(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ibrahim Zadran Top Scores as Afghanistan Sets 171 Against UAE in T20I Tri-Nation Series
September 05, 2025
Afghanistan posted 170/4 in 20 overs to set a 171-run target against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the sixth match of the T20I tri-nation series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan received a strong start from their openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who put together 98 runs before being dismissed in successive deliveries. Gurbaz fell on the final ball of the 12th over to Muhammad Farooq, while Zadran was cleaned up by Haider Ali at the start of the next over.
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Ibrahim Zadran: 48 runs off 35 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours.
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 40 runs off 38 balls, with 1 six and 3 fours.
After the back-to-back dismissals, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Ishaq for 5 off 10 balls, stumped by Simranjeet Singh in the 15th over.
All-rounders Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib then forged a crucial partnership of 24 runs in 12 balls, stabilizing the innings. Janat scored 28 off 14 balls, hitting 3 sixes and a four.
A strong finish came from Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, who added 40 unbeaten runs in just 18 balls. Naib remained not out on 20 off 14 balls, while Omarzai contributed 14 off 9 balls.
For UAE, Haider Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets, supported by Simranjeet Singh and Muhammad Farooq, who took one wicket each.
Afghanistan now looks to defend their total as the tri-nation series continues, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
