United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan AFG in UAE, 3 T20Is, 2023

FOUR! Najibullah Zadran finishes things off in style! Basil Hameed floats this up, short and on middle, Najibullah Zadran moves back and hammers it over mid on for a boundary. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS AND TAKES A 1-0 LEAD!

Zawar Farid nails the yorker, on middle, Rashid Khan backs away, but only manages to jam it out back towards the bowler where Zawar Farid dives to hid right to stop it.

SCORES LEVEL! Zawar Farid pulls his length back a bit and outside off, Najibullah Zadran slices it towards third man for a run. There is a bit of a fumble, but no harm done.

Pitched up, on middle, Rashid Khan hoicks it off the inner half through square leg for a single.

Full and on off, Rashid Khan drives it wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Rashid Khan is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Zawar Farid gets a wicket! Karim Janat tries to finish it off with a big shot, but holes out instead. This is a slower delivery, full and outside off, Karim Janat swings hard, but only manages to slice it up in the air as he goes through his shot early. Rohan Mustafa at point settles under it and takes it on the second attempt as it fumbles in his hands.

On a length and on middle, Karim Janat looks to play at it, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point.

Short and on middle, Karim Janat pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for just a run.

Back of a length and outside off, Karim Janat steers it past the diving point fielder and wide of third man for a brace. Afghanistan one big hit away from victory now.

A slower delivery now, short and outside off, Najibullah Zadran waits for it and cuts it towards deep point for a run.

SIX! BOOM! Najibullah Zadran clears the fence now! Zahoor Khan serves this full and outside off, Najibullah Zadran frees his arms and smashes it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

Short of a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran gets hurried by the extra bounce, but manages to keep it down towards point. Karim Janat wants the run, but he is sent back and rightly so.

Fuller one and on off, Najibullah Zadran drives it towards mid off.

Short of a length and around leg, Najibullah Zadran goes for the pull, but gloves it towards the short fine leg region. They cross. 15 needed in 18 balls now!

FIFTY FOR JANAT! This is pitched up, on off, Karim Janat drills it towards sweeper cover for one. This has been a brilliant knock from him and now he will try to stay till the end and finish the job for his team.

Fuller again and on middle, Karim Janat clips it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Swing and a miss! Muhammad Jawadullah serves this touch fuller and on off, angling away, Karim Janat goes for the big heave, but fails to connect as the ball just goes past the off pole.

Short of a length and on middle, Najibullah Zadran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Muhammad Jawadullah bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it. The umpire signals one for the over.

Back of a length and on off, angling in, Najibullah Zadran cuts it punches it towards deep point for one more. Afghanistan need 20 runs in 24 balls now!

Junaid Siddique bangs in a bouncer, on off, Najibullah Zadran ducks under it.

A slower one now, short and on off, Karim Janat waits for it and pulls it towards deep sqaure leg for another run.

On a length and on off, Najibullah Zadran pushes it through covers for a run.

Fuller one and on off, Karim Janat drives it towards mid off and scampers across for a single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end, but it would have been close if that hit.

FOUR! Up and over! Junaid Siddique lands this short and outside off, Karim Janat rocks back and cuts it over point for a boundary.

Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Muhammad Jawadullah strikes against the run of play here. A dagger through the heart of Afsar Zazai. He holes out on 48 and misses out on his maiden T20I half-century. It is a short ball, on middle and leg. Afsar Zazai whips hard across the line but does not middle it. Chundangapoyil Rizwan takes a sharp flying catch to his left at short mid-wicket. Is there a twist in the tale?

Afsar Zazai presses forward to this full ball and blocks it to cover.

Fraction short, on leg. Zazai drags his pull shot to the right of mid on. Still 2 runs short of his half-ton.

Full length, on off. Janat drives it to cover where the fielder misfields and they take a single.

Karim Janat stays back to this length ball and works it through point. They take two runs.

SIX! Karim Janat stands and delivers this time. A short ball, on off. Janat stands tall and dispatches it over the cow corner fence.

This is full, tailing into the pads. Zazai jams it out to the right of the bowler.

