United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan Ball by Ball Commentary

Vriitya Aravind hits the winning runs! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this back of a length and outside off, Vriitya Aravind punches it through covers for a single. United Arab Emirates win by nine wickets and level the series!

Full and outside off, Vriitya Aravind goes for the drive, but misses it completely.

Angles this one into the batter, short and on leg, Chundangapoyil Rizwan flicks it towards square leg.

SCORES LEVEL! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Vriitya Aravind whips it wide of deep square leg for just a run.

Flatter, full and outside off, Vriitya Aravind goes inside out and loft sit wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Short again and on middle, Vriitya Aravind makes room, but slaps it towards mid off.

Short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan pushes it towards long on for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan knocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan guides it towards third man for a single.

FOUR! Up and over! Fareed Ahmad serves this full and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan shows the full face of the bat and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Pitched up, on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan chips it towards mid on.

Short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan tries to ramp it over the keeper, but misses. He looks at the square leg umpire, but it is a fair delivery.

Fuller one and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drives it towards mid on.

This is on a good length and on off, Vriitya Aravind taps it to the off side for a quick single.

On a length and on middle, Vriitya Aravind works it through mid-wicket for one more.

Touch fuller and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan works it off the inner half through square leg for one.

Short of a length and outside off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan looks to play at it, but gets beaten all ends up.

Length again and on off, Vriitya Aravind steers it through backward point for one more.

On a length and on leg, Chundangapoyil Rizwan nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

Back of a length and on off, Vriitya Aravind dabs it towards point for a single.

Flatter, full and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan goes for the drive, but misses and the ball goes just past the off pole as Afsar Zazai fails to collect it cleanly. United Arab Emirates 16 runs away from victory.

Another short delivery, on middle, Vriitya Aravind tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Floated, full and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

Slower through the air, on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan blocks it towards short covers.

Short again and outside off, Vriitya Aravind punches it through cover-point for a single.

Quicker, short and on off, Vriitya Aravind keeps it out to the off side.

Chundangapoyil Rizwan walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! An outstanding inning has come to an end and it is the opening stand has finally been broken! Muhammad Waseem has played really well to take his side a few steps away from a historical win. Karim Janat bowls this one full and outside the off stump. Muhammad Waseem looks to go over the infield but hits it straight into the hands of Rashid Khan at mid off. Afghanistan finally have a breakthrough but with just 19 runs required in 36 balls, it has come a bit too late.

Bangs this in short and going down leg. Muhammad Waseem ducks under this one.

Goes full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem knocks this firmly but is unable to find the gap in the off side.

Delivered wide outside off on a good length. Vriitya Aravind guides this to deep backward point for one.

Bowls this on a good length and outside off. Muhammad Waseem pushes this away for a single.

SIX! Muhammad Waseem smashes this one away!

Karim Janat has been introduced into the attack now.

Bowls this one short and outside off. Muhammad Waseem cuts this to deep point for a single to retain strike.

SIX! Picked up nicely! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls this full and on the pads. Muhammad Waseem gets down on one knee and deposits this over deep backward square leg for a maximum.

Tosses this full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem knocks this back to the bowler.

Short and in line with the stumps. Muhammad Waseem looks to pull and misses. An appeal but the umpire remains unmoved.

Flighted full and outside off. Vriitya Aravind dabs this into the off side and takes a run.

Bowls this full and outside off. Vriitya Aravind knocks this back towards the bowler.

In line with the stumps on a fuller length. Vriitya Aravind eases this down to long on for one more.

Full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem thumps this back towards the bowler who parries it into the off side with his foot. They take a single.

Goes full and into the stumps. Vriitya Aravind digs this out back past the bowler towards long on for one more.

That is the 100 for United Arab Emirates and they get there with all their wickets intact. This is bowled full and in line with the stumps. Muhammad Waseem knocks this to long off for a run.

Bowls this one slightly short and outside the off stump. Muhammad Waseem punches this towards mid-wicket.

Rashid Khan floats this one full and outside off. Vriitya Aravind gets forward and guides this down to long on for one.

