Afghanistan vs UAE, T20 World Cup Highlights: Afghanistan beat UAE by 5 wickets to stay in Super 8s race

The victorious skipper of Afghanistan - Rashid Khan says that he is happy to win and get two points on the board. Adds that they were all over the place in the first 10 overs and it was a good effort overall to restrict the opposition to 160. Feels that the bowling performance is something they need to improve, as it happened against New Zealand and South Africa as well. On Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid feels that he plays aggressively in the Powerplay and sometimes it doesn't come off but also feels that someone like Gurbaz, who is in form, needs to hang around for a bit more. On Mohammad Nabi not bowling today, Rashid says that he is the senior-most member of the side and his experience is crucial but the way Mujeeb bowled, they stuck with him for this game. Ends by saying that they would love to get to the next stage of the competition but want to put their best foot forward and get the win in their final group game.

The captain of United Arab Emirates - Muhammad Waseem says that it was a good game and the boys fought well. Adds that they were 10-15 runs short and with the ball, they gave away a few too many boundary balls, which cost them the game. Mentions that after losing early wickets, Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu batted really well, but he thinks Sharafu's wicket came at the wrong time, but also admits it is part of the game.

Time to catch up with the two skippers...

A defence that faltered late - UAE will feel this one slipped from their grasp after being on top at different phases while defending the total. Junaid Siddique was excellent with the new ball, giving nothing away and picking up an early wicket, while Muhammad Arfan chipped in and later broke the key partnership. However, the two spinners went wicketless, which proved costly. UAE did make a real contest of it, but a lack of execution in the death overs ultimately allowed the game to drift away from them.

UAE build big, then fall away - Earlier in the game, UAE posted a fighting total, but they will feel they left plenty out there after reaching 93 for 2 at the halfway mark. The 84-run stand between Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu was the backbone of the innings, with Khan bringing up his second half-century of the World Cup, but the innings fell away badly at the end. UAE could only add 67 runs in the final 10 overs as they lost seven wickets, failing to cash in on the platform they had built. Azmatullah Omarzai led Afghanistan's charge with a four-wicket haul, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up two and Rashid Khan chipped in with one.

Calm heads under pressure - Afghanistan were rocked early, losing Gurbaz for a duck and slipping to 9 for 1 after three overs. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib steadied the innings, adding 30 in the next two overs to get them back on track. Ibrahim Zadran played the anchor role in the chase, and while others chipped in around him, his 53 was vital in setting up the platform. Afghanistan did come under pressure late on, but a pair of important quick cameos from Darwish Rasooli and Omarzai, who added 43 runs together, proved enough to carry them over the line.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Azmatullah Omarzai wins the award for his amazing all-round display. 4/15 with the ball and an unbeaten 40 off 21 with the bat. He says that he is very happy with his performance. Reckons that the wicket was playing a bit low to begin with and he tried to hit the hard length. Mentions that it was a bit of a funny first over, with the ball not carrying one time and the other time, it did carry. Azmat adds that they looked to play straight with the bat and the chat was to rotate the strike and put away the bad balls. Feels that in the last game, everyone played well and worked hard but they couldn't get over the line but they are now looking forward to the next game.

A hard-earned first win - Afghanistan have finally crossed the finish line to claim their first win of this T20 World Cup. It did not come easily, with UAE pushing them all the way, but Azmatullah Omarzai proved the difference with a clutch all-round performance, delivering with both bat and ball in a thrilling contest, a result that also seals South Africa's qualification for the next round.

19.2: Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai ends proceedings in style and brings up Afghanistan's first win of the campaign. Dug in short and outside off, Omarzai stands tall and slaps the ball like a tennis forehand, powering it over extra cover for a boundary. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

19.1: Junaid Siddique to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length and outside off, Nabi goes for the flat-batted shot but toe-ends it towards mid off. The fielder is at the edge of the circle and they pinch a single with ease. 3 needed off 5, UAE need wickets to make things interesting. 

Just 4 needed in the last over now. Can Junaid Siddique pull off something special here?

18.6: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Oh, that's a bit cruel on the bowler but that should be the game sealed for Afghanistan. A full ball targeting the leg stump, Azmatullah Omarzai clears the front leg to heave but gets an inside edge past leg stump and the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence. Just 4 needed now off 6 balls.

18.5: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai has recovered the last two dots and he is coming up clutch for his team. Hard length, angled across off and there's just too much width on it. Omarzai reaches out and gets a hold of the lofted shot, nailing it over deep cover for a biggie. The 150 is now up for Afghanistan.

18.4: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Oh, unlucky for the bowler but the keeper does well here. Slower delivery, full and slanted well across off. Azmatullah Omarzai has another wild swing at it and gets a big outside edge that falls well short of the keeper. Aryansh Sharma does well to lunge and get his body behind the line of the ball. Another dot ball.

18.3: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good change-up from Jawadullah. Goes seam-up and slips in a fuller delivery just across the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai swings and misses.

18.3: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, WIDE! Marginal but seems like the right call. Slower one, bowled very full and well outside off, Omarzai fails to get any bat on it.

18.2: Muhammad Jawadullah to Mohammad Nabi, Slightly fuller and outside off, dabbed away wide of short third for a quick single.

18.1: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Goes for the wide yorker, does Jawadullah and gets it pretty spot-on. Omarzai extends the arms and slashes it to deep backward point for just a single.

Muhammad Jawadullah to bowl the penultimate over.

17.6: Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Junaid closes the over out decently after that six off the first ball, and Afghanistan now need 17 runs off 12 balls. Back of a length, slower and wider of the off stump, Omarzai pats it through cover-point for a run.

17.5: Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Oh, uppish but in the gap as well. Pitched up, full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai lunges and lofts the cover drive wide of long off for a couple of handy runs.

17.4: Junaid Siddique to Mohammad Nabi, A bit slower, back of a length and outside off, tapped away wide of point for a single by Nabi.

There is still life left in the United Arab Emirates. Mohammad Nabi comes out to the middle now.

17.3: Junaid Siddique to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Junaid Siddique strikes back and uproots one of the set batters. Junaid goes searching for the straight yorker, doesn't quite land it perfectly but it is relatively full and dead straight. It tails in a hint as well, Darwish Rasooli hangs back and has a swoosh across the line but ends up playing all around it. The ball zips through and castles into the stumps, ending Rasooli's knock of 33 (23). 21 needed off 15 now.

17.2: Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fullish length, in and around off, Omarzai shows the full face of the blade and pushes it down to long off for a single.

