Despite Mohammad Nabi’s valiant 47-run effort, Afghanistan fell short by 11 runs in the second T20I, with the United Arab Emirates leveling the series at 1-1.
The UAE, electing to bat first earlier in the evening, saw a strong start led by captain Mohammad Waseem’s 53 runs, reaching 55/0 in the first six overs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers regained control in the middle overs, but the UAE rallied in the final overs to post a total of 166/7. Qais Ahmad (2/15) and Azmatullah Omarzai (2/35) were key bowlers for Afghanistan, while Nabi and Fazal Haq Farooqi each took a wicket.
In response, Afghanistan opened strongly but lost wickets consistently. Hazratullah Zazai scored 36 runs in the first ten overs, followed by efforts from Qais Ahmad (18) and Nabi (47) in the death overs.
Despite their attempts, the team ended up 11 runs shy of the UAE’s total.
The three-match T20I series is now evenly poised at 1-1. The decisive match is scheduled for January 2 at the same venue. Afghanistan aims to replicate their February 21, 2023, victory against the UAE, where they clinched the series 2-1.