It is fuller, on off. Janat lofts it over point. The batters are happy with just a single here.

Fraction short. Karim Janat gets it to mid off.

A length ball, around middle and leg. Zazai goes back and knocks it to mid on. The batters jog for one.

A length ball, on middle. Zazai goes back and flicks it square on the leg side. These two are quick between the wicket. Two more taken.

Good length, in the channel. Zazai gets it to the right of third man off the outside edge. The batters take two runs.

Good length,on middle. Afsar Zazai drags his pull shot to mid-wicket. The batters take a single.

A length ball, on off. Janat pushes it to cover and gets a single.

FOUR! Just short of the fielder in the deep. A bit short, on the body. Karim Janat hoicks it to deep square leg. The fielder makes a meal of it and it goes over the boundary.

A length ball, angled across. Karim Janat makes some room but finds the fielder at point.

Afsar Zazai now charges down the track for the full one and plays it to long on for one more.

Karim Janat stays back to this length ball and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Muhammad Jawadullah replaces Rohan Mustafa.

It is flat and on off. Janat stands tall and knocks it to mid off. They take a single.

Afsar Zazai now stays back to this full one and flicks it to mid-wicket. They cross for one.

Fuller, on leg. Janat clips it to the leg side for one.

Karim Janat hangs back and punches it through the lines. It goes to cover. They take two.

A single now as Zazai pushes this full ball to covers.

Darted on the pads, Zazai nudges it to square leg for two runs.

SIX! BANG! Back of a length, on off. Janat swivels and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Length ball, on off. Janat defends it out watchfully.

SIX! Karim Janat gets enough power on it to beat the fielder. It is fuller, on off. Janat gets under it and lofts it towards long off. Basil Hameed leaps near the ropes but is unable to pouch it. The ball goes over him and lands into the rope.

A single now as this is eased down to mid on.

Floated and full, outside off. Zazai pushes it out to covers.

Flat and on off. Karim Janat knocks it down to mid on and crosses.

Strategic break! This game is well-poised at the moment. Afghanistan now need 73 runs off 60 balls but fortunately they still have seven wickets in hand. It could've been much lesser if United Arab Emirates could've had some ladyluck on their side. United Arab Emirates got off to an ideal start with the ball but have certainly lost control. They will think about putting the batters under some pressure with some tight bowling. Rohan Mustafa to bowl after the break.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Karim Janat lofts it towards long on for one more.

Shortish and on off, Afsar Zazai moves back and punches it towards long off for one.

Darts this one full and on middle, angling in, Afsar Zazai makes room, but misitmes his drive back to the bowler.

A bit short and on middle, Afsar Zazai turns it towards short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and off, Karim Janat drives it towards long off for a run.

Floated, short and on middle, Afsar Zazai moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

Fuller again and on middle, angling in, Afsar Zazai misses his flick as the ball goes to the leg side off his pads. A leg bye is taken.

EDGED AGAIN AND FOUR AGAIN! Zahoor Khan is an unlucky man! He serves this full and on middle, shaping away a bit, Afsar Zazai gets another outside edge while playing the drive and the ball goes through the slip region for four more runs. However, there is still no slip fielder.

EDGED AND FOUR! Zahoor Khan bowls this on a good length and on middle, shaping away, Afsar Zazai looks to push it away, but gets an outside edge past the keeper and towards the third man fence for a boundary.

Run out chance....missed! Zahoor Khan pulls his length back a bit, on off, Karim Janat drives taps it uppishly but on the bounce towards mid off and sets off for the run. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end as Janat puts in a desperate dive in. It would not have saved him if that was a direct hit.

Fuller one and on off, Karim Janat knocks it towards short covers.

Overpitched and on middle, Afsar Zazai clips it towards deep square leg for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Karim Janat makes room and pushes it towards short covers.

Pushed through quicker, full and around off, Karim Janat drives it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Floated, full and on middle, Karim Janat mistimes his drive towards short mid-wicket.

Angles this one into the batter, short and on leg, Karim Janat punches it towards covers.

Flatter, full and on middle, Afsar Zazai knocks it towards long on for a run.

