Rashid Khan Leads Afghanistan to Commanding Win Over UAE in Sharjah
Afghanistan registered their first win of the UAE tri-series with a 38-run victory over the hosts in Sharjah on September 1, 2025. Powered by Rashid Khan’s milestone performance and a solid batting display, Afghanistan overcame early pressure to dominate the contest.
Ibrahim and Atal Build the Foundation
After losing the toss, Afghanistan were put in to bat and faced immediate pressure. UAE’s seamers, Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid, bowled three tight overs, conceding just 16 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled and eventually edged one to the keeper off Rohid.
But the tide turned when Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran took charge. Their 84-run partnership stabilised the innings and shifted momentum. Atal was aggressive, picking boundaries regularly, while Ibrahim played the anchor role.
The turning point came in the sixth over, bowled by Saghir Khan. Afghanistan smashed 18 runs off it, breaking the shackles and setting the tone for the middle overs.
Death Overs Surge
Afghanistan’s innings remained steady until the final phase. With eight overs left and the score crossing 100, the platform was set. Ibrahim Zadran made a fluent 63 off 40 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat provided the final flourish.
Omarzai launched a six to trigger the acceleration. Janat then dismantled Rohid’s figures in the penultimate over, hitting two sixes and two fours to extract 22 runs. Despite Siddique’s tight final over, Afghanistan finished at 188 for 4—above par on a slow Sharjah surface.
Waseem’s Solo Resistance
UAE’s chase began with promise. Captain Muhammad Waseem led from the front, scoring a brisk 67 off 37 balls. His timing and placement kept the UAE ahead of the asking rate early on. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain him, and by the ninth over, UAE needed just over nine runs per over with eight wickets in hand.
But Waseem’s dismissal changed everything. He miscued a shot off Sharafudin Ashraf and was caught. The momentum shifted instantly.
Rashid Khan’s Record-Breaking Spell
Enter Rashid Khan. Already a legend in the format, Rashid delivered a spell that not only turned the match but also etched his name in history. He became the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is with his 3 for 21.
His first ball to Asif Khan bowled him clean. Then he removed Ethan D’Souza and Dhruv Parashar in quick succession. UAE’s chase unravelled, and the asking rate ballooned to nearly 16 runs per over.
Only Rahul Chopra offered late resistance, scoring an unbeaten 52 and hitting a six off the final ball. But it was too little, too late.
UAE’s Bowling Effort: Better, But Not Enough
UAE’s bowlers showed improvement from their previous outing against Pakistan. Rohid and Siddique were disciplined early on. The powerplay was controlled, and Afghanistan were restricted to 35 for 1 in the first five overs.
However, the death overs proved costly. Saghir Khan and Rohid leaked runs under pressure. Afghanistan’s lower order capitalised, and the UAE’s inability to maintain control cost them dearly.
Key Takeaways
- Rashid Khan’s 3 for 21 made him the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is.
- Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal’s 84-run stand laid the foundation.
- Karim Janat’s 22-run over was the game-changer.
- Muhammad Waseem’s 67 kept the UAE in the hunt before the collapse.
- Afghanistan’s death-over batting and spin bowling sealed the win.
Final Thoughts
Afghanistan’s win was a testament to their resilience and experience. Despite early setbacks, they built partnerships, accelerated at the right time, and used their bowling depth to crush the UAE’s hopes. Rashid Khan’s brilliance continues to define Afghanistan’s T20 legacy.
With this win, Afghanistan climbs off the bottom of the table and sends a strong message to the rest of the competition. For the UAE, the reliance on Waseem remains a concern, and they’ll need more collective contributions to stay competitive.
