1st T20I, Abu Dhabi, February 16, 2023, 07:30 PM
United Arab Emirates
142/5(20.0ov)
Afghanistan
146/5(19.1ov)
Afghanistan beat United Arab Emirates by 5 wickets
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game.The two sides will meet again at the same venue on 18th February, Saturday for the second T20I match of the series. The first ball will be at 7.30 IST (2 pm GMT). But you can join us early for the build-up. Cheers!
Karim Janat wins the Man of the Match award for his half-cetury. He says that he is happy with the win. Adds they were under pressure in the middle order, but he kept his calm and just tried to do the basic right. Tells that it is difficult sometimes to perform at all three fronts, but likes the challenge.
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan is in for a chat. He says that it was all about keeping the things simple and that's what the guys did. Informs that in T20s, the middle-order batters are really important. Lauds Karim Janat and Afsar Zazai for their knock under pressure.
Chundangapoyil Rizwan, the captain of United Arab Emirates says that they had their moments, and if they scored 10-15 runs more and took the half-chances, things could have been different. Adds that there was some help on the wicket, but credits Afghanistan for the their partnership in the middle overs. Tells that if they develop small things and improve they can be a solid team. Mentions that he is proud of his team's effort and will look to comeback stronger in the next game.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the innings, Afghanistan bowlers justified their skipper's decision of bowling first. United Arab Emirates were off to a solid start with the bat. Muhammad Waseem and Vriitya Aravind got off to starts but could not make the most of it. Chundangapoyil Rizwan certainly played a captain's knock of 48 runs. He was the one who held the innings together on a difficult pitch. It was Rashid Khan who stood out with the ball with his brace.
United Arab Emirates were off to an ideal start with the ball. Junaid Siddique certainlty got the ball dancing on his tunes. He got rid of the opening pair in a jiffy. United Arab Emirates seamers then contined to find the outside edges, but some catches flew out of their reach. Also, Chundangapoyil Rizwan could've been better with his bowling changes. Nevertheless, there are a lot of positives to take from this match. Well, Afghanistan should certainly be on top of their game against this UAE side that is looking like a solid unit who is capable enough of pulling off surprise results.
Afghanistan's experience makes sure that they get over the line in this enticing encounter. The visitors were put under the pump during the chase as they lost Hazratullah Zazai for just a single but the UAE camp hardly knew that there is a new Zazai in town. I am talking about Afsar Zazai whose knock of 48 runs has been crucial to hand Afghanistan a lead in this series. He was complimented well by Karim Janat, who went on to make his half-century and latter slipped out with 6 runs away from the win. Najibullah Zadran later applied the finishing touches.
Afghanistan take an early lead in this series. Rashid Khan will be a happy skipper as he walks out of the field. Although United Arab Emirates should be really proud of their perfromance. They certainly gave a run for their money.
In over# 20
4
Basil Hameed 4/0(0.1)
19.1
4
FOUR! Najibullah Zadran finishes things off in style! Basil Hameed floats this up, short and on middle, Najibullah Zadran moves back and hammers it over mid on for a boundary. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS AND TAKES A 1-0 LEAD!
In over# 19
0
1
1
2
0W
0
Zawar Farid 4/1(1)
18.6
.
Zawar Farid nails the yorker, on middle, Rashid Khan backs away, but only manages to jam it out back towards the bowler where Zawar Farid dives to hid right to stop it.
18.5
1
SCORES LEVEL! Zawar Farid pulls his length back a bit and outside off, Najibullah Zadran slices it towards third man for a run. There is a bit of a fumble, but no harm done.
18.4
1
Pitched up, on middle, Rashid Khan hoicks it off the inner half through square leg for a single.
18.3
2
Full and on off, Rashid Khan drives it wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.
Rashid Khan is the new man in.
18.2
W
OUT! TAKEN! Zawar Farid gets a wicket! Karim Janat tries to finish it off with a big shot, but holes out instead. This is a slower delivery, full and outside off, Karim Janat swings hard, but only manages to slice it up in the air as he goes through his shot early. Rohan Mustafa at point settles under it and takes it on the second attempt as it fumbles in his hands.
18.1
.
On a length and on middle, Karim Janat looks to play at it, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point.