17.1: Junaid Siddique to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Again, the over starts with a big hit and Afghanistan are cantering towards the finish line at the moment. A back-of-the-hand slower ball from Junaid, shortish length and around off. Azmatullah Omarzai picks it well, waits a bit and then belts it over long off for a biggie. 22 needed now off 17 balls.

Junaid Siddique (2-0-7-1) comes back into the attack.

16.6: Muhammad Arfan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Another one in the blockhole from Arfan, just outside off. This is squeezed down to deep backward point for a single. 14 off the over, just 28 needed now off 18 balls.

16.5: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, A yorker, around the sixth stump line. Rasooli jams it out to backward point for a single.

16.4: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, Full and straight once more, Darwish Rasooli slogs it across between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket again. This time, the fielder from the former region is able to slide to his left and cut it off. Two taken.

16.3: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! An agricultural heave from Rasooli this time and he manages to find the gap as well. Full and angled in at the toes, Rasooli takes the front leg out of the way and smacks it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

16.2: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, What a comeback delivery from Arfan. He jams in the yorker on the off stump line, Rasooli can't do anything but to dig it out.

16.1: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, SIX! High and handsome from Rasooli! Fuller than a good length and around off, slightly in the slot. Darwish Rasooli gets a good stride in and powers it into the second tier beyond the wide long off fence for a biggie. Perfect start to the over for Afghanistan.

Muhammad Arfan (3-0-16-2) to bowl out now.

15.6: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, Short and outside off, tapped away through cover-point for a single. 42 needed now off 24 balls.

15.5: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, Oh, catching opportunity but it lands short! Nagging length, angled into the stumps and this one just stops on the batter. Darwish Rasooli backs away to cut but ends up slicing it back to the bowler. Singh gets rooted in the followthrough, expecting the ball to come towards him but it falls short and Singh can't lunge ahead to grab it.

15.4: Simranjeet Singh to Azmatullah Omarzai, Dragged length, eased through the off side for a single.

15.3: Simranjeet Singh to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Just over the top of the fielder in the deep. Full and flat on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai backs away a bit and hammers it flat towards deep cover. Sohaib Khan over there is a few yards inside the ropes and leaps up brilliantly but Azmat gets just enough elevation to clear him.

15.2: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, Nagging length on off, angling in, Rasooli goes back in his crease and eases it through mid off for one more.

15.1: Simranjeet Singh to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a shortish length around off, Azmatullah Omarzai gets his hands through and swats it to deep cover for just a run.

14.6: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai runs it down to deep third for one.

14.5: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Run out chance! Hard length and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it past point for a run and turns back for the second. Haider Ali, in the deep, picks up the ball but throws it at the wrong end. He tries to score a direct hit at the bowler's end, but the throw should have been at the other end, where Omarzai was struggling. Muhammad Jawadullah is not happy at all.

14.4: Muhammad Jawadullah to Darwish Rasooli, Safe! Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off, Darwish Rasooli looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge. It lobs up in the air but lands well in front of mid off. A single taken.

14.3: Muhammad Jawadullah to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Afghanistan! Muhammad Jawadullah looks for the yorker, but just serves this on the pads. Darwish Rasooli manages to glance it away, beating the dive of Simranjeet Singh at short fine to his left for a boundary.

14.2: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pitched up and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it towards mid off for a single.

14.1: Muhammad Jawadullah to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fuller delivery, outside off, angling across the batter, Azmatullah Omarzai throws his hands at it but misses.

Haider Ali is bowled out and in comes Muhammad Jawadullah (2-0-17-1) to replace him. 

13.6: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, Nice change of pace, full and on middle, Darwish Rasooli only manages to block it back to the bowler.

13.5: Muhammad Arfan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard length and outside off, pace on this time, Azmatullah Omarzai swats it to long off for one. 100 UP FOR THE AFGHANS!

13.4: Muhammad Arfan to Darwish Rasooli, Bangs this into the pitch, gives no pace at all, Darwish Rasooli waits for it and heaves it to deep square leg for a run.

13.3: Muhammad Arfan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short of a length and on off, takes pace off, Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

13.2: Muhammad Arfan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Play and a miss! Back of a length and just outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai has a lazy slash at it but misses.

DRINKS! Time for a breather. This game is on a knife-edge right now as Afghanistan need 64 runs off 41 balls. The required runs might seem very gettable in 41 balls but with the set batter out, United Arab Emirates will feel they can build pressure on the new batter. Afghanistan do have a bit more firepower to come, but they need to keep wickets in hand whilst keeping the required rate in check. This could very well end up going to the final over. So, let's sit back and watch the action unfold. With that said, Azmatullah Omarzai walks out to bat now.

13.1: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! TAKEN! An inspired bowling change and Muhammad Arfan gets the key wicket here. He bangs this hard into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce. Ibrahim Zadran backs away and looks to pull it away but the ball just gets big on him. He fails to get the timing as the ball flies towards deep mid-wicket, where Muhammad Waseem runs forward and takes a fantastic catch under pressure. Zadran departs after scoring a fine half-century but it is game on here in Delhi now.

Muhammad Arfan (2-0-13-1) is back on.

12.6: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker and shorter, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran forces it to wide long on for a run. 64 needed off 42 balls.

12.5: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up, full and on off, Darwish Rasooli drives it to long off for one more.

12.4: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to long off for one.

12.4: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Flatter, full but outside off again. Ibrahim Zadran tries the reverse sweep but gets nowhere near the ball. Called a wide but Ali is not happy.

12.3: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Goes short and around off, Darwish Rasooli punches it to long off for another run.

12.2: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Fires this one full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it to long off for a run.

12.2: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Floated, full but way outside off, Ibrahim Zadran lets it go. Wided.

12.1: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Shorter in length, on middle, Darwish Rasooli heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.6: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, FIFTY FOR ZADRAN! A fine knock under pressure and this is his 4th T20I half-century against UAE. This is another short delivery, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran nudges it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Excellent running. 72 needed off 48 balls.

11.5: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, Shortish and on off, Darwish Rasooli dabs it wide of extra cover for one.

11.4: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, Flighted, full and on off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it to short cover.

11.3: Simranjeet Singh to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! Put away! Dragged down by Simranjeet Singh, outside off. Darwish Rasooli makes room and slaps it powerfully through covers for another boundary.

11.2: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated, short again, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to long on for a single.

11.1: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Excellent shot! Shorter in length and around middle. Ibrahim Zadran picks up the length early, rocks back and swats it away, finding the gap between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

10.6: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran works it through mid-wicket for one more.

