Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round performance powered Afghanistan to a five-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in New Delhi on Monday, keeping the team alive in the race for a Super Eight place at the World Cup. Afghanistan chased down 161 with four balls to spare, claiming their first victory of the tournament.
Afghanistan climbed to third in Group D and remain in contention alongside New Zealand and the UAE for the final qualification spot; South Africa have already advanced after winning their first three matches. The result gives Afghanistan a crucial boost in a tight group.
Electing to field, Afghanistan restricted UAE to 160 for 9 from their 20 overs. Tight bowling and disciplined death overs ensured the modest total remained defendable on a surface that offered something for the bowlers.
In the chase, UAE seamer Junaid Siddique struck early by removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz with the second ball of the innings, finishing with an eye-catching opening spell of 1 for 7 in two overs. Afghanistan reached 41 for 2 in the powerplay but then saw the innings become stop-start as wickets fell at intervals.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran steadied the chase with a well-paced half-century, reaching 50 with six fours and a six before he was dismissed at a pivotal moment. That brought Omarzai to the crease: having earlier taken four wickets with the ball, he dominated with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 40 off a compact cameo that included two fours and three sixes to take Afghanistan over the line.
The win balances Afghanistan’s campaign and hands momentum to a side that produced a decisive all-round display when it mattered most.
Original Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/mens-t20-world-cup-2026/news/live-afghanistan-to-push-claims-for-super-eights-against-uae
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 16:56:00