FOUR! This has been played beautifully! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this short and outside off. Muhammad Waseem back away a bit and plays at the ball late to get enough on it and clear the wicket-keeper. The ball runs away to the ropes behind the batter for four runs.

FOUR! Muhammad Waseem continues to play his shots and he is in a hurry to take his team over the finish line! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this full and outside the off stump. Muhammad Waseem thumps this towards deep cover and collects four runs.

Bowls this slightly back of a length and in line with the stumps. Muhammad Waseem looks to make room and cut the ball into the off side but gets beaten.

Wide outside off on a good length. Vriitya Aravind guides this towards third man for a single.

On a good length and outside off. Muhammad Waseem punches this towards deep cover-point for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this short and wide outside off. Vriitya Aravind cuts this towards deep backward point for a single.

DRINKS! United Arab Emirates are in cruise control at the moment and Muhammad Waseem has absolutely taken the attack to the Afghanistan bowlers. This opening partnership is building nicely and the hosts need 51 runs to win from 60 balls. This should be a routine run chase and Afghanistan will have to take a handful of wickets if they are to get back into the game.

Flighted, full and on middle, Muhammad Waseem turns it towards short mid-wicket.

Slightly shorter and on middle, Vriitya Aravind goes on his back foot and knocks it towards long on for a one.

A googly now, on middle, turning in, Vriitya Aravind looks to play at it, but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg.

Shorter in length and on middle, Muhammad Waseem punches it towards long on for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Vriitya Aravind drives it towards long on for a run.

Floated, short and on middle, Muhammad Waseem moves back and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller one and outside off, Muhammad Waseem lofts it on the bounce towards sweeper cover for another run.

Back of a length and on off, Vriitya Aravind dabs it towards point for a run.

Azmatullah Omarzai bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Vriitya Aravind tries to ramp it over the keeper, but misses.

FOUR! Lovely timing! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this on a hard length and on the fifth stump line, Vriitya Aravind lets it come to him, opens the face of the bat to steer it through point for a boundary.

Short of a length again, on off, takes off form the surface, Muhammad Waseem gets surprised with the extra bounce, but keeps it down towards point. They cross.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Muhammad Waseem tries to poke at it, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Overpitched and on off, Vriitya Aravind drives it firmly again but finds mid off one more time.

Fareed Ahmad continues bowling fuller, outside off this time, angling away, Vriitya Aravind tries to reach for it, but fails to make any contact.

Pitched up and around off, Vriitya Aravind leans on and drills it straight to mid off.

On a length and on off, Vriitya Aravind steers it towards point.

Fuller again and on middle, Vriitya Aravind tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Classy shot! Fareed Ahmad serves this full and around off, Vriitya Aravind drives it with perfect timing past the diving mid off fielder for a boundary.

A single to end the over as this shorte delivery is forced down to long on by Arvind.

Shortish and on middle, Muhammad Waseem knocks it towards long on for one.

Quicker, short and on midde, Muhammad Waseem pushes it towards the right of the bowler where Rashid Khan dives to that side and makes a good stop.

Slightly shorter and on off, Vriitya Aravind punches it off the back foot towards long off for a run.

Short again and on leg, Muhammad Waseem moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

Rashid Khan starts with a flatter delivery, short and on middle, Muhammad Waseem goes for the pull shot, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes to the off side. He is lucky he hit that or else it was plumb.

The magician from Afghanistan is into the attack and if there is anyone who can change the course of this game it will be Rashid Khan.

Back of a length and on leg, angling in, Vriitya Aravind looks to make room and cut it, but chops it onto the ground towards the keeper. United Arab Emirates are on 68 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

Fuller again and on middle, Muhammad Waseem drills it off the inner hafl towards long on for a single.

SIX! BANG! Muhammad Waseem no signs of stoping here! Naveen-ul-Haq serves this full and on middle, slower too, Muhammad Waseem waits for it and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR WASEEM! This has come in no time. He has absolutely smashes it all around the park and put his side in a good position. Naveen-ul-Haq lands this short and on leg, Muhammad Waseem pulls it past the diving short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Length again and on off, Vriitya Aravind looks to cut it away, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.