10.5: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Arm ball, short and angling into leg, Darwish Rasooli clips it through square leg for one.

10.4: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, Darwish Rasooli pats it to short cover.

10.3: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran uses his feet and heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for another run.

10.2: Haider Ali to Darwish Rasooli, Short again and on off, Darwish Rasooli punches it towards long off for a run.

10.1: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated, short and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stabs it past the bowler towards long off for a single.

9.6: Muhammad Jawadullah to Darwish Rasooli, Full-pitched delivery on the pads, clipped away between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs by Darwish Rasooli. Afghanistan are 72/3 after 10 overs, needing 89 more off 60 balls.

A timely wicket for the United Arab Emirates. Darwish Rasooli is the next man in.

9.5: Muhammad Jawadullah to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! TIMBER! A corker of a yorker from Muhammad Jawadullah and that has come like a bolt out of the blue. Jawadullah comes over the wicket with his classic hop and skip run up and fires in a yorker right at the base of the off stump and this one just tails back in a bit. Sediqullah Atal isn't expecting the length at all and is late in jamming his bat down. The ball sneaks under the willow and makes a mess of the stumps behind. Another brewing stand for Afghanistan is cut short by UAE.

9.4: Muhammad Jawadullah to Ibrahim Zadran, On a hard length over middle, Zadran backs away and punches it through covers for one more.

9.3: Muhammad Jawadullah to Sediqullah Atal, A full toss now, on the sixth stump line. Atal reaches out and punches it firmly. The ball goes flat and to deep point for just a single.

9.2: Muhammad Jawadullah to Sediqullah Atal, Shortish length over off, angled in. Atal tries to get inside the line and pull but ends up wearing it on the body.

9.1: Muhammad Jawadullah to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and angled across off, Zadran looks to cut close to the body and slashes it away down to deep third for a single.

8.6: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, That's good running. Dragged length outside off, tapped away down to backward point and the batters pinch the single in a flash. 11 off the over, again.

8.5: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, A bit of indecision between the batters but the misfield allows them to make the single with ease. Flatter and on the pads, nudged away firmly to short mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and concedes a single.

8.4: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! Picks the right ball to go big, does Sediqullah Atal. Flighted again, on a length and around middle. Atal steps down the pitch, holds his shapes and clobbers it over long on for a biggie.

8.3: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter one down leg, tucked down to short fine leg for a single.

8.2: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, This is flighted up, bowled on off, Ibrahim Zadran opts to block it off.

8.1: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh, that's risky running and a better throw would have been curtains for Zadran. Round-armer from Singh, angled into middle and leg, Zadran hangs back and works it away to the left of deep square leg. The batters push for two as Alishan Sharafu picks up the ball and fires in a throw at the keeper's end. The keeper gets a steep bounce and that allows Zadran to dive in and make his ground.

7.6: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and around off, edged down to the right of deep third for one. The batters look for two but won't get it. 11 off the over.

7.5: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Blazed away! On a good length and around off, not overpitched by any means. Ibrahim Zadran just stands tall and laces the cover drive through the gap and the ball rockets to the fence.

7.4: Muhammad Arfan to Sediqullah Atal, A bit slower and into the pitch, Atal waits back and half-pulls it down towards mid-wicket for a boundary.

7.3: Muhammad Arfan to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Such a well-timed shot and up comes the 50 for Afghanistan. Short of a good length and around leg, Atal presses up on his toes and tucks it off the hips, placing it well wide of short fine leg for a welcome boundary.

7.2: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, Short ball over middle, pulled down through the mid-wicket region for a single.

7.1: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Good length, angled wide outside off. Ibrahim Zadran sets base on the leg stump line and has to really reach for it, but fails to get a bat on it.

6.6: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, A dot to end, tidy start from Simranjeet Singh as well, just four runs off it. Pushed through at the pads, Atal hops onto the back foot and keeps it out to the left of the bowler.

6.5: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length around middle, hit away down to long on for a fourth single in a row.

6.4: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, Slightly short on leg, Atal presses back and dabs it to the right of square leg for an easy single.

6.3: Simranjeet Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, A bit more round arm and angled into middle and leg, Zadran works it wide of square leg for one. The batters think about the second but opt against it.

6.2: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, Pushed through on a length around middle, Sediqullah Atal rocks back and jams it down to long on for a single.

6.1: Simranjeet Singh to Sediqullah Atal, Starts around the wicket, does Simranjeet. Bowls it flat on the pads and Atal tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

Simranjeet Singh has been introduced into the attack right after the Powerplay.

5.6: Muhammad Arfan to Sediqullah Atal, Full again, but wide outside off, squeezed away behind point for a single by Atal. Just 2 runs and a wicket off the final over of the Powerplay, and Afghanistan are 41/2.

5.5: Muhammad Arfan to Sediqullah Atal, BEAUTY! Fuller and on middle, Arfan presents the seam well and the ball just cuts across the left-hander after pitching. Atal ends up playing well inside the line as the ball breezes past the outside edge.

5.4: Muhammad Arfan to Sediqullah Atal, Good-length delivery, lands it on off and gets it to just nibble away. Sediqullah Atal gets a stride across and shoulders arms.

DRINKS! Not much between the two sides here with that wicket. Afghanistan were stitching up a decent partnership, but United Arab Emirates have got a wicket at the right time here. The asking rate is not that much of a problem but the Afghan middle order has been a bit inconsistent, and the UAE will want to put even more pressure on them by putting the squeeze in the middle overs. Also, Sediqullah Atal comes out to the middle now.

5.3: Muhammad Arfan to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder and that is such a soft dismissal. Muhammad Arfan bowls it back of a length and offers width outside the off stump. Gulbadin Naib gets up on his toes and slaps it straight to point. Harshit Kaushik takes a comfortable catch around his chest and Naib has to depart in a disappointing fashion. The 40-run stand also comes to an end between Naib and Zadran.

5.2: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slower one, bowled short and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran leans across and gets inside the line, playing a controlled pull through backward square leg for one run.

5.1: Muhammad Arfan to Ibrahim Zadran, Arfan begins on a good length and attacks the top of off. Zadran pats it back down the deck.

A double bowling change here for the UAE. Muhammad Arfan comes into the attack now.

4.6: Muhammad Jawadullah to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Nicely done! Muhammad Jawadullah serves this full and just outside off. Gulbadin Naib opens the face of his bat and drives it with superb timing through covers for a boundary. 12 runs off the over, 30 in the last two.

4.5: Muhammad Jawadullah to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran guides it to deep point for one.

