Afghanistan Edge UAE by 5 Wickets in T20 World Cup 2026, Group D Race Intensifies
Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, kept their Super 8 hopes alive with a tense five-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates national cricket team in Match 28 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Group D clash, played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, saw Afghanistan overhaul 160 in the final over to register their first win of the group stage in the 20-team tournament.
The result lifts Afghanistan above UAE on net run-rate, setting up a dramatic final day where both teams will be watching Canada’s match against New Zealand closely to keep the Super 8 equation alive.
Match Timeline and Key Highlights
After winning the toss, Rashid opted to bowl first on a surface that offered early assistance. UAE were rocked by an initial collapse, losing quick wickets inside the powerplay. However, a resilient partnership steadied the innings.
Sohaib Khan anchored the recovery with a composed half-century, while Alishan Sharful added a valuable 40. Late cameos from Syed Haider and Haider Ali, who chipped in with 13 runs each at brisk strike rates, helped UAE post a competitive 160.
In reply, Afghanistan approached the chase cautiously. Openers navigated the new ball carefully, with Ibrahim Zadran laying the foundation through a fluent 53 off 41 deliveries. His innings blended timing with smart placement, keeping the required rate under control.
The middle overs, however, saw Afghanistan lose momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Darwish Abdul Rasooli contributed a steady 33, while Azmatullah Omarzai injected momentum with a brisk 40.
With five wickets down and pressure mounting, Afghanistan held their nerve to cross the line in the final over, sealing a hard-fought win.
Context and Significance
This victory marks Afghanistan’s first in the group stage of this expanded 20-team edition jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It also underscores their growing maturity in high-pressure chases.
For UAE, the defeat is a setback but not the end of the road. With both Asian sides level on points, net run-rate now separates them, making every delivery crucial in the remaining fixtures.
What’s at Stake
The Super 8 qualification scenario hinges on Canada’s upcoming clash with New Zealand. A Canadian win could reopen the qualification race, offering Afghanistan and UAE a lifeline.
Afghanistan’s balanced performance — from Rashid’s tactical calls to Zadran’s anchoring role and Omarzai’s acceleration — demonstrates a team capable of competing against established sides. The win could serve as a turning point in their campaign.
Our Thought
Afghanistan’s victory over UAE was not just about two points; it was about resilience under pressure. Chasing 160 in a must-win match, especially after losing five wickets, shows composure that has often defined their rise in world cricket. If they maintain this calm approach and sharpen their middle-order consistency, Afghanistan could yet script another memorable World Cup chapter.