This is on a good length and on middle, Vriitya Aravind blocks it back to the bowler.

Naveen-ul-Haq is brought back into the attack.

Bowls this on a fuller length and outside off. Vriitya Aravind knocks this towards cover-point and sets off for a run.

Back of a length this time and outside the off pole. Muhammad Waseem pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Bowls this one outside the off stump. Vriitya Aravind pushes this into the gap towards deep cover-point and Muhammad Waseem pushes his partner for the third run.

Continues bowling on a good length and outside off. Vriitya Aravind dabs this towards point and Muhammad Waseem askes him for the strike.

On a good length once again and pitching outside leg. Vriitya Aravind looks to pull but does not connect cleanly and gets hit on the body.

Fareed Ahmad bowls this on a good length and just outside off. Vriitya Aravind defends this into the off side.

SIX! A huge over for United Arab Emirates and they have gotten off to a flier! A low full toss bowled at the stumps. Muhammad Waseem thumps this back over the bowler's head for six more runs. 22 runs from the over.

Goes full once again and in line with the stumps. Muhammad Waseem dabs this back down the pitch.

SIX! Second six of the over and this is an exhibition of Muhammad Waseem's power! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls this short and into the pads. Muhammad Waseem goes deep in the crease and mistimes his shot high towards long off. Despite not getting a clean connection he clears the ropes.

Bowls this full and just outside the off pole. Muhammad Waseem defends this back towards the bowler.

FOUR! The onslaught continues from this devastating batter! Mujeeb Ur Rahman floats this one full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem knocks this aerially towards long off for four runs.

SIX! It has been a Muhammad Waseem show! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls this short and outside off. Muhammad Waseem rocks back and pulls this over deep square leg for six more runs.

Wider outside off on a fuller length. Vriitya Aravind looks to hit through the line but does not connect.

Continues to bowl full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem knocks this towards mid on and sets off for a single.

SIX! That is a monstrous hit! Naveen-ul-Haq goes full once again and outside the off pole. Muhammad Waseem crunches this over long off for six runs and he is in a hurry to get to the target.

FOUR! A misfield gives Muhammad Waseem yet another boundary! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls this full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem drives this to the left of mid on and Rashid Khan dives over the ball and concedes four runs.

Goes full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem hits this hard but straight to the mid on fielder.

Naveen-ul-Haq bowls this on a good length and angled in from outside off. Muhammad Waseem defends this solidly back to the bowler.

Short once again and into the stumps. Vriitya Aravind just about clears the mid-wicket fielder as he looks to hit uppishly. They take a brace.

Tosses this full and outside off. Vriitya Aravind defends this one solidly.

Bowls this full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem drives this down to long off for one.

Slightly short and into the stumps. Muhammad Waseem clips this towards deep square eg and they run well to complete two runs.

Floats this one full and outside off. Muhammad Waseem blocks this back towards the bowler.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman fires this one full and outside off. Vriitya Aravind looks to push it away and gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

We will see some spin from the other end as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is ready to bowl now.

Into the stumps this time on a good length. Muhammad Waseem gets this off the outside half of his bat towards point. 12 runs from the first over.

FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai has got his length all wrong here! This is bowled short and really wide outside off. Muhammad Waseem reaches for the ball and slaps it over the infield towards deep point for the third boundary on the over.

Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Muhammad Waseem shoulders his arms to this one.

FOUR! Two boundaries in a row and Muhammad Waseem is looking really good here! This is bowled on a good length and outside off. Muhammad Waseem punches this into the gap towards deep cover-point for four more runs.

FOUR! Muhammad Waseem opens his account with great timing! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this full and on the pads. Muhammad Waseem flicks this towards deep backward square leg for four runs.

What a jaffa to start off proceedings! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this on a good length and just outside off. Muhammad Waseem looks to stroke this into the off side but gets beaten all ends up.

Two runs to end the Afghanistan inning! Zawar Farid bowls this on a yorker length as well and at the pads. Rashid Khan attempts the helicopter shot and can only power it towards long on. The throw from the fielder in the deep is poor and they complete a couple of runs. An impressive performance by the United Arab Emirates bowlers!