4.4: Muhammad Jawadullah to Gulbadin Naib, Short of a length and on middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib gets cramped up and mistimes his pull towards deep square leg for a run.

4.3: Muhammad Jawadullah to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! Gulbadin Naib joins the party now! Fuller delivery, on middle and off, right in the slot. Gulbadin Naib clears his front leg and muscles it over the wide long on fence for his first biggie.

4.2: Muhammad Jawadullah to Gulbadin Naib, Good length and on middle, Gulbadin Naib gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

4.1: Muhammad Jawadullah to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and around off, Gulbadin Naib has a heave across the line but gets an underedge on the bounce to the keeper.

Time for a bowling change? Yes, indeed. Muhammad Jawadullah comes in to replace Junaid Siddique.

3.6: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! 18 runs off the over! This is short again and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran uses his quick hands and cuts it hard through backward point for a blazing boundary.

3.5: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Just the over Afghanistan wanted here. Floated, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran goes down for the sweep. He gets it from the top edge but it goes all the way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. 

3.4: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Drags his length back and on off, Ibrahim Zadran stabs it out to extra cover.

3.3: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Flatter, short and around off. Ibrahim Zadran backs away to make some room and slams it through extra covers for another boundary.

3.2: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran skips down the track again to get closer to the pitch of the ball. He lifts it off the bottom half of the bat but gets enough power to send it over mid on for a one-bounce four.

3.1: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted, full and around off, Ibrahim Zadran uses his feet and drives it firmly but straight to extra cover. He is not able to find the gaps here.

2.6: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitched up and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran works it wide of mid on and scampers across for a single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and a direct hit would have been interesting here.

2.5: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Nice shot! Junaid Siddique serves this a bit too full, on middle. Ibrahim Zadran presents the full face of the bat and lofts it stylishly over the bowler's head for the first boundary of the chase.

2.4: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to short cover. Four dots in a row now.

2.3: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, An appeal for caught behind now, but not given again. Hard length and on middle, angling in again. Ibrahim Zadran swings across the line but misses. It brushes the back leg on its way to the keeper. Muhammad Waseem has a chat with his keeper and bowler but does not take the review. Replays confirm that the ball went off the back leg and Junaid knew that as well.

2.2: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Shout for LBW, but turned down! Good length and on middle, jags back in sharply. Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

2.1: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Just short! Fuller delivery, angling into the pads. Ibrahim Zadran clips it off the inner half of the bat. It flies towards short fine, but drops just in front of Muhammad Jawadullah, who does well to get his body behind to stop the ball.

1.6: Haider Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, angling in, Gulbadin Naib turns it to the leg side. Two really good overs from UAE!

1.5: Haider Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, full and on off, Gulbadin Naib knocks it to to the left of the bowler.

1.4: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Drags his length back a bit, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran uses his feet and drives it on the up to long off for a run.

1.3: Haider Ali to Ibrahim Zadran, Arm ball, short and on middle, angling in sharply. Ibrahim Zadran backs away and punches it to short cover.

1.2: Haider Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Flatter, short and on middle, Gulbadin Naib pats it towards long on for a single.

1.1: Haider Ali to Gulbadin Naib, Haider Ali begins with a floater, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib prods forward and blocks it out.

It will be spin from the other end as Haider Ali has been handed the ball.

0.6: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller this time and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it but finds short cover this time. Just 2 runs and a big wicket from the first over!

0.5: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, Lands this on a good length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran plants his front foot and drives it on the up but gets no timing. It rolls away towards extra cover.

0.5: Junaid Siddique to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran tries to hook it away but misses. Wided.

0.4: Junaid Siddique to Gulbadin Naib, Afghanistan are underway in the chase! Short of a length and on middle and leg. Gulbadin Naib gets inside the line of it and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

0.3: Junaid Siddique to Gulbadin Naib, Pitched up and around off, Gulbadin Naib drills it towards mid off.

What a contrast for Gurbaz from the previous game as he departs for a duck. Gulbadin Naib walks in at number 3.

0.2: Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Fifer in the last game and Junaid Siddique strikes gold in his first over here. Fuller delivery and just outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gives the charge to the bowler and looks to go over covers but his bat turns in his hands upon contact due to the extra bounce. He ends up slicing it in the air towards deep backward point, where Sohaib Khan comes forward and takes a good catch. Gurabaz falls for a duck, and Afghanistan are 0/1, chasing 161 runs.

0.1: Junaid Siddique to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hint of movement! Junaid Siddique starts with a fuller delivery, on off, shaping away. Rahmanullah Gurbaz strides out and drives it to short cover.

We are back for the all-important chase. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of United Arab Emirates. It will be the usual duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Junaid Siddique is all set to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

... The Run Chase ...

The UAE's bowlers need to step up - United Arab Emirates have a decent score on board but it seems like a middling one and their bowlers will need to get wickets in the Powerplay to set things up. Talking a bit about their batting, Muhammad Waseem fell early once again and Aryansh Sharma, who was the anchor against Canada also faltered, leaving UAE at 13/2 in just 2 overs. Sohaib Khan continued his stellar work from the last game and built an 84-run stand with Alishan Sharafu, setting things up nicely for the second half. However, the UAE kept losing wickets throughout the last 10 overs and only Sohaib could manage to score big. In the end, they will feel, they are 15-20 runs short of where they wanted to be. Right then, 161 seems like a pretty straightforward score to chase down but with the wicket basking in the sun, it might just start to turn a bit more. Afghanistan will look to attack in the Powerplay and get ahead of the required rate, whereas the UAE will hope the likes of Junaid Siddique and co make early inroads. Stay tuned as the chase is up next.

Azmat's day out with the ball - Azmatullah Omarzai is one of the most premier all-rounders in the world and once again, on a pitch that didn't aid the spinners much, he has stamped his authority with his immaculate lengths. His four-fer really has been the difference for Afghanistan but even Mujeeb Ur Rahman showed great wicket-taking ability in different phases of the game. The likes of Noor Ahmad and Ziaur Rahman, who came in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi today, were off color and were put away with ease. Rashid Khan did bowl a decent spell in the middle overs and ensured that the batters didn't get any freebies. All in all, Afghanistan will feel they have made a fine comeback.

An innings of two halves - United Arab Emirates, even after a tough start, managed 93/2 in the first 10 overs of their innings. However, they have just managed to score 67 runs in the next 10, whilst losing 7 wickets as well. It was a bit topsy-turvy from start to end but at the halftime interval, Afghanistan will be very pleased as they have restricted the UAE to just 160 runs.

