Rashid Khan scripts history as Afghanistan hammer UAE for first win in tri-series

Afghanistan bounced back in style from their opening defeat to Pakistan, registering a commanding 38-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the third match of the T20I tri-series in Sharjah on Sunday. The victory was highlighted by skipper Rashid Khan scripting history, as he became the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals with 165 scalps, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a formidable 188/4 in their 20 overs. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7) fell cheaply, but Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 40 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes.

United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan, UAE tri-series Highlights

Ibrahim Zadran provided the perfect acceleration, hammering 63 from 40 deliveries at a strike rate of 157.50. Late fireworks came from Azmatullah Omarzai (20* off 12) and Karim Janat (23* off 10), who propelled the total past 180 with a flurry of boundaries.

In reply, UAE showed early fight through skipper Muhammad Waseem’s blistering 67 off 37 balls, decorated with four fours and six maximums. He was well supported by wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 35 deliveries. However, the rest of the UAE batting line-up faltered against Afghanistan’s disciplined attack.

Rashid Khan was the star once again, claiming 3/21 in his four overs, including the prized scalps of Ethan D’Souza, Asif Khan, and Dhruv Parashar. His spell not only choked the scoring rate but also tilted the game firmly in Afghanistan’s favour. He was well supported by Sharafuddin Ashraf, who picked up 3/24, and Mohammad Nabi, who chipped in with a wicket. Fazalhaq Farooqi provided the early breakthrough to set the tone.

UAE eventually finished at 150/8, falling well short of the target despite Waseem’s heroics. The result gave Afghanistan their first points in the series and restored confidence after their loss to Pakistan.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 103 all out in 17.3 overs. Ibrahim Zadran 63, Sediqullah Atal 54; Muhamamd Rohid 2/34, Saghir Khan 4/52

UAE: 150/8 in 20 overs. Muhammad Waseem 67, Rahul Chopra 44*; Rashid Khan 3/21, Sharafuddin Ashraf 3/24

Result: Afghanistan beat UAE by 38 runs.