On a fuller length once again and at the stumps. Najibullah Zadran looks to go hard at the ball and miscues his shot too the left of the bowler. They attempt an impossible single but the bowler misses his throw at the non-striker's end.

Nails the yorker this time and follows the batter as he looks to make room. Rashid Khan digs this out towards cover and sets off for a single.

SIX! Poor delivery and Rashid Khan makes the most of it! Zawar Farid attempts a yorker but bowls a low full toss going well down leg. Rashid Khan gets low and sweeps this over deep backward square leg for a maximum.

Goes full this time and in line with the stumps. Najibullah Zadran forces this down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Great start to the over for Afghanistan! Zawar Farid bowls a slower ball outside the off stump and serves it back of a length. Najibullah Zadran cross-bats this back past the bowler and collects four runs.

Zawar Farid (3-0-16-2) to bowl the last over.

A slower delivery bowled back of a length and well outside the off stump. Rashid Khan waits on it and swings his blade but gets deceived by the lack of pace.

FOUR! Rashid Khan shows some brute strength to find the boundary! Zahoor Khan bangs this in short and outside the off stump. Rashid Khan gets across and pulls this wide of long on for four runs.

A low full toss, on leg, Najibullah Zadran whips it towards wide long on for a single.

Short and on middle, Rashid Khan pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

On a good length and just outside off. Rashid Khan feels for the ball and gets beaten all ends up.

Rashid Khan walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Zahoor Khan gets his second wicket and he has to credit his teammate for the stunning catch in the deep! Zahoor Khan bowls this short and outside the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to slap this into the off side and hits it uppishly towards deep cover. Basil Hameed comes running in from the boundary line and takes a fine catch diving forward. Afghanistan losse their sixth wicket.

Another yorker-length delivery aimed at the stumps. Azmatullah Omarzai gets his bat down in time and clips this towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Goes full once again and just outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai knocks this straight to the cover fielder.

Bowls this on a yorker length and outside off. Najibullah Zadran digs this out to deep point for a run.

FOUR! Afghanistan are getting bulk of their runs from the edges of the bat! This is tossed up full and outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to go inside out but slices towards third man for four runs.

Fires this one full and at the stumps. Najibullah Zadran hits this hard back towards the bowler.

SIX! Massive hit! Rohan Mustafa floats this one full and into the stumps. Najibullah Zadran clears his front foot out of the way and thumps this over long off for a biggie! Afghanistan will want to get going now and start by attacking the spinner.

FOUR! Fortune favors the brave! Zahoor Khan misses his yorker and bowls a low full toss outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai goes hard at the ball and edges it towards third man for four more runs.

Bangs this in short once again outside off and takes pace off the ball. Azmatullah Omarzai cuts this uppishly towards deep point and they take two runs.

A slower bouncer bowled really wide outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai decides to hit it at the last moment and gets an under edge towards the keeper.

FOUR! A bit of luck going Afghanistan's way and they will take it gladly! This is bowled full and outside the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai swings his bat hard and gets an outside edge that flies to third man for four runs.

Comes 'round the wicket and bowls this on a good length, angling down leg. Najibullah Zadran can not get the ball off his legs and it goes off the pads to the right of the keeper. They take a leg bye.

Zahoor Khan delivers this one back of a length and outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai goes on his toes and hangs his bat out to dry. The ball takes the outside edge and runs to third man for a single.

Bowls a low full toss at the stump. Najibullah Zadran knocks this towards dep cover and they run well to complete two runs.

Another delivery bowled on a yorker length and closer to the off pole. Najibullah Zadran tries to dig this one out but misses.

Fires this on a yorker length and really wide outside off. Najibullah Zadran leaves it alone but the umpire says it is inside the tram line.

Tosses this one full and into the stumps. Najibullah Zadran blocks this back towards the bowler.

Flights this one full and outside off. Najibullah Zadran dabs this towards the point fielder.

FOUR! Rohan Mustafa is welcomed back to the crease with a boundary! This is bowled short and outside off. Najibullah Zadran cuts this hard towards deep backward point for four runs.

That a beauty! Bowls this on a good length and just outside the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai pushes at the ball but gets beaten all ends up.

