Afghanistan defeated UAE by five wickets in the 28th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. UAE scored 160/9 in 20 overs. Sohaib Khan played a blazing knock of 68 runs off 48 balls. He built an 84-run partnership with Alishan Sharafu, who supported him well. Their effort helped UAE post a fighting total.

Azmatullah Omarzai led the bowling attack. He took 4/15 in four overs. He picked up key wickets and slowed the scoring rate. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also claimed two wickets.

During the chase, Junaid Siddique gave Afghanistan an early breakthrough. However, Ibrahim Zadran kept the scoreboard moving. He added useful runs with Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal. When Zadran fell in the 14th over, Afghanistan needed 64 runs to win.

Darwish Rasooli and Omarzai then took charge. They added a quick 43 runs for the fifth wicket. Siddique bowled Rasooli in the 18th over. After that, Omarzai controlled the chase. He guided Afghanistan to victory with four balls to spare. Siddique finished with 2/23 in 3.2 overs, while Mohammad Arfan also took two wickets.

With this win, Afghanistan kept its hopes of reaching the Super Eight alive, though qualification still depends on other results.

Early Setbacks and Middle-Order Recovery

Earlier, United Arab Emirates national cricket team had sensed an opportunity despite posting a below-par total of 160. Junaid Siddique removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the second ball of the innings, forcing Afghanistan onto the back foot.

Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings with a measured half-century off 37 balls. UAE bowlers, especially Muhammad Arfan (2 for 39), used the slow pitch effectively. They prevented Afghanistan’s batters from playing freely and targeting straight boundaries. Arfan dismissed Zadran in the 14th over, just when Afghanistan needed their set batter to accelerate.

However, Omarzai and Rasooli responded strongly. The pair added 43 runs in just 4.2 overs, shifting the momentum. Siddique returned in the 18th over and bowled Rasooli, but he urged calm among his teammates while celebrating. His caution proved correct, as he had only four runs to defend in the final over. Two deliveries later, the contest was over.

Sohaib and Sharafu Lift UAE After Early Collapse

UAE’s innings had started poorly. They slipped to 13 for 2 after Aryansh Sharma and Muhammed Waseem were dismissed in successive overs. Omarzai struck early, using swing with the new ball to remove Aryansh.

Alishan Sharafu (40 off 31) and Sohaib Khan (68 off 38) rebuilt the innings impressively. They powered UAE to 55 for 2 in the powerplay and targeted Ziaur Rahman, who conceded 16 runs in his first over and finished with figures of 0 for 43.

Their 84-run partnership kept UAE competitive. They also attacked Noor Ahmed, taking 35 runs from his three overs. By the time Sharafu was dismissed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 12th over, UAE had recovered to 97 for 3.

Omarzai’s Double Strike and Rashid’s Milestone

UAE’s push in the later overs was checked when Omarzai returned in the 15th over. He dismissed Syed Haider with a delivery that jagged back to hit the off stump. Soon after, he removed Harshit Kaushik with a well-executed yorker that forced an edge to the wicketkeeper.

In the 16th over, Rashid Khan achieved a major milestone. Although he had been economical rather than threatening, he claimed his 700th T20 wicket in unusual fashion. Muhammad Arfan attempted a scoop shot but lost balance and fell onto his stumps. Rashid showed little reaction as teammates celebrated around him. He finished with figures of 1 for 24, effectively halting UAE’s late surge.

Omarzai Finishes the Chase in Style

With tension rising, Omarzai kept his composure. Afghanistan had already tied three of their last six T20Is in India, so nerves were understandable. However, Omarzai sealed the win in emphatic fashion by hitting 6, 4, 4 off the final three balls he faced.

He remained unbeaten on 40 from 21 deliveries, striking at 190.47. Darwish Rasooli’s 143 was the next-best contribution in the innings. Afghanistan’s cautious batting approach had stretched the chase into the final over. Just two balls into the 20th over, Omarzai struck a boundary over covers to complete the victory.

Brief Scorecard