Afghanistan national cricket team defeated the United Arab Emirates national cricket team by 5 wickets in a match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a target of 161 runs set by the UAE, Afghanistan reached 161/5 in 19.2 overs.
For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 53 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai remained unbeaten on 40.
Earlier, after losing the toss and batting first, the UAE posted 160 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Alishan Sharafu was the highest scorer for the UAE with 68 runs.
Following this Group D match, there have been key changes in the points table. Afghanistan, with 1 win and 2 losses from 3 matches, have moved up to third place with 2 points. The UAE, with the same win–loss record, have slipped to fourth on net run rate.
After consecutive defeats against the New Zealand national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team, this first win keeps Afghanistan’s slim Super 8 hopes alive. However, they must beat the Canada national cricket team in their next match and rely on New Zealand’s results to progress.
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