Worldwide cricket fans enjoyed a thrilling match as the UAE vs AFG in the Sharjah T20I Tri-Nation Series 2025. It was played at the storied Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match was about the score, records, milestones, and a test for the newest cricketing nations.
Afghanistan was able to take home an 38-run win and the game featured enough drama, personal brilliantity, and lessons that will be remembered for the rest of time. This comprehensive blog will review everything from the match’s overview, the breakdown of the players’ innings highlights, Rashid Khan’s historical milestone, and its consequences for both teams.
Sharjah T20I Tri-Series 2025: The Bigger Picture
The tri-series included UAE vs Afg and Pakistan in the Double round robin structure between August 29 and September 7, 2025..
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Format: T20 International (20 overs per side)
- Scope: A warm-up exercise to prepare for the Asia Cup 2025, allowing the three teams to test their strategies and reserve strength.
This was a chance for the UAE to demonstrate its cricketing abilities against nations with stronger teams and show its progress as a cricket force. For Afghanistan, it was all about gaining momentum and enhancing their skills before entering larger tournaments.
Afghanistan’s Commanding Batting Performance
Afghanistan started the game with a bang when they won the toss and decided to bat first. Their batters looked fierce and aggressive. They were also well-prepared.
Top Performers:
- Ibrahim Zadran: scored 63 runs from forty balls (6 fours and three sixes). His innings was the foundation for Afghanistan and a blend of traditional strokes and modern T20 power-hitting.
- Sediqullah Atal: Scored a solid 54 off just 40, assisting Zadran superbly in the first partnership.
- Darwish Rasooli: added fast 10 runs within seven balls to keep the pace lively.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Unbeaten, 20points in just 10 deliveries, giving an amazing finish, with beautiful blows.
Final Afghanistan Score: 188/4 in 20 overs
UAE’s Bowling Analysis
- Mohammad Rohid Khan: the bowler, picked up two wickets and scored 28 runs. The best bowler in the UAE.
- Saghir Khan: also bagged two wickets, but it was costly in patches.
- Other bowlers: had to fight to limit the Afghan batters, allowing boundaries regularly.
Afghanistan’s batting showed its versatility and depth–a blend of strength at the front and explosive power in the finishing.
UAE’s Fighting Chase
The pursuit of 189 points against Afghanistan wasn’t going to be an easy task. However, the UAE displayed courage and determination because of the leadership and determination shown by their captain, a rising star.
Key Performers:
- Muhammad Waseem (Captain):
- Astonished with 67 runs from 37 balls (8 fours and four sixes).
- The team played with confidence against spin and pace. The UAE’s hopes remained alive in the middle overs and powerplay.
- Rahul Chopra:
- The team was unbeaten, with 52 runs from 35 balls*.
- On the one hand, his calmness gave some stability to a falling batsman’s order.
Despite this, the wickets were thrown frequently. The Afghanistan bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, proved too powerful.
Final UAE Score: 150/8 in 20 overs
Result: Lost by 38 runs
Rashid Khan: The Record Breaker
The main topic of discussion during the game is Rashid Khan’s historical milestone.
- Bowling Statistics: 3 wickets for 21 runs in just four overs.
- Milestone: Overcame Tim Southee’s record of 164 wickets to become the highest wicket-taker in T20 International history.
Why Rashid’s Achievement Matters
- Rashid’s consistent performance in T20Is throughout the years is unbeatable.
- Just 26, he’s already been a dominant player in leagues across the globe (IPL, BBL, CPL) and is now the world record holder.
- His ability to adapt, invent, and perform under pressure has earned him a place among cricket’s greatest T20 legendary players.
Success wasn’t only about numbers but leadership, discipline, and the art of leg-spin, which are crucial components of modern cricket.
Ball-by-Ball Turning Points
- Powerplay dominance: Afghanistan openers Zadran and Atal scored quickly, achieving 70+ within the first eight overs.
- Middle-Order Acceleration: Omarzai’s final step ensured Afghanistan passed the 180-run mark.
- Waseem’s Counterattack: The six-hit run he had in the powerplay has given UAE confidence.
- Rashid’s Magic: His wickets at crucial times stopped the momentum of the UAE.
- Death Overs Collapse: UAE lost quick wickets in the last overs, ensuring Afghanistan’s victory.
Detailed Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Best Bowlers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 188/4 (20) | Zadran (63), Atal (54) | Rashid (3/21) | Won by 38 runs |
| UAE | 150/8 (20) | Waseem (67), Chopra (52*) | Rohid Khan (2/28) | Lost by 38 runs |
Analysis: What This Means for Both Teams
Afghanistan
Strengths: include a balanced side with the explosive batting of the magic that is Rashid Khan.
Areas to Improve: middle-order depth above the top 3 batters.
United Arab Emirates
Strengths: Waseem and Chopra demonstrated their ability to compete at an international level.
Areas to Improve: Bowling discipline, controlling large hitters, and middle-order stability.
This loss served as an indication that, even though the UAE is growing, it requires more experience to be able to compete with the best teams.
Impact Beyond the Scorecard
- Afghanistan: boosts confidence ahead of the Asia Cup and World T20 qualifying tournaments. Their reputation as giant killers is only growing.
- For the UAE: these matches provide players with a wealth of exposure and help them develop their abilities and mentality to compete in future tournaments.
- For Rashid Khan: Cemented his status as a global superstar with a record-breaking world.
Key Player Spotlight
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
- Role: Opener
- Impact: anchored the innings and formed partnerships.
Muhammad Waseem (UAE)
- Role: Captain and Opening Batter
- Impact: His brisk hitting proved the UAE could stand up to world-class opponents.
Rashid Khan (AFG)
- Role: Captain and Leg-Spinner
- Impact: Record-breaking and match-winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who took home the UAE match against Afghanistan T20I match in 2025?
Afghanistan took the victory by 38 runs..
Q2. Which was the top scorer of the game?
Ibrahim Zadran (63 runs) for Afghanistan and Muhammad Waseem (67 runs) for the UAE.
Q3. Which record did Rashid Khan break?
He was the top cricketer of all time in T20I history and beat Tim Southee.
Q4. What was the overall scoring?
UAE scored 150/8 in the 20 overs..
Q5. Where was the game held?
At the famous Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE.
Final Thoughts
The UAE vs Afg in the 2025 game was much more than a T20I in the group stage. It was a war of resiliency, pride, and landmarks. Afghanistan showed why they’re one of the top teams playing T20 cricket by combining strong batters with world-class bowling. Rashid Khan’s record-breaking performance added historic significance to the match.
This loss was a disappointment for the UAE, but the spirit displayed by Muhammad Waseem and Rahul Chopra was enormously positive. With greater visibility, the UAE could soon become an international force in cricket.
Both teams will learn important lessons when the Sharjah T20I Tri-Series 2025 progresses. With renewed optimism, UAE vs Afg are determined to catch up with more powerful opponents.