Get ready for an enthralling clash between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan (AFG) in the 2nd T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, part of the Afghanistan tour of UAE 2023. This engaging encounter marks the second match in a thrilling three-match T20I series held in the UAE. Afghanistan currently leads the series 1-0 following their commanding victory of 72 runs in the first T20I.

Winning the toss, the United Arab Emirates elected to field first. Afghanistan’s early loss of Hazratullah Zazai was a promising start for UAE courtesy of Aayan Khan. However, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s monumental 137-run partnership set the stage. Gurbaz’s rapid century off 52 balls left a lasting impression before his dismissal by Junaid Siddique. Azmatullah Omarzai added crucial runs as Afghanistan concluded their innings at an imposing total of 203 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Aayan Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, and Junaid Siddique clinched wickets for UAE amidst the Afghan onslaught.

In response, the UAE’s openers, Muhammad Waseem and Khalid Shah, struggled, departing early, courtesy of Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, respectively. Despite efforts from Samal Udawaththa, who too fell to Farooqi, and a 33-run partnership between Basil Hameed and Vriitya Aravind, UAE faced an uphill battle. Aravind and Tanish Suri’s resilient 75-run partnership was commendable, but Afghanistan’s bowling prowess, led by Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, restricted UAE to 131 runs for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs.

Also check: UAE vs AFG Match Prediction, 2nd T20I: Who will win today’s match?

Will be added if there is any update.

The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has proved to be batting-friendly, offering support to the pacers. History has often favoured the chasing side, intensifying the significance of the toss and the decision to pursue.