Series in UAE, 2025, serves as a crucial prelude to the upcoming Asia Cup, providing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates with an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and test their squads. The tournament has already seen a couple of matches played, and now the hosts, UAE, are set to face Afghanistan in the third encounter. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and get their campaign on track. Afghanistan comes into this match having lost their opening game against Pakistan. The team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain momentum, particularly with the bat. Their batting lineup, featuring the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has the potential to be explosive, but they will need to build partnerships and anchor the innings more effectively. Gurbaz, who started brightly in the last match, will be a key player to watch. Afghanistan's strength lies in its world-class spin attack. Led by captain Rashid Khan, the team boasts a formidable trio of spinners including Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. Mujeeb's economical spell in the last match showcased his ability to trouble batters with his variations. With the Sharjah pitch historically favoring spinners, this attack could be the difference-maker for Afghanistan. The pace attack, featuring Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad Malik, will also be vital in providing early breakthroughs and containing the opposition. The hosts, UAE, are also coming off a loss to Pakistan in their first match. They put up a valiant fight while chasing a large total but ultimately fell short. This loss, however, will not deter them, as they will be playing in front of their home crowd and will be motivated to bounce back. Captain Muhammad Waseem leads a squad that blends experience with promising young talent. The likes of Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan will be crucial in the batting department, while the bowling will be spearheaded by Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah. While both teams are looking for their first win in the series, Afghanistan, with its strong spin department and T20I experience, will be considered the favorites. Their bowling attack is particularly well-suited for the conditions at Sharjah. However, the UAE, playing at home, will be determined to cause an upset.