19.6: Ziaur Rahman to Junaid Siddique, OUT! SIDDIQUE IS RUN OUT! Ziaur Rahman nails the yorker again, on off, Junaid Siddique forces it down to long off for a run. He is very late to turn around for the second run, and Rashid Khan is quick to throw it to the keeper's end, where Rahmanullah Gurbaz does the rest. Junaid is nowhere near the crease. United Arab Emirates finish on 160/9.

19.5: Ziaur Rahman to Junaid Siddique, In the blockhole, on middle, Junaid Siddique jams it out to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

The next batter is Junaid Siddique.

19.4: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, OUT! HAIDER ALI IS RUN OUT! After coming close on a few occasions, Afghanistan have finally managed to get a run out. Ziaur Rahman bowls a good yorker, on middle and leg, angling in. Haider Ali backs away to dig it out but misses as it goes between his legs to the keeper. He sets off for the run but is sent back. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the keeper, rolls it with an underarm throw and hits the stumps at the striker's end with Ali short of his crease. United Arab Emirates are 157/8 now.

19.4: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, WIDE! Back of a length but way down the leg side, slower too, Haider Ali leaves it alone. Another wide.

19.3: Ziaur Rahman to Simranjeet Singh, A full toss, on middle, Simranjeet Singh drills it towards short extra cover for another run. The fielder throws it at the batter's end but misses the stumps.

19.2: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, Gets the yorker in, on middle, Haider Ali jams it out onto his foot as the ball drops to the off side. They cross.

19.1: Ziaur Rahman to Simranjeet Singh, Slower one, on a length and on off, Simranjeet Singh steers it towards point for a single.

Ziaur Rahman or Gulbadin Naib for the final over of the innings? It will be the former, 3 overs for 36 runs so far for Zia.

18.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Haider Ali, Play and a miss! Fuller delivery, around off, angling away. Haider Ali takes a couple of steps forward to push it away but misses. Azmatullah Omarzai finishes an incredible spell of bowling with figures of 4-0-15-4.

18.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Simranjeet Singh, Run out chance...missed! A low full toss, on off, Simranjeet Singh jams it out towards extra cover and sets off for the run. Rashid Khan picks up, takes aim but misses his shy at the bowler's end. Singh did not drag his bat in and was well short of his crease.

18.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Simranjeet Singh, Hard length and on middle, Simranjeet Singh pats it back to the bowler.

The next batter is in. It is Simranjeet Singh at number 9.

18.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Azmatullah Omarzai gets his fourth and this is a big one as well. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off. Sohaib Khan hops up and looks to swat it across the line, but fails to ride the bounce. It takes the top edge and lobs straight into the hands of Mujeeb Ur Rahman at square leg. Khan walks back after a fine knock of 68 off 48 balls. 

18.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Connects this time! Just misses the wide yorker, pitches it up, outside off. Sohaib Khan reaches out and squeezes it away through backward point. The fielder from sweeper cover runs to his left and dives but only manages to parry it over the fence for a boundary. That brings up the 150 for the UAE.

18.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and outside off, there to be hit. Sohaib Khan throws his hands at it but fails to connect.

Oh, a bit of impetus for the UAE heading into the final couple of overs. 170 is certainly still on, which, if achieved, will be a defendable total for sure. For now, Azmatullah Omarzai is back into the attack.

17.6: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, FOUR! The extra ball costs Ziaur Rahman here! Short of a length and around off. Haider Ali backs away and slashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge that flies over short third for a boundary. 18 runs off the over.

17.6: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, WIDE! Fuller but down the leg side, Haider Ali lets it go. Called a wide.

17.5: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, FOUR! Gets it away! Overpitched delivery and around off. Haider Ali gets his hands through the shot and slams it past mid off for a boundary.

17.4: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Really sloppy from the bowler. Pitched up and on off, Sohaib Khan drills it towards extra cover for a single. Mohammad Nabi collects the ball and just rolls it towards the bowler, but Ziaur Rahman is not aware of that. The batters take this opportunity to get an extra run. However, Rashid Khan is not happy and the umpire rules out the extra run, deeming the ball as dead once the first run was completed.

17.3: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Into the stands! Ziaur Rahman bangs this into the surface, takes pace off again but this time it sits up nicely for the batter. Sohaib Khan waits for it, swivels and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

17.2: Ziaur Rahman to Haider Ali, Goes fuller and on leg, pace on this time. Haider Ali backs away to play at it but gets an inside edge towards deep fine leg for a run.

17.1: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Back of length, on middle, takes all the pace off, Sohaib Khan pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Ziaur Rahman (2-0-18-0) is back on, replacing Rashid Khan.

16.6: Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Hard length and on middle, Sohaib Khan pats it down to long on for one more.

16.5: Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, On a length and on leg, Haider Ali clips it through square leg for another run.

16.4: Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, Pitched up and around off, Haider Ali drives it wide of sweeper cover and comes back for the second run.

16.3: Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Fuller and on off, Sohaib Khan pushes it through covers for a run.

16.2: Gulbadin Naib to Haider Ali, Shout for LBW, but turned down! However, Rashid Khan takes the review here. Gulbadin Naib lands this on a good length and on middle, angling in. Haider Ali looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards square leg. A leg bye is taken. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows it is just clipping the leg stump on umpire's call. Not Out, but the Afghans keep the review.

It seems like Gulbadin Naib has forced Rashid Khan to take a review for LBW here. Seemed a bit too straight to begin with but the third umpire is called into action now. No need for UltraEdge as it has clearly missed the bat. Ball Tracking shows that it is closer than one thought initially, as it is 'umpire's call' as far as hitting the stumps is concerned. NOT OUT!

16.1: Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, A full toss and outside off, Sohaib Khan reaches out and slaps it towards sweeper cover for a single.

16.1: Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, WIDE! Again full, but way outside off, Sohaib Khan lets it go. Free Hit continues.

16.1: Gulbadin Naib to Sohaib Khan, Tries the wide yorker from around the stumps, but serves this way, way outside off, Sohaib Khan leaves it alone. It is called a wide. However, the siren goes off and it means Naib has overstepped here. The call is changed from a wide to a No Ball. Free Hit to follow.

Gulbadin Naib comes into the attack in the 17th over of the innings.

15.6: Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Ripper! A wrong 'un, full and around off, turns away sharply from the left-hander. Haider Ali gets bamboozled by it as the ball zips past the outside edge. 4-0-24-1, another fine outing for Rashid.

15.5: Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Slows it up, full and on off, Haider Ali fends it to the off side.

15.4: Rashid Khan to Haider Ali, Flighted, full and on middle, Haider Ali blocks it down the pitch.

