By Syeda Rubab 
Afghanistan Survive Final-Over Drama
It was billed as a dead rubber, but the final group match of the UAE Tri-Series produced a heart-stopping finish in Sharjah. Afghanistan, resting six first-choice players including Rashid Khan, looked set for a routine win after posting 170/4. But Asif Khan’s late fireworks nearly turned the contest upside down.
With 16 needed from the last over, Asif drilled Fareed Ahmad for a four and a six, raising hopes of a famous upset. The left-arm seamer, however, delivered under pressure. He mixed his angles, changed his lengths, and ended with the sequence 4, 6, 2, dot, dot, wicket to deny UAE their first win of the series. Afghanistan triumphed by just four runs, leaving the hosts winless but gallant in defeat.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Composed Leadership
In Rashid Khan’s absence, Ibrahim Zadran captained Afghanistan for the 10th time and once again looked the part. His 48 off 35 balls was filled with authority, even if he was undone by Haider Ali’s clever change of pace. More importantly, his calm leadership was evident in the field.
When Fareed looked rattled by Asif’s charge, Zadran’s quick word and arm around the bowler steadied nerves. Afghanistan’s young skipper is steadily growing into a reliable leader, blending technique with temperament.
Gurbaz, Janat Lift Afghans to 170
Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings was built on a 98-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40 off 38) and Zadran. Gurbaz was reprieved after being dropped on 14 and made UAE pay, pushing his side to a solid base.
The middle overs briefly slowed momentum as Afghanistan lost three wickets in the space of 19 deliveries. But Karim Janat (34 off 21) injected life with clean striking, taking 36 runs from overs 16 to 18. Haider Ali (2/23) and Simranjeet Singh (1/24) bowled well for UAE, while Muhammad Rohid was unfortunate as two catches went down off his bowling.
Waseem and Asif Fight in Vain
The chase began brightly for UAE. Muhammad Waseem (44 off 29) struck seven boundaries, including a sublime six over cover against Mujeeb Ur Rahman. His innovation and timing had the home crowd buzzing, but a mistimed upper cut ended his stay just when UAE needed him most.
The mantle then passed to Asif Khan (40 off 28). He launched a breathtaking late assault, hammering four boundaries in the last two overs. The dugout sensed history, but Afghanistan’s bowlers—Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad, and finally Fareed—tightened their grip when it mattered most.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 170/4 (Ibrahim Zadran 48, Gurbaz 40, Janat 34; Haider Ali 2/23, Simranjeet Singh 1/24)
UAE 166/5 (Muhammad Waseem 44, Asif Khan 40; Sharafuddin Ashraf 1/20, Noor Ahmad 1/23)
Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran (48 off 35, calm leadership)
Himadullah Sohoo