Aayan Khan starts with a tossed up delivery, full and on off, Karim Janat drills it towards long off for a single.

Touch fuller and on middle, Karim Janat works it towards long on for one.

Zahoor Khan bowls this on a hard length and on middle, angling in, Karim Janat misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. It looked like it was going down the leg side.

Fuller one and on off, Afsar Zazai drives it towards long off for a run.

On a length and on off, Karim Janat pushes it through cover-point for a single and gets off the mark.

Karim Janat is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Zahoor Khan strikes! A huge wicket for United Arab Emirates! Zahoor Khan lands this on a hard length and on middle, shaping away a bit, Ibrahim Zadran uses his feet and tries to guide it away, but only manages to get an outside edge towards the keeper where Vriitya Aravind takes a fine catch moving to his right. Afghanistan three down now!

BEATEN! Zahoor Khan serves this full and around off, shaping away, Ibrahim Zadran tries to drive on the up, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

SIX! BANG! Afsar Zazai goes big now! Muhammad Jawadullah bangs this short and on middle, Afsar Zazai picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Afghanistan are on 48/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Goes a touch fuller and around off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it in front of covers for a run.

Back of a length and outside off, Afsar Zazai punches it towards deep point for a single.

This is on a good length and on off, slower too, Afsar Zazai guides it towards point.

Short of a length and outside off again, Afsar Zazai times his cut perfectly, but finds the point fielder.

FOUR! Afsar Zazai welcomes Muhammad Jawadullah to international cricket with a boundary. This is short and wide outside off, Afsar Zazai stays there and cuts it hard through point for four runs.

Change. Muhammad Jawadullah comes into the attack now.

Length ball, on the pads. Zazai hangs back and flicks it behind square on the leg side. They take a single.

This is outside off, on a length, left alone.

Khan angles it in, full and outside off. The ball lands and swings away sharply. Afsar Zazai steps across and tries to defend it out but misses.

FOUR! EDGY! A good-length ball, on fourth stump. It nips away off the deck. Afsar Zazai gets it down to third man off the outside edge and gets a boundary.

Full length, on fifth stump. Zadran guides it down to third man for a single.

Back of a length, outside off. Zadran cuts it to cover.

A length ball, on off. Zazai defends it out watchfully. Sanchit Sharma has done well to pull things back after being hit for six on the second delivery.

Zahoor Khan comes into the attack now.

WIDE! Very full, wide of off. Afsar Zazai lets it be. The ball swings further away. It goes past the tramline. Wide called.

Full length, wide of off. swinging away. Afsar Zazai shoulders his arms at it.

A short ball, outside off. Zazai latches on to it and cuts it to point.

A length ball, outside off, it nips in off the deck. Afsar Zazai gets an inside edge to the left of the keeper.

SIX! This should certainly boost his confidence. It is a full-length ball, on off. Zazai dances down the track and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

This is a length ball, that lands outside off and nips in a touch. Afsar Zazai makes a leave, a risky one I would say.

A length ball, on off. Afsar Zazai pushes it out and gets off the mark with a single. Another successful over from Junaid Siddique comes to an end.

Afsar Zazai comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Junaid Siddique strikes again. Afghanistan lose both their openers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to take the aerial route once again but holes out this time. It is a short ball, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. He does not get the desired distance on it. Basil Hameed takes a sharp catch in the deep.

SIX! BANG! A full-length ball, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track and launches it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and punches this length ball through the cover region for two runs.

A length ball, moving away from outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and leaves it alone.

Junaid Siddique bends his back hard and serves a short ball, in the channel. The ball flies off the deck. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes a good leave.

A peach of a delivery to end the over with. It is a length ball, on fourth stump. Zadran shuffles and has a feel for it but gets beaten by the away turn here.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran gets the first boundary of the chase. It is a length ball, wide of off. It gets some extra bounce off the deck. Zadran frees his arms and crunches it through cover-point for a fine boundary.

Much fuller, on off. Zadran dabs it out to safety.

Length and on off, defended out watchfully.

