Afghanistan secured their first win of the UAE tri-series with a commanding 38-run victory against the hosts in Sharjah on September 1, 2025. The match not only marked an important triumph for Afghanistan but also saw Rashid Khan achieve a historic milestone by becoming the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is. His three wickets during the UAE chase turned the game decisively in Afghanistan’s favor and cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest bowlers.

Afghanistan’s Innings: Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal Lead the Charge

Afghanistan, put in to bat after losing the toss, faced early pressure. The opening overs saw disciplined bowling from Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid, restricting Afghanistan to just 16 runs from the first three overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s early dismissal further compounded the pressure.

However, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings with a superb partnership. Both batsmen showed patience initially before capitalizing on loose deliveries. Atal displayed controlled aggression, striking boundaries at crucial moments, while Ibrahim shifted gears after the powerplay. Their partnership of 84 runs became the backbone of the innings.

When Atal departed for 54, Ibrahim continued to anchor the innings. He scored a fluent 63 off 40 deliveries, ensuring Afghanistan had a platform to accelerate. The team had reached 100 with eight overs left, setting the stage for a strong finish.

Acceleration in the Death Overs

Afghanistan’s middle and lower order seized the momentum in the closing overs. Azmatullah Omarzai provided the initial spark, launching a six that lifted the tempo. Ibrahim joined the assault, and soon UAE bowlers lost control.

The real damage came in the penultimate over when Karim Janat took on Muhammad Rohid, who had been economical until then. Janat smashed two sixes and two fours, extracting 22 runs from the over. This onslaught pushed Afghanistan’s total to 188 for 4, a score well above par on Sharjah’s wicket.

UAE’s Chase: Muhammad Waseem Shines Early

Chasing 189, UAE’s hopes largely rested on captain Muhammad Waseem, and he did not disappoint at the start. Waseem attacked the bowlers with authority, combining clean hitting with smart shot selection. His aggressive approach ensured UAE stayed ahead of the asking rate through the powerplay.

Waseem’s 67 off 37 balls kept his side in contention. At one stage, with eight wickets in hand and a required rate of just over nine runs per over, UAE appeared to have a real chance. His straight six off Rashid Khan highlighted his confidence and form.

Rashid Khan Turns the Match

The contest shifted dramatically in the ninth over. Sharafudin Ashraf dismissed Waseem, who miscued a shot and handed Afghanistan the breakthrough they desperately needed. With Waseem gone, the burden fell on Asif Khan to continue the momentum.

However, Rashid Khan immediately stamped his authority. Asif misread Rashid’s very first delivery, losing his off stump. This dismissal, combined with Waseem’s wicket, broke UAE’s backbone. Rashid then dismissed Ethan D’Souza and Dhruv Parashar, finishing with figures of 3 for 21.

His spell dismantled UAE’s batting order, leaving them chasing an improbable target with the required run rate soaring to nearly 16.

Rahul Chopra’s Resistance

Despite the collapse, Rahul Chopra showed resilience, holding one end together. His unbeaten 52 provided some resistance against Afghanistan’s bowlers. He brought up his half-century with a six off the last ball of the match, ensuring UAE reduced the margin of defeat.

However, his efforts were not enough to challenge Afghanistan’s total. UAE ended at 150 for 8, falling short by 38 runs.

Rashid Khan’s Historic Milestone

Rashid Khan’s three wickets in this match not only secured Afghanistan’s win but also placed him at the top of the list of all-time wicket-takers in men’s T20 internationals. His consistency and ability to deliver in crunch moments have made him a global superstar in the shortest format of the game.

Over the years, Rashid has built a reputation as a game-changer, capable of turning matches with his guile and accuracy. His achievement in becoming the highest wicket-taker highlights both his longevity and dominance in international cricket.

Afghanistan’s Campaign Boosted

This victory provided Afghanistan their first win of the tri-series, easing the pressure after earlier setbacks. The batting revival led by Ibrahim and Atal, combined with Rashid’s brilliance, highlighted the balance in their squad. The team’s ability to regroup after early pressure and then dominate both with bat and ball will boost their confidence moving forward.

The performance also underscored Afghanistan’s growing reputation as a formidable side in T20 cricket. With players like Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Karim Janat stepping up, Afghanistan continues to challenge established teams and build a strong legacy.

UAE’s Struggles

For UAE, the match once again showed their heavy dependence on Muhammad Waseem. While Waseem delivered another powerful innings, the lack of support from other batsmen proved costly. Their inability to maintain momentum after his dismissal highlighted the need for greater depth in batting.

The bowlers performed better than in previous matches, keeping Afghanistan in check for most of the innings. Yet, lapses in the death overs undid their earlier efforts. For UAE to compete at this level, consistency across all departments remains essential.

Afghanistan’s 38-run win over UAE in Sharjah was significant for two reasons: it opened their account in the tri-series and witnessed Rashid Khan’s rise to the top of T20I wicket-taking charts. Ibrahim Zadran’s 63, Atal’s 54, and Janat’s late fireworks ensured Afghanistan had enough runs on the board. Rashid Khan’s magical spell then sealed the victory, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in modern T20 cricket.

For UAE, the match reinforced their reliance on Muhammad Waseem, whose valiant 67 was not enough to overcome Afghanistan’s all-round strength. Rahul Chopra’s unbeaten 52 added respectability, but the team fell well short of the target.

As the tri-series progresses, Afghanistan will look to build on this momentum, while UAE must address their batting vulnerabilities to remain competitive. For Rashid Khan, this match was another reminder of his unmatched skill and an achievement that cements his place in cricketing history.