Not the first time we have seen a batter getting hit-wicket in this edition's T20 World Cup. Zane Green of Namibia suffered the same fate against India a few days back. Anyway, Haider Ali walks out to bat at number 8.

15.3: Rashid Khan to Muhammad Arfan, OUT! HIT WICKET! Rashid Khan gets into the act now and gets his 700th wicket in all T20 competitions. He bowls this flatter, full and around middle. Muhammad Arfan changes his stance early and plays the reverse sweep. He connects well, but cannot control the swing of his bat and it clatters into the stumps on the follow-through. A very unusual way to get out but Rashid won't mind it. United Arab Emirates have slipped from 114/3 to 121/6.

15.2: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Shorter in length and on middle, Sohaib Khan nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

15.1: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Back-to-back fifties for Sohaib Khan! Tossed up, full and on middle, Khan gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. This has been a fine knock from him and he will look to finish well here.

14.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Muhammad Arfan, Good length at the stumps, Arfan blocks it off. What an over, top stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and his double strike has almost taken the wind out of UAE sails. 

United Arab Emirates lose half their side now. That brings Muhammad Arfan out to the middle.

14.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A double-whammy for Azmatullah Omarzai in the 15th over and UAE are throwing away a fine start. This is bowled full and outside off, just seams away a touch. Harshit Kaushik leans across to drive it square but gets an outside edge on it. Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves swiftly to his left and gobbles it up but the batter reviews it. There seems to be a certain edge but did the bat just hit the turf and miss the ball? Harshit Kaushik feels so but UltraEdge quickly confirms that the ball came straight off the edge and the bat jammed into the turf later. 97/2 has now become 114/5.

14.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, Hard length outside off, slants back in. Kaushik has a tentative push at it again and is beaten again. 

14.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Harshit Kaushik, Immaculate length again from Omarzai. Around the wicket to the left-hander, bowls it slightly short of a good length and angles it in. Harshit Kaushik has a poke at it but the ball straightens and beats the bat.

Drinks break brings in a wicket for Afghanistan. Harshit Kaushik walks out to bat now.

14.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Syed Haider, OUT! TIMBER! Azmatullah Omarzai strikes on his return, just like Mujeeb did early on and Afghanistan are really pulling things back nicely here. Omarzai hammers it on a good length and attacks the top of off. Syed Haider is caught back on the crease and gets a bit squared up as the ball straightens off the deck. The ball beats the outside edge and clips the top of the stumps as Azmat gets his second wicket.

14.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length, hitting the deck hard and angling it into the batter. Khan tucks it off the hips and in front of square on the leg side for a single.

DRINKS! United Arab Emirates have done well to score at a good rate despite losing that wicket of Alishan Sharafu. They have not let the Afghan spinners settle and targeted Noor Ahmad to keep the pressure on him. Now, with Sohaib Khan well set and still plenty of batting to come, they have a great platform to get to a big total here. Afghanistan have been a bit inconsistent and will be looking for wickets to gain momentum back in the next few overs and then finish well. Also, Azmatullah Omarzai is to bowl after the break.

13.6: Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, SIX! Noor Ahmad's ordinary run in this tournament continues. Noor looks to drag the length back but bowls it well short and the ball just sits up for the batter. Syed Haider has all the time to rock back and he muscles it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie to close out the over. 9 off it and Noor has now gone for 35 runs in 3 overs, without getting a wicket as well.

13.5: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fractionally short on leg, nurdled away to the left of short fine leg for one more by Khan.

13.4: Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, Nice and full, darted into the stumps, Haider backs away and strokes it through extra cover for a run.

13.3: Noor Ahmad to Syed Haider, Flighted ball around leg, Haider moves past the leg stump and taps it into the off side.

13.2: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fuller and on leg again, Sohaib Khan sits down and swings it on the bounce to deep backward square leg for just a single.

13.1: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Bowled flatter and around leg stump, Sohaib defends with a straight bat and plays it back to the bowler.

Noor Ahmad is back on. He has conceded 26 runs in his first couple of overs.

12.6: Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, A googly now, angled into the pads, Haider fails to flick it away.

12.5: Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, Quicker delivery, attacking the off stump, Haider stays back to defend.

12.4: Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, FOUR! Slightly fortuitous but UAE will take it. Tossed up on leg stump, Syed Haider sits down and looks to sweep but gets a top edge that goes between the keeper and short fine leg and rolls away into the fence behind.

12.3: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, On the pads again, worked away past square leg for another single. The 100 is now up for the UAE.

12.2: Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, A bit more flighted from Rashid, around leg, worked away around the corner on the leg side for a single.

12.1: Rashid Khan to Syed Haider, Full and flat around off, Syed Haider jams it out into the off side.

11.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Pushed through a bit quicker and fuller around off, Sohaib Khan lunges to defend. Just a run and a big wicket off it. Mujeeb Ur Rahman ends with figures of - 4-0-31-2.

11.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Flighted ball, in and around off, Khan blocks it back to the bowler.

11.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Flighted up on middle, Sohaib opts to block it off.

11.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Syed Haider, Drifted into middle and leg, Haider clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Afghanistan break the big 84-run partnership. Syed Haider is the next man in.

11.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, OUT! CAUGHT! Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes back and breaks the threatening stand. This is floated up on off and middle, slightly full as well. Alishan Sharafu backs away to open up the off side and goes through with the lofted shot but doesn't get the right connection. The ball sails down to long off, where Ibrahim Zadran is standing well inside the ropes and takes a couple of steps back to reverse-cup it with ease. 

11.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Mujeeb starts the final spell with a fullish delivery around off, Sharafu leans on and pushes it to extra cover.

10.6: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Fuller and angled into the pads, Sharafu gets inside the line to sweep but misses. The ball goes off the pads to square leg for aother leg bye.

10.5: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Half an appeal for LBW, nothing more. On a hard length and on off, jags back in a bit. Khan gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball hits him high on the pads before rolling to point. They pick up a leg bye.

10.4: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Back of a length, just outside off, nudged down to the right of deep third for an easy single.

10.3: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, That's carried through nicely. Good-length delivery, wide outside off, Sharafu reaches out to smash it over covers but the ball sails over the willow.

10.2: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length and outside off, Khan gets on his toes and guides it through short third for a single.

10.1: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Bowls a heavy short ball, over middle, Khan looks to pull but miscues it badly and back onto the pitch.

United Arab Emirates are in the ascendancy heading into the second half of the innings. 93/2 in 10 overs is an excellent platform to build on and the Afghans have their work cut out in the field. With that said, Ziaur Rahman is back on. He went for 16 in his first over.

