Afghanistan register first win in ongoing T20 World Cup, beat UAE by 5 wickets (photos)
Chasing a target of 161 runs set by the UAE, Afghanistan reached 161 for 5 in 19.2 overs.
KATHMANDU: Afghanistan pulled off a thrilling 5-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in a pivotal Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, keeping their chances of reaching the Super 8 stage firmly alive.
Batting first at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the UAE posted 160/9 in 20 overs.
Sohail Khan led the charge with a powerful 68 off 48 balls, but the rest of the lineup struggled against disciplined Afghan bowling.
Ajmatullah Omarzai starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs, choking the UAE innings at crucial moments.
Chasing 161, Afghanistan managed 162/5 in 19.2 overs.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran provided stability with a 53-run knock, while Omarzai turned the finale into a spectacle, smashing an unbeaten 36 off 20 balls to seal the victory and claim Player of the Match honors.
With South Africa already through to the Super 8, the race for the second qualifying spot in Group D has intensified.
Afghanistan will now face Canada in a high-stakes encounter that could decide their fate.
New Zealand remains in contention, but must win convincingly and rely on other results to stay in the hunt.
Today’s result injects fresh drama into Group D, leaving fans eagerly anticipating Afghanistan’s showdown with Canada and the final stretch of group-stage action.