Delivers this one back of a length and on a leg stump line. Najibullah Zadran makes room and guides this towards third man for a single.

Bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Najibullah Zadran dabs this to the left of the bowler.

WIDE! Strays down leg side this time on a fuller length. Najibullah Zadran misses his flick and this is called wide.

FOUR! That is a poor delivery from Junaid Siddique! He attempts a slower bouncer but it is really slow and really short, outside off. Najibullah Zadran waits on it and slaps it aerially towards deep point for four runs.

On a good length this time and outside off. Najibullah Zadran dabs this towards point.

FOUR! That has been smacked away to the fence! Junaid Siddique bowls this full and outside off. Najibullah Zadran uses his hand-eye coordination to get bat on the ball and knocks it uppishly towards deep cover for four runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next batter out in the middle. Junaid Siddique comes back to bowl his last over.

OUT! TAKEN! Karim Janat departs now without troubling the scorers much. Raja Akif is delighted though and does his trademark celebration of putting his right hand on his mouth and raising his left hand. He serves this full and around off, Karim Janat smashes it with good timing, but straight towards Rohan Mustafa at deep point where he completes the catch on the second attempt and manages to stay inside as well. A good catch and Afghanistan have lose half their side now.

On a length and on off, Karim Janat knocks it towards short covers.

DROPPED! Karim Janat gets a life here! This is slower again, on a length and on off, Karim Janat moves across and tries to scoop it over third man, but mistimes it in the air. Zahoor Khan runs towards it, but spills it in the end. Two runs taken! It was a tough catch though.

Change of pace! Raja Akif bowls this slow, short and on middle, Karim Janat is way early into his pull, and misses as the ball goes under his bat towards the keeper.

Length again and on middle, angling in, Karim Janat looks to work it away, but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls down the pitch. There is an appeal from the keeper, but nothing doing for the umpire.

This is on a good length and way down the leg side, Karim Janat misses his hook. It is called a wide.

FOUR! Nice shot! Raja Akif serves this full and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and drives it past mid off for a boundary.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, Najibullah Zadran clips it towards deep mid-wicket where a misfield allows the second run.

Swing and a miss! Zawar Farid lands this on a hard length and outside off, angling away, Najibullah Zadran swings across the line, but fails to connect.

This is on a good length and on middle, Najibullah Zadran knocks it towards covers.

Another good yorker, on off, Karim Janat jams it to the off side for a quick single.

Karim Janat strides out to the center.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust! United Arab Emirates are all over Afghanistan now! Zawar Farid bowls this a touch fuller and on middle, Afsar Zazai goes for the big heave, but gets a top edge as the ball goes high in the air towards left of the keeper, Vriitya Aravind moves to that side and takes a fine diving catch. Zazai fails to repeat his good form in this game and Afghanistan are four down now.

Zawar Farid serves a brilliant yorker, on off, Afsar Zazai is too late to put his bat down to jam it out, and misses.

A slower bouncer now, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.

Junaid Siddique nails the yorker now, on middle, Afsar Zazai digs it out towards long on for a run.

Smart bowling! Junaid Siddique bowls this back of a length and outside off seeing Zazai advance down the track, Afsar Zazai is too far away from the ball, and makes no attempt to play at it in the end.

Short of a length and on leg, angling in, Afsar Zazai gets cramped for room while going for the pull shot, and misses to get hit high on his body as the ball goes nowhere.

This is on a good length and on off, Najibullah Zadran pushes it through covers for a single.

Junaid Siddique bangs this onto the pitch, on off, Najibullah Zadran dabs it in front of short covers. Zazai wants the run, but he is sent back and rightly so.

Length again and on the pads, Najibullah Zadran tickles it towards fine leg for a run and gets off the mark.

On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran pushes it back towards the bowler.

Fuller one and outside off, Najibullah Zadran drills it towards short covers.

Najibullah Zadran makes his way out to the middle.