Fraction short, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran shuffles, opens the face late and guides it down to third man for two runs.

Length ball, outside off. Gurbaz dabs it to short third man for a single.

Ibrahim Zadran walks out to bat at number 3. Also, Sanchit Sharma to bowl from the other end.

OUT! CAUGHT! Junaid Siddique draws first blood. It is a huge wicket for United Arab Emirates. Hazratullah Zazai walks back on just one run. United Arab Emirates are off to an ideal start with the ball. It is a length ball, outside off. Hazratullah Zazai stands tall and tries to smack it through the line. He does not time his shot well and it chips to mid off. Muhammad Waseem takes a sitter there.

Edgy! It is a length ball, on fifth stump. Hazratullah Zazai gets an inside edge on it, but thankfully the ball goes past the stumps. The ball goes to short third.

Full and on leg. Gurbaz strokes it towards mid on. The batters take a single.

Junaid Siddique serves a length ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz presses forward and blocks it into the deck.

FIVE WIDES! It is full, down the leg side. It is lands and goes further away and out of the wicket-keeper's reach. It runs down to the fine leg fence.

Junaid Siddique goes a bit short, close to off stump. Hazratullah Zazai is cramped for room. He works it to backward point for a single.

A length ball, on off. Zazai stays back and taps it out.

BYE! Short ball, on fifth stump, swinging away. Zawar Farid tries to smack it but misses. Rohan Mustafa though gets to the other end in a flash and they collect a bye. United Arab Emirates end their innings at 142/5.

WIDE! A slower length ball, going down leg. Wide called.

Back of a length, on off. Rohan Mustafa heaves it across the line to deep mid-wicket. There is protection in the deep and they only take a single.

Rohan Mustafa drives this full ball to sweeper cover. The batters take two runs.

On a length, on off, defended out.

FOUR! Good shot. Back of a length, on off. Rohan Mustafa swivels and pulls it to wide long on fora cracking boundary.

Zawar Farid is the next man in.

OUT! RUN OUT! Fazalhaq Farooqi now drops a return catch but he redeems himself by winning the race to the non-striker's end which forces Aayan Khan to walk back to the dressing room. It is a length ball, on off. Khan makes room and hits it back to the bowler. Fazalhaq Farooqi gets two chances to complete the catch but it lands on the ground safely. Khan ventures out for a single. Fazalhaq Farooqi is quick to pick the ball up and takes the bails off.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-0-24-0).

Aayan Khan stands tall and pulls it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Top shot. It is pitched up, wide of off. Aayan Khan leans in and crunches it through cover-point for a cracking boundary.

Dropped! Naveen-ul-Haq drops a return catch here. It wasn't even hit hard. A huge chance goes abegging. It is a slower bumper, on off. Khan only manages to chip it back to the bowler but Naveen-ul-Haq spills it out.

Fuller, attacking the pads. Rohan Mustafa clips it to square leg. A run is taken.

Naveen-ul-Haq fires in a yorker, in the blockhole, on leg. Rohan Mustafa moves back and flicks it to wide of long on. Two taken.

It is full, tailing into the pads. Khan hangs back and nudges it towards mid on. They only get a single.

Change of ends for Naveen-ul-Haq (3-0-18-0).

A slower short ball, on the body. Khan drags his pull shot to deep square leg and gets a single. He will retain the strike here.

FOUR! Nicely played. A full-length ball, outside off. Khan opens the face and steers it through backward point for four runs.

A slower bumper, angled into the body. Rohan Mustafa gets it over the bowler off the outer half and the ball lands safely out of the reach of Fazalhaq Farooqi. One taken.

Short this time, with some width on offer. Khan reaches out and helps it towards sweeper cover. They take one.

Good length, outside off. It flies off the deck. Rohan Mustafa gets some bat on it and works it to covers for a quick single.

Short and outside off. Rohan Mustafa tries to free his arms but could only find the fielder at mid off.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-0-16-0) replaces Naveen-ul-Haq.

Full and on off. Khan gets forward and blocks it out. Rashid Khan ends his spell of 4 overs on an expensive note. He gives away 11 runs off his final over.

