After a dominant display with the bat and the ball, Afghanistan managed to defeat UAE the by 11 runs in their first T20 match, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Wednesday.
Karim Janat, who was playing his first T20 match for Afghanistan, put in a performance to remember with the bat and ball. He scored 25 runs from 24 balls and also managed to take the wickets of the UAE's top batsman in Mohammed Qasim, Mohammed Shahzad and Rohan Mustafa. Afghanistan will be hoping the 18-year-old can put in a similar performance in the second T20 and help them clinch the series. The youngster was also awarded the Player of the Match award for his superb innings.
After a disappointing first match, the UAE will be looking to level the series when they face Afghanistan later today. A positive sign for the UAE from the first match was the performance of batsman Rameez Shahzad, who scored 49 runs of 32 balls, and Mohammed Shahzad. Mohammed Shahzad disappointed with the bat scoring only 2 runs but he made up for that by taking 3 wickets. UAE openers Mohammed Qasim and Rohan Mustafa will have to perform better in the second match if they are to come out with a win.
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Afghanistan were clear favourites leading up to this series and they did not disappoint in the first match. The UAE, on the other hand, will be looking for a strong response in the second match as another loss today would mean they would lose the series.
The second T20 between the UAE and Afghanistan will take place today at the Dubai International Stadium.
Match Schedule
December 16th Friday – 2nd T20 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai (2:00 pm local time, 3:30 pm IST and 10:00 am GMT)
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