OUT! LBW! Zawar Farid strikes right after the break! A struggling innings from Hazratullah Zazai comes to an end finally. Zawar Farid lands this short of a length and on off, Hazratullah Zazai gets hurried and misses his pull shot to get rapped around his pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. Zazai is a bit disappointed with the decision as he thinks that it was a bit too high, but there is no DRS in this series, so he will have to take that long walk back to the hut.

A slower one now, on a length and on off, Afsar Zazai steers it towards point for a single.

FOUR! Afsar Zazai makes his intent clear after the break! Zawar Farid bowls this on a good length and on middle, Afsar Zazai clears his front leg and heaves it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Drinks! United Arab Emirates have restrcited the run flow here and will be happy with how things are going at the moment, but they will be aware that Afghanistan have good power hitters who can come in and change the game. So, they will need to continue this good work till the end. For Afghanistan, they need to make a move on now and atleast one batter should try to take some more risks as they have wickets in hand. This game is nicely poised at the halfway mark and we can expect some exciting cricket in the other half as well.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Afghanistan! Rohan Mustafa bowls this short and outside the off pole. Hazratullah Zazai rocks back and pulls this wide of long on. There is enough power in the shot to beat the fielder and cross the ropes for four runs.

Flights this one full and outside off. Afsar Zazai gets forward and dabs this into the off side. Hazratullah Zazai calls him through for a run but the keeper is quick to respond and runs towards the ball. A direct hit and Hazratullah Zazai was a goner.

Tosses this one full and outside the off pole. Hazratullah Zazai strokes this to deep cover for a single.

This is slightly short and outside off. Afsar Zazai cuts this to deep cover-point for a run.

Flights this one full and outside the off pole. Hazratullah Zazai hits this aerially towards long off for another run.

Bowls this full and into the stumps. Afsar Zazai clips this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Fires this one full and going down leg. Afsar Zazai misses and the umpire calls this wide.

This is bowled short and outside off. Afsar Zazai charges down the wicket and pulls this ball to long on for one.

Sticks to bowling on a good length and in line with the stumps. Hazratullah Zazai tucks this towards deep square leg and takes one.

Delivers this one back of a length and outside off. Hazratullah Zazai cuts this towards deep backward point and an overthrow allows them to tale a couple of runs.

This  is on a good length as well and into the pads. Afsar Zazai flicks the ball towards deep square leg for a single.

Bowls this one on a good length and pitching outside off. Hazratullah Zazai goes on the back foot and looks to clip this leg side but misses and hits him high on the pads. They take a leg bye as the ball goes to the off side.

Zawar Farid starts off with a full delivery bowled outside the off stump. Afsar Zazai leans into the shot and strokes this to the left of cover. Another good stop by the fielder keeps them down to one run.

Zawar Farid replaces Zahoor Khan.

Bowls this one full as well and outside the off pole. Afsar Zazai drives this to deep cover and takes a single to keep strike.

Flighted full and into the stumps. Afsar Zazai defends this towards the short mid-wicket fielder.

Tosses this one full and outside the off stump. Afsar Zazai dabs this back towards the bowler.

Short once again and outside the off stump. Hazratullah Zazai thumps it down to long off for a run.

Bowls this slightly short and outside off. Hazratullah Zazai punches this to the right of the cover fielder who dives and stops the ball.

Rohan Mustafa floats this one full and into the stumps. Hazratullah Zazai taps this towards cover.

We will see spin for the first time as Rohan Mustafa is ready to roll his arms now.

Bowls this just outside the off stump on a good length. Afsar Zazai blocks this back towards the bowler.

FOUR! Really poor fielding in the deep! Zahoor Khan comes over the wicket to the right-hander and delivers this one a good length, in line with the stumps. Afsar Zazai punches this towards deep point and the fielder tries to stop it with his foot but the ball trickles over the ropes.

Bowls this one outside the off stump. Hazratullah Zazai pushes this to the left of point and sets off for a single.

Continues to bowl on a good length and closer to the off pole. Hazratullah Zazai das this down towards backward point and that will be another dot ball.

On a good length and wider outside the off stump. Hazratullah Zazai slashes at this one but gets beaten.

Zahoor Khan bowls from 'round the wicket and serves this on a good length, outside off. Hazratullah Zazai cuts this straight to point.