On leg stump. Rohan Mustafa flicks it to the leg side for a single.

FOUR! Second boundary of the over. Rohan Mustafa now joins the party. It is flatter, on off. Rohan Mustafa shuffles and reverse-hits it past the short third man. The ball has enough legs to reach the fence.

A googly this time, full and on leg. Khan nudges it to the leg side and takes a single.

FOUR! Khan plays it late and to perfection. It is short, turning away. Khan gives himself a little bit of room and cuts it in front of short third man for four runs.

This is darted on the pads. Mustafa flicks it to the leg side and crosses.

Length and on off, defended out. A successful over come to an end.

Naveen-ul-Haq follows the batter down leg with a length ball. Rohan Mustafa makes some room and punches it through covers for a single.

Good length, wide of off. Khan cuts it past backward point for a single.

Aayan Khan walks out to bat now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Good work in the field by Karim Janat. An entertaining knock from Chundangapoyil Rizwan comes to an end. It is an inswinger, full and on off. Rizwan drives it towards sweeper cover. Rizwan calls for two runs and sprints back for the second run. Karim Janat throws it flat and hard to the wicket-keeper. Chundangapoyil Rizwan puts in a desparate dive and he thinks that he is in. The umpire takes it upstairs. The replays show that Rizwan's blade bounces off the deck and the final decision is out.

Halt! Rohan Mustafa looks in some trouble as the physio is applying the magic spray on his knees. We are good to continue now.

A length ball, on off. Rohan Mustafa gets an inside edge on to his pads. It rolls out towards short third. Single taken.

Fraction short, outside off. Rizwan waits for it and runs it down to third man for an easy single.

No Hat-trick for Rashid Khan! He fires this one full and on middle, Rohan Mustafa turns it off the inner half past backward square leg for a brace and gets off the mark.

Rohan Mustafa is the new batter in.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Rashid Khan with a double strike! He has done it again for his team. This is another googly, on off, turning in sharply, Basil Hameed prods forward to block and plays for the leg break. He misses and gets rapped around the pads right in front of the stumps. There is huge appeal again, and the finger is raised again. Rashid Khan is on a hat-trick now!

Basil Hameed comes in at number 4.

OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan strikes! Muhammad Waseem's struggling knock comes to an end. This is a googly, short and on off, skidding through, Muhammad Waseem moves back to work it away, but plays down the wrong line and gets hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. Although, Rashid Khan was celebrating even before that. United Arab Emirates two down now.

DROPPED AND SIX! Rashid Khan is not happy with the effort from the fielder. This is a full toss, on middle, Muhammad Waseem slogs it towards the deep sqaure leg fence where Azmatullah Omarzai settles under it, but only manages to parry it over the fence for a maximum.

Quicker, short and on off, Muhammad Waseem chops it towards backward point.

Floated, short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan works it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai bowls another short delivery, outside off, shaping further away, Muhammad Waseem slashes at it, but misses and Afsar Zazai behind the stumps fails to grab it cleanly due to the extra bounce.

Short and a around off, Muhammad Waseem tries to cut it away, but fails to connect.

Azmatullah Omarzai nails the yorker, on off, Muhammad Waseem is a bit late to put down his bat to dig it out, and misses.

A juicy full toss, on off, Muhammad Waseem smashes it straight to covers. The bowler gets away with this one.

FOUR! Fine shot! Azmatullah Omarzai lands this short and on middle, Muhammad Waseem stays there and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Overthrows! This is on a good length and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan taps it towards point while Waseem sets off for the run, but he is sent back. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end with no back up and the batters get the run now.

FOUR! Muhammad Waseem finds the fence this time! This is tossed up, full and on leg, Muhammad Waseem goes down and slog-sweeps it towards the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Quicker one, short and on leg, Muhammad Waseem looks to flick it away, but misses and gets hit on the pads

Short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan forces it over mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Muhammad Waseem goes for the slog-sweep, but mistimes it. It lands in front of deep sqaure leg. They cross.

