Afghanistan secured a five-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates in Match 28 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after successfully chasing 161 in 19.2 overs. UAE's batting underperformed during their 20 overs, finishing with 9 wickets for 160 runs, giving them an average run rate of 8 per over. After getting off to a good start with 55 runs at the end of the 6th over's powerplay, UAE struggled due to poor running between the wickets and poor/ineffective strike rotation limiting the ability to take advantage of this good start.

Sohaib Khan provided the majority of UAE's runs with 68 off 48 balls (6 fours and 4 sixes) and was supported by Alishan Sharafu with a score of 40 runs (31 balls) and Syed Haider scored 13 runs (12 balls). The middle and lower orders fell apart with quick runouts late in the opponents' innings losing wickets quickly. UAE had 10 runs from extras but still felt as though they could not achieve their target of 160 runs or more due to the lack of power demonstrated in the final 10 overs of their innings after being in a strong position during the first half of their inning.

Afghanistan’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Azmatullah Omarzai, who delivered a match-defining spell of four wickets for just 15 runs in four overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman chipped in with two scalps, while captain Rashid Khan controlled the middle overs with economical figures. Their collective discipline ensured UAE’s scoring rate dipped significantly after the halfway stage, turning what looked like a potentially imposing total into a chaseable target for the Afghan batting unit.

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Afghanistan seal chase with composed batting

The run chase started slowly when Rahmanullah Gurbaz got out for a duck, but with Ibrahim Zadran’s calm knock of 53 off 41 balls the innings was soon on track. Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal played very good supporting innings as well to keep Afghanistan in the chase. Darwish Rasooli played an aggressive innings of 33 which gave the chase a lot of momentum; the required run rate never rose beyond the reach of the Afghanistan batsmen. Although at times there were some good wickets taken by the UAE bowlers Afghanistan were able to rotate the strike effectively and punish any loose deliveries which allowed them to keep control of the chase.

Azmatullah Omarzai capped off a very good all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls with three sixes to help his team get across the line along with Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan finished on 162 for 5, with four balls to go and the win was achieved with a great deal of confidence. The outcome of this match demonstrated that the team displayed great composure during the pressure of chasing and has shown the contribution that their best players made in both batting and bowling. This win, also enhances Afghanistan's position in the group and builds momentum going forward based on their good form heading into important matches ahead.

Top Performances & Key Moments

Azmatullah Omarzai produced a match-winning all-round display, claiming 4/15 and then smashing an unbeaten 40 to guide Afghanistan home. Sohaib Khan kept United Arab Emirates competitive with a fine 68, while Ibrahim Zadran anchored the chase with 53. Early strikes from Afghan bowlers stalled UAE’s momentum after the powerplay, and Omarzai’s late hitting ensured the target was chased comfortably with four balls remaining in this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 clash.

Brief Score

United Arab Emirates: 160/9 (20 overs)
Sohaib Khan 68 (48); Azmatullah Omarzai 4/15

Afghanistan: 162/5 (19.2 overs)
Ibrahim Zadran 53 (41); Junaid Siddique 2/23

Afghanistan won by 5 wickets