Afghanistan secured their first win of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding performance against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Captain Rashid Khan elected to bowl first, putting UAE into bat on a pitch expected to assist bowlers early, before it softens and offers easier conditions for the chasing side.
The Afghan bowlers kept UAE restricted, with Azmatullah Omarzai dismantling the middle order and claiming four wickets for just 15 runs to restrict the opposition to a manageable total of 160 runs.
UAE’s innings saw steady contributions from Haider Ali and Sohaib Khan, but wickets at regular intervals slowed momentum, preventing a late acceleration that could have pushed the target beyond reach.
Zadran and Omarzai Lead the Chase
While chasing 161, Afghanistan started cautiously, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early to Junaid Siddique, who claimed an early wicket and set the tone for disciplined bowling throughout the innings.
Ibrahim Zadran anchored the chase, scoring crucial boundaries through midwicket and covers, building partnerships and maintaining Afghanistan’s scoring rate while keeping wickets in hand for the final overs.
Omarzai accelerated in the death overs, striking crucial boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving, while UAE bowlers struggled to execute yorkers consistently, allowing Afghanistan to gradually edge closer to the target.
The last overs showcased explosive batting from Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Zadran, who punished full-length deliveries, converting pressure situations into a clinical finish to secure the historic first points.
UAE Fall Short Despite Late Fight
Junaid Siddique provided resistance with important wickets and contained runs, but UAE’s efforts fell short by 15-20 runs despite consistent bowling and maintaining tight fielding through the middle overs.
Afghanistan finished strongly with Omarzai striking a four off the final delivery, completing the chase with calm precision and celebrating a well-earned victory that keeps them alive in group-stage calculations.
The result eliminates UAE from Super Eights, while Afghanistan stay in contention, now relying on upsets against stronger teams to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Rashid Khan Milestone
Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan reached his 700th T20 wicket during the match, becoming the first bowler in history to achieve this milestone in T20 cricket.
He claimed the wicket with a hit wicket dismissal, demonstrating his accuracy and consistency, while continuing to lead Afghanistan’s bowling attack with discipline and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament.