Flatter, short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan knocks it to the right of the bowler and sets off for the run, Mujeeb Ur Rahman picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. It was game over for Rizwan if that was a direct hit.

Uppish but safe! This is flaoted, full and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drives it uppishly but wide of covers and the long off fielder shows some fancy footwork to stop it. Two runs taken!

Karim Janat nails the yorker this time, on middle, Muhammad Waseem only manages to dig it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Waseem swings across the line, but miscues his heave back towards the bowler.

On a length and on off again, Chundangapoyil Rizwan dabs it in front of point for a run.

SIX! What a shot! Karim Janat bangs this short and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan waits for it, watches it through and upper cuts it over the third man fence for a biggie.

This is on a good length and on off, skidding through, Chundangapoyil Rizwan tries to cut it close from his body, but misses.

Fuller one and around off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan lofts it towards sweeper covers and comes back for the second.

Floated, full and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drills it through cover-point for a single.

NOT OUT! Narrow escape for Rizwan! This is slower through the air, on off, tempts the batter to drive, Chundangapoyil Rizwan obliges but gets beaten by the turn away and Afsar Zazai behind the stumps breaks the stumps. The replays shows that Rizwan just manages to get his back foot down when the stumps are broken.

Is it stumped? The square leg umpire takes it upstairs. At first glance it looks like Rizwan has some part of his back foot behind the crease. The third umpire agrees and Chundangapoyil Rizwan survives.

SIX! Chundangapoyil Rizwan breaks the shackles! This is tossed up around middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan skips down the track and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Slightly shorter and on leg, Muhammad Waseem flicks it off the back foot towards deep square leg for one.

Another googly, short and around off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan guides it towards short third man for a quick run.

A googly now, short and on middle, keeps low, Muhammad Waseem moves back and tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Time-Out! United Arab Emirates are going good at the moment after losing a wicket early. Muhammad Waseem and Chundangapoyil Rizwan have build a good partnership, but now one of them need to try to take some risks to increase the scoring rate. Afghanistan would not mind this as they know if they take a couple of quick wickets, they will go ahead in this game. An exciting second phase of this innings awaits us.

A single to end! Muhammad Waseem swivels and pulls this short one to deep square leg. One run taken.

Chundangapoyil Rizwan stands back and cuts this short ball to sweeper cover for one run.

A well-directed bouncer, on off. Rizwan hops and tries to put it away but misses. He is very surprised as to why it is not called as a wide.

Length, on fourth stump. Waseem goes back and punches it to cover. The fielder overthrows which allows the batter to collect a single.

Swing and a miss! Good length, outside off. This one flies off the deck. Muhammad Waseem looks to go after it but connects with thin air.

Goes full and on off. Waseem defends it out watchfully.

Karim Janat has been introduced into the attack now.

Three dots in a row to end! A tidy one from Khan to start with. Floated and full, on off, Rizwan defends it out.

Length and on off. Rizwan knocks it to cover.

Tosses it up, around off. It turns away a touch. The ball goes to short third off the outside edge.

On leg stump, Waseem goes back and clips it to the leg side for a single.

Darted on the pads, Rizwan nudges it to square leg for a single.

Quicker and full, outside off. Rizwan leans in and drives it past extra covers. The batters pick two runs. These two are running really well between the wickets.

Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.

Fraction short, outside off. Waseem chops it towards point.

A single now as this is lofted over the off side.

Lands short! 50 up for United Arab Emirates. It is a full-length ball, just outside off. Muhammad Waseem throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball takes the outside edge and flies down to third man. The fielder there is late to pick up the ball. The batters cross.

Muhammad Waseem hangs back and punches it through the cover region. The batters collect a brace.

A length ball, wide of off. Rizwan opens the face late and guides it down to third man for one more.

Back of a length, on off. Muhammad Waseem pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one run.

Floated and full, on fourth stump. Rizwan defends it out solidly.

WIDE! Mujeeb Ur Rahman errs in his line this time. It is full, sliding down leg. Wide called.

Excellent running! It is full, on off. Rizwan strokes it down to long on. The batters take two runs.

Rizwan presses forward and blocks this full one.