9.6: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Pushed through quicker, full and on leg, Sohaib Khan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 16 runs off the over!

9.5: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Sohaib Khan's turn now. Noor Ahmad floats it up, full and on middle. Khan gets on his knee and slogs it flat and hard over the deep mid-wicket fence for the second six of the over.

9.4: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Short again, on middle, Alishan Sharafu nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

9.3: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Drags his length back, on middle, Alishan Sharafu punches it wide of long on and calls for two. His partner responds, and the throw comes in at the bowler's end. Khan puts in a dive in but Noor fails to collect the ball cleanly. 

9.2: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, SIX! That is a shot and a half! Tossed up, full and on off. Alishan Sharafu backs away early and goes down on one knee. He extends his arms to reach out and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

9.1: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Flighted, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu knocks it to the right of the bowler.

8.6: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Short and on middle, Sohaib Khan pats it to short extra cover.

8.5: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan turns it to the leg side.

8.4: Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Short again and around off, Alishan Sharafu punches it through extra cover for one more.

8.3: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Flighted, full and on off, Sohaib Khan taps it to cover for one.

8.2: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, The stumps become a fielder! Flatter, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan uses his feet and drills it down the pitch. It hits the stumps at the other end and rolls towards extra cover. A boundary saved.

8.1: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Beauty! Flighted, full and on off, turns away just a bit. Sohaib Khan gets forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

7.6: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Just short! Tossed up, full and on off, does not spin that much. Alishan Sharafu has a poke at it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge but it drops in front of first slip.

7.5: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Fires one full and on middle and leg, Sohaib Khan works it through mid-wicket for one.

7.4: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, EDGED AND FOUR MORE! A googly, full and on middle, turns away sharply. Sohaib Khan tries to play it from the crease but gets a thin outside edge just past first slip and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary.

7.3: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Noor Ahmad bowls this quicker, but serves this full and down the leg side, begging to be put away. Sohaib Khan goes down and swipes it away to the deep backawrd square leg fence for a boundary.

7.2: Noor Ahmad to Alishan Sharafu, Flatter, full and around leg, Alishan Sharafu looks to clip it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the right of short fine. A leg bye taken.

7.1: Noor Ahmad to Sohaib Khan, Floated, full and on off, Sohaib Khan tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Two wrist spinners from both ends now as Noor Ahmad comes into the attack. Hang on, there is a halt in proceedings. It seems like the ball has gone out of shape after that last six from Alishan Sharafu and the fourth umpire is out with a box of balls. The on-field umpires select the one closest in wear and tear to the original ball and we can now continue.

6.6: Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, SIX! BOOM! Alishan Sharafu does take Rashid Khan on. More air on this one, full and around middle. Sharafu gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

6.5: Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Flighted delivery, full and on off, Alishan Sharafu defends it on the front foot.

6.4: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Slower through the air, full and on middle and off, Sohaib Khan eases it to long off for one.

6.3: Rashid Khan to Alishan Sharafu, Flatter, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu drills it down to long on for a run.

6.2: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Drops it short and on middle, Sohaib Khan stays back and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

6.1: Rashid Khan to Sohaib Khan, Right on the money! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sohaib Khan gets forward and blocks it out.

DRINKS BREAK! Wow, what an entertaining phase of play. The first two overs were filled with drama and took a lot of time to complete but the game has now started to click along at a brisk pace. Afghanistan have dealt the early blows but UAE are now starting to counter-attack. Sohaib Khan is in pristine form and Alishan Sharafu is stepping up as well. The middle phase will be a crucial one and the Afghans will look to pick up a few more wickets. With that said, Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack, right after the break.

5.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Streaky! Mujeeb Ur Rahman dishes out a carrom ball, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Alishan Sharafu looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge that flies between backward point and short third for a boundary. United Arab Emirates are 55/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

5.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Quicker one, short and on middle, Alishan Sharafu swipes it away through square leg for a brace. 50 UP FOR UAE!

5.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu moves to the leg side early. He hits it through the line and pumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

5.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, A bit short and around leg, Sohaib Khan nudges it towards short fine for a run.

5.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Shouts of 'Catch It.' Flatter, shortish and on middle, angling in. Alishan Sharafu backs away but still gets cramped up. He mistimes his lofted shot wide of mid on, where Rashid Khan dives to his right to make the stop. A single taken.

5.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Floated, full and on off, turning in, Alishan Sharafu pushes it to short cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets a third over on the trot.

4.6: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Up and over, and UAE get 16 runs off the over. This is dug in short over middle and leg, Khan stays back and swings it away over the backward square leg region for a boundary. UAE are on the charge now.

Simon Doull raised an interesting point on air regarding the first review of the game, suggesting that Afghanistan should not have lost it because there was a clear edge and it was the on-field umpire who felt otherwise, meaning the team was effectively penalised for an officiating call. Shaun Pollock agreed with that view, but added that if you asked the umpires, they would argue the decision was given not out because they believed the ball had not carried to the fielder. Pollock then wrapped it up with a smile, saying he would be taking the debate into the next ICC Men's Cricket Committee meeting, given that he is part of it.

4.5: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Length again, in and around off, Sharafu charges down the track and slashes it away down to deep third for just a single.

4.4: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Good-length delivery around off, Sharafu pushes it out towards cover.

4.3: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, A bit shorter and over middle, Khan nudges it down towards mid-wicket for a single.

4.2: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Can you believe it? The slip just comes out and the ball gets edged right through that region. On a hard length and in the channel, shapes away late. Khan gets squared up and edges it down to deep third for another boundary. 10 runs off Rehman's first 2 deliveries.

4.1: Ziaur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, FOUR! Sohaib does make the most of the Free Hit. Pitched up fuller and on off stump, Sohaib Khan stays leg side of the delivery and smacks it over cover-point for a boundary.

4.1: Ziaur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Rehman begins on the back of a length and bowls it around off, shaping it away. Sharafu hangs back and steers it through backward point for a single. Uh, oh! The siren has gone off, which means Ziaur Rahman has overstepped and a No Ball is signalled. Free Hit loading...

First bowling change? Yes, Ziaur Rahman replaces Azmatullah Omarzai.

3.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, Fullish length around off, Sohaib Khan blocks it with a straight bat.

3.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, An appeal for LBW, and given. Sohaib Khan has reviewed it but if it's even umpire's call again, UAE will be three down inside the first four overs. This is bowled from wider on the crease by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, sliding it into the pads. Khan stays back and plays all around it, getting pinged on the front pad. The third umpire has a look at it. No bat involved but Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is going down leg on the angle. Sohaib Khan survives for now. NOT OUT!