Short again and on leg, Hazratullah Zazai tries to paddle it away, but mistimes it towards square leg. They cross. Afghanistan are on 34/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Back of a length and on off, Afghanistan forces it towards mid off for a quick single.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Afsar Zazai looks to flick it way, but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an huge appeal for LBW, but turned down. It was going down the leg side.

Short of a length and down the leg side, Hazratullah Zazai pats it towards short fine leg and sets off the run, the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end, but misses and the run is completed.

FOUR! Good shot! Raja Akif lands this short and outside off, Hazratullah Zazai accepts the width on offer and cuts it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Hazratullah Zazai pushes it towards covers.

Fuller one but down the leg side, Hazratullah Zazai misses his flick. It is called a wide.

BEAUTY! Zahoor Khan bowls this on a hard length in the channel outside off, Afsar Zazai looks to play at it, but gets beaten all ends up.

Length again and on middle, Afsar Zazai looks to defend it, but it goes off the leading edge towards point.

On a length and around off, Afsar Zazai pushes it towards short covers again.

Fuller again and on middle, straigthens after hitting the deck, Afsar Zazai knocks it towards short covers.

Afsar Zazai is the new batter at the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Zahoor Khan strikes! A big wicket for United Arab Emirates. Khan serves this a touch fuller and around off, shaping away a bit, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the drive on the up without much footwork. As a result, he gets nick behind where Vriitya Aravind pouches it safely to his right. There is an appeal for the catch, and up goes the finger. Afghanistan in early trouble!

Short of a length and outside off, Hazratullah Zazai punches it through cover-point as the two fielders gives chase to it. Three runs taken!

Zahoor Khan has been brought into the attack.

A slower one now, back of a length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran is through his cut shot early and misses.

Right on the money again! Raja Akif continues with the good-length delivery, on middle this time, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it down the pitch.

Length again and on middle, shaping in, Hazratullah Zazai looks to flick it away, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. They cross.

On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it in front of point and steals a quick run.

Raja Akif loses his line and serves this full but down the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick. Wided.

A bit fuller and on middle, Hazratullah Zazai heaves it towards deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length and on off, shapingin, Hazratullah Zazai gets cramped and keeps it out down the pitch.

Ibrahim Zadran makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Junaid Siddique draws first blood! Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws his wicket away trying to be a bit too aggressive. Junaid Siddique serves this full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz once again makes room and tries to go for the big shot, but his bottom hand comes off as he connects with the ball. As a result, he slices it in the air towards deep point where Basil Hameed settles under it and takes a good catch diving forward. Afghanistan lose an early wicket!

A low full toss, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it straight to cover-point. Junaid Siddique gets away with one there.

FOUR! Powered away! Junaid Siddique pulls his length back a bit, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz this time stays there and swats it past the bowler towards the long on fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! Junaid Siddique bowls this on a hard length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes some room and smashes it over point for a boundary.

Back of a length and around off, Hazratullah Zazai bunts it down towards point for a single.

Junaid Siddique nails the yorker, on leg, swinging in a bit, Hazratullah Zazai tries to to dig it out, but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. It pitched down the leg side.

Short of a length and on middle, Hazratullah Zazai pulls it towards deep square leg for one more. A steady start for Afghanistan.

Touch fuller and on off, shaping in, Hazratullah Zazai turns it towards short mid-wicket.

On a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steers it towards third man for one.

Back of a length and around leg, Hazratullah Zazai nudges it towards short fine leg for a run.

Pitched up and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it wide of third man for a single.

Raja Akif begins with a good-length delivery, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it towards short covers.

Raja Akif to share the attack.

On a length and on middle, shaping in, Hazratullah Zazai gets cramped and knocks it back to the bowler.

This is on a good length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz guides it with the outer half of his bat towards third man for a run.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets off the mark in style! Junaid Siddique bowls this short of a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz accepts the room and cuts it past point for a boundary.

Junaid Siddique sees Rahmanullah Gurbaz coming down the track and pulls his length back, on off, shaping away again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz withdraws his bat away.

Goes a but fuller this time, on off, shaping away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lets it go to the keeper.

