Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs UAE Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard and Match Analysis

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs UAE Cricket Team match scorecard offers a detailed look at an exciting international cricket contest between two Asian sides. In their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter on February 16, 2026, Afghanistan defeated the United Arab Emirates by five wickets after successfully chasing a target of 161 runs in 19.2 overs.

The UAE posted 160/9 in 20 overs, with Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu providing an important middle-order partnership. Afghanistan responded with 162/5, thanks to contributions from Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, and an outstanding all-round performance from Azmatullah Omarzai. Omarzai claimed four wickets for 15 runs and then scored an unbeaten 40 from 21 deliveries to guide Afghanistan to victory.

The match demonstrated how disciplined bowling, valuable partnerships, and powerful finishing can influence the outcome of a T20 international. This article covers the match summary, batting and bowling scorecards, key performances, turning points, and frequently asked questions.

Afghanistan vs UAE Match Overview

The match was the 28th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 16, 2026. Afghanistan elected to field after winning the toss, allowing the UAE to bat first.

The UAE finished on 160/9, setting Afghanistan a target of 161. Afghanistan lost early wickets during the chase but recovered through a series of useful partnerships and an aggressive finishing effort from Omarzai.

Afghanistan’s successful chase secured two important points in the tournament. Although the UAE made the contest competitive, Afghanistan’s bowling effort and late batting acceleration proved decisive.

United Arab Emirates Cricket Team Batting Scorecard

The UAE batting innings featured an important partnership between Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu. Their contributions helped the team recover and establish a competitive total after Afghanistan made early breakthroughs.

The UAE finished with 160 runs for nine wickets, but its scoring slowed during the final ten overs as Afghanistan’s bowlers took wickets and restricted the lower order.

An asterisk indicates that the batter remained not out.

Sohaib Khan’s Impressive Half-Century

Sohaib Khan was the leading scorer for the UAE, making 68 runs from 48 balls with six fours and four sixes. His innings combined patience with attacking stroke play, helping the team recover after losing early wickets.

Alishan Sharafu supported him with 40 from 31 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes. Their partnership added stability to the innings and brought the UAE into a competitive position at 97/3.

However, Afghanistan took wickets regularly during the closing stages. The UAE could not fully capitalise on its strong middle-order platform and finished with 160/9.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team Batting Scorecard

Afghanistan’s chase started with a setback when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck. Gulbadin Naib also fell after making 13 runs, leaving the team needing contributions from the remaining batters.

Ibrahim Zadran played an important anchoring role, scoring 53 from 41 balls. Darwish Rasooli contributed 33 from 23 deliveries, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided the decisive finishing power.

An asterisk indicates that the batter remained not out.

Ibrahim Zadran Provides Stability

Ibrahim Zadran’s 53-run innings was crucial to Afghanistan’s successful chase. After the early dismissal of Gurbaz, Zadran helped rebuild the innings and kept the required run rate manageable.

His six fours and one six demonstrated a balanced approach, with a combination of boundary scoring and strike rotation. His contribution gave the middle order a platform to pursue the target without taking unnecessary risks during the early overs.

Darwish Rasooli then added momentum with 33 runs from 23 balls. His aggressive approach helped Afghanistan remain on course, although the team still needed a strong finish to secure victory.

Azmatullah Omarzai Finishes the Chase

Omarzai delivered the decisive batting performance, scoring an unbeaten 40 from only 21 balls. With two fours and three sixes, he maintained a strike rate of 190.47 and helped Afghanistan reach 162/5 in 19.2 overs.

His ability to attack under pressure prevented the UAE from taking the chase into the final over. Omarzai’s performance was particularly impressive because he had already made a major impact with the ball, making him the standout player of the match.

Afghanistan Bowling Scorecard

Afghanistan’s bowling attack restricted the UAE to 160/9 despite the strong partnership between Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu. Omarzai led the attack with four wickets, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed two.

Omarzai’s four-wicket haul was the most influential bowling performance of the match. He dismissed Aryansh Sharma early before returning to remove Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider Wasi Shah, and Harshit Kaushik.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman also contributed by dismissing Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu. Rashid Khan claimed one wicket, while Afghanistan’s fielders helped maintain pressure through important run-outs late in the innings.

UAE Bowling Scorecard

The UAE bowlers needed early breakthroughs to defend their total. Junaid Siddique took two wickets, while Muhammad Arfan claimed two. Muhammad Jawadullah picked up one wicket, but Afghanistan’s middle order and Omarzai’s late hitting proved difficult to contain.

Although the UAE took five wickets, it could not stop Afghanistan from scoring quickly during the final overs. Omarzai’s attacking approach was especially important because it reduced the pressure on the remaining batters and brought the target within reach.

Key Turning Points of the Match

The contest featured several important moments that shaped the final result.

• Early wickets for Afghanistan: Omarzai dismissed Aryansh Sharma, while Mujeeb removed Muhammad Waseem. These breakthroughs prevented the UAE from getting an ideal start.
• The partnership between Sharafu and Sohaib Khan: Their combined efforts lifted the UAE to a competitive position and provided the foundation for a total of 160.
• Omarzai’s four wickets: His spell of 4/15 restricted the UAE’s scoring opportunities and stopped the lower order from adding a larger total.
• Ibrahim Zadran’s half-century: His 53 runs helped Afghanistan recover from the early loss of Gurbaz and establish a stable chase.
• Omarzai’s explosive finish: His unbeaten 40 from 21 balls ensured Afghanistan reached the target with four balls remaining.

These moments demonstrate how individual performances and partnerships can determine a T20 match. The UAE had opportunities to challenge Afghanistan, but the combined impact of Omarzai’s bowling and batting proved decisive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs UAE Cricket Team match?

Afghanistan won by five wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 16, 2026.

What was the UAE’s total?

The UAE scored 160/9 in 20 overs, with Sohaib Khan scoring 68 runs and Alishan Sharafu adding 40.

What was Afghanistan’s final score?

Afghanistan scored 162/5 in 19.2 overs to complete the chase.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Azmatullah Omarzai received the award for his all-round performance, taking four wickets for 15 runs and scoring an unbeaten 40 from 21 balls.

Who was the highest scorer in the match?

Sohaib Khan was the highest individual scorer with 68 runs for the UAE. Afghanistan’s leading scorer was Ibrahim Zadran, who made 53.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs UAE Cricket Team match scorecard records an exciting five-wicket victory for Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The UAE posted 160/9, supported by Sohaib Khan’s 68 and Alishan Sharafu’s 40, but Afghanistan’s bowling attack kept the total within reach.

Azmatullah Omarzai was the outstanding performer, taking four wickets for 15 runs before scoring an unbeaten 40. Ibrahim Zadran’s half-century and Darwish Rasooli’s quick contribution also played important roles in the chase.

Afghanistan reached 162/5 in 19.2 overs, demonstrating the value of strong all-round performances, partnerships, and effective finishing. For cricket fans, this match stands out as an example of how a disciplined bowling effort and timely batting acceleration can turn a competitive T20 contest into a memorable victory.