3.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sohaib Khan, SIX! Sohaib Khan looking to make his form count. Tossed up, full and just outside off, Khan clears the front leg and extends the arms a bit before swatting it over long off for a biggie.

3.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Nice and full again, on off, driven down to long off for a single.

3.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Full again, drifted into the legs, Alishan Sharafu looks to get inside the line and sweep it fine but fails to get it away.

3.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Floated up, fuller and outside off, Sharafu eases it to covers.

2.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Short of a good length and outside off, tapped down in front of point.

2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length and outside off, Khan hangs back and dabs it down to backward point.

2.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Back of a length and around off, Sharafu presses back and nudges it down past backward point for a single.

2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! SHOT! Banged in short over middle, Alishan Sharafu gets up on his toes and rides the bounce well, before pulling it over the square leg region for a boundary.

2.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sohaib Khan, Banged in short and outside off, Khan backs away and slaps it to deep point for a single.

2.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Brilliant fielding. Hard length outside off, smacked away firmly towards point where the fielder puts in the dive and makes a half stop. They get a single.

The next batter is Sohaib Khan.

1.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, OUT! LBW! Oh, just clipping the top of the stumps but that's enough when it's given out on-field. Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls the one that goes the other way from the right-hander. Lands it slower and fuller on off. Muhammad Waseem is drawn forward to block but is beaten past the outside edge and gets hit on the pads. There is a loud appeal and the umpire eventually raises his finger. Waseem reviews but Ball Tracking shows that the ball is clipping the top of off. UAE are two down in the first 2 overs.

1.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Oh, that's terrible fielding in the deep. Tossed up on the stumps, Muhammad Waseem lunges to sweep and hits it towards deep square leg. Darwish Rasooli in the deep moves to his right and gets a favourable bounce but just lets it slip through for a boundary.

1.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Powerfully struck. The quicker inswinger from Mujeeb, fired in full at the toes. Waseem just backs away a bit and drills it to the left of mid on for a boundary, the first one of the game.

1.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, Flatter one around off, Muhammad Waseem taps it away into the off side.

1.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, WIDE! An in-drifter, spilled down the leg side by Mujeeb.

1.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Alishan Sharafu, Nice and full again, around middle, Alishan Sharafu strokes it wide of mid on and turns the strike over.

1.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Muhammad Waseem, Mujeeb starts with a full ball on middle and leg, Waseem clips it wide of mid-wicket for one.

An 11-minute first over but filled with plenty of action. It will be spin from the other end as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is ready to share the attack.

0.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Muhammad Waseem, End of a marathon first over, just 2 runs and a wicket off it. Back of a length and outside off, steered down to deep third for a single.

0.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Alishan Sharafu, Good-length delivery around off, shooting off the deck, Alishan Sharafu gets low and awkwardly plays it through backward point for one.

Early blow for United Arab Emirates. Alishan Sharafu walks out to bat at number 3.

0.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! We have had just four deliveries but it feels like an eternity. Azmatullah Omarzai drags the length back and hammers an off cutter into the deck. Aryansh Sharma looks to pull but the ball grips in and dips a bit. Sharma ends up getting an underedge and Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives to his left to take a fine catch. Once again, it is not conclusive to begin with and the third umpire is called into action. UltraEdge confirms the nick and after checking plenty of replays, it is confirmed that the ball bounced off the fingers this time, not off the ground. Sharma departs for a four-ball duck and Omarzai gets his 50th T20I wicket.

We are going upstairs again. However, this time it is an umpire's review to check for a fair catch, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is involved once more in the game. The replay shows that it is very similar to the first ball of the game, and looks close. After watching a few replays from different angles, the third umpire deems that the ball bounced on top of the fingers of the keeper before nestling into the gloves. Second time lucky for Afghanistan.

0.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, Hard length around off, Sharma punches it out towards cover.

0.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, A brute of a delivery again from Azmat. Pitched up fuller and closer to the off stump, Sharma looks to drive but the straightens a touch and zips past the outside edge.

0.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Aryansh Sharma, Drama on the very first ball! Azmatullah Omarzai starts with the outswinger and gets it to move away from the fifth stump line. Aryansh Sharma has a poke at it but seems to be beaten past the outside edge. Is that an appeal for a caught behind? The appeal looked half-hearted to begin with but Afghanistan reckon there is a certain outside edge but aren't convinced if it carried or not. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is confident that his fingers were underneath the ball and the review is taken. UltraEdge does confirm the outside edge but the actual catch seems very dicey. The ball does seem to bounce, but whether that is off the fingers or off the ground is hard to tell. The third umpire checks it thoroughly and feels that the ball hit the turf just before going into the gloves. NOT OUT!

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghan players in a huddle where Rashid Khan is giving them a pep talk before they take on the field. Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Waseem are the two openers for United Arab Emirates. Azmatullah Omarzai has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

It's time for the unfurling of the flags for both countries as the players walk out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will UAE's first followed by that of Afghanistan.

PITCH REPORT - Former Kiwi pacer, Simon Doull, is pitchside. Doull starts by saying that humidity is not going to be a problem but there is a bit of bias on the square boundaries. On one side it is 67 meters and on the other it is just 59 meters, with the straight hit being 73 meters. Former South African skipper, Shaun Pollock, joins him and says that the surface looks patchy. Feels that the last game that was played here, spin played a role as well and sometimes there was turn in excess of over 5 and 6 degrees, which gives Afghanistan the edge.

The skipper of United Arab Emirates - Muhammad Waseem says that the boys are confident, but today is a different game and a different challenge. Says that they are ready for the challenge to bat first and they know the first 2-3 overs will be crucial. Informs that they have made a couple of changes with Muhammad Farooq and Mayank Kumar not playing annd the likes of Simranjeet Singh and Syed Haider come in.

The captain of Afghanistan - Rashid Khan says that it is a fresh wicket, an early morning game and he thinks it will be better to bat later on. Mentions that they were lucky to be part of one of the best games of cricket but unlucky not to be on the winning side. Says that they cannot dwell on the past, as that game is behind them now and they will have to focus on what's in front of them. Informs that they have made one change as Fazalhaq Farooqi misses out and Ziaur Rahman comes in for him.

United Arab Emirates (Playing XI) - Aryansh Sharma (WK), Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider (In for Mayank Kumar), Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh (In for Muhammad Farooq), Junaid Siddique, and Muhammad Jawadullah.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman (In for Fazalhaq Farooqi).