Hazratullah Zazai and Afghanistan are underway straightaway! Junaid Siddique starts with a hard-length delievry, on leg, Hazratullah Zazai tickles it away towards fine leg for a single.

We are all set for the start of the game! The players are already out in the middle now. Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the two openers for Afghanistan. Junaid Siddique to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

Chundangapoyil Rizwan, the captain of United Arab Emirates says that they would have batted first as well, but does not mind bowling first. Adds that there is less grass and they will look restrict their opponents to a low score. Tells that they played good in the previous game, and will look to continue that. Informs they have made a couple of changes.

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan says that they will bat first. Adds that they want to give the opportunity to their batters to have a go. Tells that they want to challenge their bowling unit to see how they react to it. Informs that they have made one change. Ends by saying that they want to give chance to everyone a run of games and a score around 160-170 would be good.

PITCH REPORT - Owais Shah is pitchside. He says that the wicket has less cover of grass, but it also has some patches which may help the spinners. Adds that the wind flowing and the dew may have an effect as well. Ends by saying that the batters need to be careful, but they will be able to play their shots and score runs.

United Arab Emirates (Playing XI) - Muhammad Waseem, Vriitya Aravind (WK), Chundangapoyil Rizwan (C), Rohan Mustafa, Basil Hameed, Aayan Khan, Alishan Sharafu (In for Sanchit Sharma), Zawar Farid, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan, Raja Akif (In for Muhammad Jawadullah).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad (In for Fazalhaq Farooqi).

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and they have elected to BAT first.

United Arab Emirates will need to get the loss out of their minds and play positively in this game. They had their moments in the last game and started well with the bat, but just couldn't get going in the end. However, their bowling effort was brilliant, and that will give them a lot of confidence coming into this game. If they can win the small moments in the match, they have a good chance of levelling the series. Will they be able to do it? Or will Afghanistan go on its merry way? We will find out soon. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Afghanistan has enjoyed an excellent record against the United Arab Emirates. They have lost only once against them in the past. The conditions suit their spinners, which is a big advantage for the side. However, the batters struggled a bit in the previous game, which is an area that they would like to improve. Their players have a lot of T20 experience playing around the world, and they will look to use that here and seal the series.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the 2nd T20I between United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan from the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan has taken an early lead in the series, but UAE put up a decent fight and pushed the Afghanis to their limits. The away side will be looking to seal the series in this game itself, and we can expect a good game of cricket.

... MATCH DAY ...

The excitement continues in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi as we return for the second T20I of the three-match series that is taking place between the hosts United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. This tie is heavily favored towards the visiting side who have been historically dominant over the hosts and they won the first match comfortably with 5 wickets in hand thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the series. United Arab Emirates were asked to bat first and lost Vriitya Aravind early despite him getting off to a good start. Muhammad Waseem and skipper Chundangapoyil Rizwan stitched together a good partnership but were unable to score at a brisk rate. They both failed to reach the half centuries and their dismissals along with that of Basil Hameed on a golden duck put them well behind in the game. Rohan Mustafa and Aayan Khan played handy cameos but could not help their team cross the 150-run mark. Junaid Siddique claimed two scalps and Zahoor Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, and Zawar Farid had one wicket each under their belt but did not have enough runs on the board to defend. They will need a better performance in all facets of their game if they are to beat a much superior side. Afghanistan found it difficult to claim wickets though with Rashid Khan picking two and Azmatullah Omarzai chipping in with one. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid who can be considered as arguably their best bowlers were slightly expensive but the rest of the bowlers were quite economical and this will board well for the visiting side in future games. They had a mini-collapse up the order during the run chase as they lost Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran early but Afsar Zazai and Karim Janat calmed the nerves in the dressing room and helped the side reach closer to the target. Afsar fell two short of his half-century but Karim managed to reach the landmark and claimed the Player of the Match award. Najibullah Zadran added the finishing touches and they reached the target with 5 balls to spend. They will be eager to seal the series in this game itself and not take it to the decider as it would allow them to experiment with their playing 11 in the next match. Will they continue to dominate? Or will the United Arab Emirates pull off a remarkable upset? We will find out soon.