A slider this time, on leg stump. Waseem flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Goes full and on off. Waseem gets an inside edge on his pads.

Floats it up, angled into the pads. Rizwan nudges it past mid on for a single.

Fullish and around leg, Muhammad Waseem flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. United Arab Emirates are on 40/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

On a length and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan pushes it through covers for another run.

A slower one now, full and on middle, Muhammad Waseem tucks it towards mid on for a run.

Goes fuller and just around off, Muhammad Waseem tries to drive it on the up, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

This is on a good length and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan looks to block it, but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards the leg slip region. They cross.

Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a pitched-up delivery, on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drives it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Naveen-ul-Haq comes into the attack now.

Fires this one full and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drills it towards mid off and scampers across for a run. He had to put in a dive as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Flatter, short and on off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan keeps it out to the off side.

Darts this one full and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan drives it towards mid off.

Quicker one, short and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan pushes it towards short covers.

FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up, full and around off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan stays there and lofts it over covers for a beautiful boundary.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman starts with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes into the attack now.

On a length and outside off, Muhammad Waseem thinks about playing it, but withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Fuller one and on the pads, Chundangapoyil Rizwan works it wide of mid on for a single.

FOUR! Chundangapoyil Rizwan gets off the mark in style! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this short and wide outside off, Chundangapoyil Rizwan stays there and cuts it past point for a boundary.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, Chundangapoyil Rizwan blocks it down the pitch.

This is on a hard length and on off, holds it line, Chundangapoyil Rizwan tries to play at it, but gets beaten on the ouside edge.

Chundangapoyil Rizwan walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CASTLED! Azmatullah Omarzai draws first blood! He gets rid of the dangerous looking, Vriitya Aravind with a dream of a delivery. Azmatullah Omarzai lands this on a good length and around off, nips back in sharply, Vriitya Aravind looks to play at it, but does so in the wrong line and the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. A short and crisp knock from him comes to an end. United Arab Emirates lose their first wicket!

FOUR! Nice shot! This is poor from Fazalhaq Farooqi. He bowls another short delivery, on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Muhammad Waseem swivels and pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and outside off, Vriitya Aravind steers it towards third man for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Fazalhaq Farooqi bangs this short and on middle, Vriitya Aravind gets into position quickly and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi pitches it up, on off, angling away this time, Vriitya Aravind swings across the line, but misses it completely.

Short of a length and on off, Vriitya Aravind chops it down towards first slip.

FOUR! A streaky boundary! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls this a touch fuller and on off, shaping in, Vriitya Aravind looks to push it away, but gets an inside edge past short fine leg for a boundary.

BEAUTY! Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this on a hard length and on the fifth stump line, straightens after hitting the deck, Muhammad Waseem tries to poke at it, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length and around leg, Vriitya Aravind helps it towards short fine leg for a run.

Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Waseem taps it in front of covers and scampers across for a single.

Azmatullah Omarzai bowls this short of a length and outside off, Muhammad Waseem slashes at it, but misses.

Fuller one and on middle, swinging in sharply, Vriitya Aravind misses his flick as the ball deflects off his pads towards mid-wicket. A leg bye is taken.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai begins with a hard-length delivery down the leg side, Vriitya Aravind clips it towards short fine leg where Ibrahim Zadran lets it through for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack.

Goes fuller and on off, shaping in, Muhammad Waseem knocks it towards mid off.

This is on a good length, but drifting down the leg, Vriitya Aravind looks to paddle it away, but gets an inside edge towards the left of the keeper. They cross.

Overpitched and on off, Vriitya Aravind drills it straight towards mid off.

Full again around leg this time, swinging further to the leg side, Vriitya Aravind misses his flick as the ball brushes against his pads and goes towards the keeper. There is half an appeal, but turned down.

United Arab Emirates and Vriitya Aravind are underway! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full and on middle, Vriitya Aravind drives it down the ground wide of mid on where the fielder slides to his left, but fails to stop it cleanly. Two runs taken!

Fazalhaq Farooqi starts with a good-length delivery, on off, shaping in, Vriitya Aravind looks to play it, but misses it as the ball rolls towards the keeper.

