The UAE Tri-Series 2025 delivered its most dramatic clash yet as Afghanistan held their nerve to defeat the United Arab Emirates by 4 runs in Sharjah on September 5. In a game that swung back and forth, it all came down to the final over, where Afghan pacer Fareed Ahmad denied UAE a famous win with ice-cool death bowling.
Afghanistan Set a Competitive Total
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a solid 170/4 in 20 overs. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40 off 38) and Ibrahim Zadran (48 off 35) gave their side a stable foundation. Zadran in particular played with confidence, mixing smart rotation with timely boundaries.
Although the UAE bowlers managed to keep things tight in the middle overs, Afghanistan’s middle order added crucial runs, ensuring the target was always going to challenge the hosts.
UAE Fight Back with Courage
Chasing 171, the UAE showed great character. Asif Khan’s 40 off 28 balls gave fans hope of a famous upset. Contributions from Vriitya Aravind and Muhammad Waseem kept the scoreboard moving, and by the time the final over began, the equation was within reach.
With just 5 runs needed from 3 balls, UAE seemed inches away from glory. However, Afghanistan’s Fareed Ahmad bowled three superb deliveries under immense pressure, restricting runs and sealing victory for his side.
Key Turning Point
The match’s defining moment was Fareed Ahmad’s composure at the death. In high-pressure T20 contests, it’s often the bowler who cracks, but Fareed’s execution of yorkers and slower deliveries broke the UAE’s momentum. That discipline ultimately made the difference.
Player of the Match
Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his fluent 48, which laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s innings. His ability to adapt his game depending on the match situation once again highlighted why he is considered one of Afghanistan’s most reliable batters.
Analysis: What This Win Means
For Afghanistan, this narrow win is more than just another result-it’s a reminder of their growing maturity in handling tight contests. Such victories are crucial as the team prepares for bigger challenges against world-class opposition.
For the UAE, though the defeat stings, their performance sends a strong message: they are no longer pushovers. Taking a top T20 side like Afghanistan to the very last ball shows that UAE cricket is on the rise.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
- Afghanistan: 170/4 (20 overs) – Zadran 48, Gurbaz 40
- UAE: 166/5 (20 overs) – Asif Khan 40
- Result: Afghanistan won by 4 runs
Conclusion
This Sharjah showdown was a perfect advertisement for associate cricket-full of passion, grit, and drama until the final ball. Afghanistan walks away with the points, but the UAE has earned the world’s respect with a fearless performance.