We are all set for the start of the first T20I! The players are already out in the middle. Muhammad Waseem and Vriitya Aravind are the two openers for United Arab Emirates. Fazalhaq Farooqi to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

Chundangapoyil Rizwan, the captain of United Arab Emirates says that they would bowled first as well. Adds that there is some grass on the pitch, but now they will be need to take up the challenge and put some runs on the board. Tells that the team is improving and with the ILT20 happening, it has given a lot of players the chance to perform and gain experience playing alongside the best players in the world. Mentions that anything around 160-170 would be good for their bowlers to defend.

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan says that they will bowl first. Adds that it is a fresh wicket and they will want to get an idea of it and then chase it down. Tells that it is a new team and they are focusing on building a team for the next T20 World Cup. Mentions that it is a good wicket and they want to restrict their opponents under 150.

PITCH REPORT - Ahmed Raza is pitchside.He says that the pitch looks rock solid, but there is a hint of green grass on it. There will be dew coming in later in the game so both captains would favour chasing. Mentions that this a high scoring ground.

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

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

Afghanistan have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.

United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, is a good side, and the players have played a lot of cricket in the last twelve months. They play at home, and it will make the game interesting. Chundangapoyil Rizwan will look for a perfect start to the three-match series. The players know these conditions well, and the skipper would like to see them take advantage of them. It won’t be easy against Afghanistan, a strong side, and Rizwan will have to lead from the front along with Rohan Mustafa, who would be the key player for them if they want to get anything out of this match. Let's see who comes out on top. Toss and team news in a bit.

Afghanistan has lost only once against the United Arab Emirates and won all other games. They have two of the best spinners in the world who will enjoy bowling on this surface. Rashid Khan takes over the hot seat as the selectors decide to drop Mohammad Nabi from the side. He would like to start this stint of his captaincy with a win. Khan will look for a better show from his team on a surface that would suit them.

Hello and a warm welcome folks! It is the first game in the theee-match T20I series, and both teams would eye an early lead. Afghanistan are coming into this series under a new leader as Rashid Khan has taken over captaincy for this format and they will look to overcome the losing spree they had during the T20 World Cup. For the United Arab Emirates, it is a good opportunity to lock horns with a stronger side and improve their game in home conditions.

... MATCH DAY ...

The cricket fever is on, and we are set to get entertained by another exciting series coming our way. United Arab Emirates are ready to take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series at home. All the games will be at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, but our focus here will be on the opening match. Till now, whenever UAE went head-to-head with Afghanistan, the battle would mostly end up being a one-sided affair. UAE has in the past been castled by the heroics of Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and Karim Janat. However, United Arab Emirates did get lucky on one occasion when their all-time legend Rohan Mustafa stepped up his game with the ball and prevented Afghanistan from getting over the line. UAE will need their senior men to stand up and deliver if they are to cause any sort of upheaval in the Afghanistan dressing room. Although UAE has fared relatively well against associate nations like Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman, they have largely found themselves vulnerable against full member nation teams. With many youngsters, mostly expats, making their way through to the national side, UAE is beginning to look like a much improved side. Also, the recently concluded ILT20 must have helped them gain experience, and a few players like Sanchit Sharma, Aayan Khan, and Fareed Ahmad showed their potential in the tournament. They will want to bring their best game to international stage while others like Muhammad Waseem, Chundangapoyil Rizwan and Zahoor Khan will look to support them as they are already established players. Their skills and their temperament as a side will be put to the test against a fairly resilient T20I side. On the other hand, Afghanistan has a lot of players in their dugout who have a wealth of franchise cricket experience under their belt to dazzle the home side cheaply. Besides, they have given tough competition to many top T20I sides and have also pushed some teams to the brink of massive upsets. With loads of experience under their belt as a team, coupled with talented superstars like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Najibullah Zadran to name a few who are itching to make their presence felt, Afghanistan looks a far more threatening side than the United Arab Emirates. Will they be able to continue their dominance over the home team? Or will UAE cause an upset? We will find out soon.