In a thrilling encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan stamped their authority on the three-match T20I series against UAE with a resounding victory. The Afghan team, led by a scintillating century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, showcased their prowess with both bat and ball, leaving UAE helpless in their pursuit of a challenging target.
Explosive batting display from Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan’s top-order batters set the stage ablaze, amassing a commanding total of 203/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performer was Gurbaz, who delivered a breathtaking century, scoring 100 runs off just 52 balls. Gurbaz’s innings featured seven fours and an equal number of sixes, leaving the UAE bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught.
Gurbaz was well-supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed a solid 59 off 43 balls and a quick cameo from Azmatullah Omarzai (19 off 8). The UAE bowlers, led by Junaid Siddique and Aayan Khan, found it challenging to stem the flow of runs.
Afghanistan’s dominant bowling display and UAE’s surrender
Chasing a formidable target of 204 runs, UAE faced an uphill battle against Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack. Despite a resilient effort from opener Vritiya Aravind, who fought hard for his 70 runs off 64 balls, UAE could only manage 131/4 in their 20 overs.
The Afghan bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s impressive performance (2 wickets for 19 runs), maintained control throughout the innings, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. The required run rate proved too demanding for UAE, and they succumbed to the pressure imposed by Afghanistan’s bowlers.
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Player of the Match
Undoubtedly, the Player of the Match award was won by Gurbaz, whose explosive century laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s convincing win. His aggressive yet composed innings set the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance in both innings.
Series lead and outlook
With this comprehensive win, Afghanistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. As both teams gear up for the second T20I on Sunday, December 31, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, all eyes will be on UAE’s determination to bounce back and Afghanistan’s quest to continue their dominance.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
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AfghanAtalan put on a dominant performance to beat the hosts UAE by 72 runs in the first game and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. 🤩👏#AfghanAtalan | #UAEvAFG202324 | @EtisalatAf pic.twitter.com/Uhr6QyZVaG
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 29, 2023
Gur-bossed 💯/💯 pic.twitter.com/89RtEiSlM7
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 29, 2023
One more achievement added to this year before it ends 🏻 , happy to perform and made a maiden century in t20’s 🇦🇫. Thanks to the crowd for coming in a huge numbers to support us. Keep praying many more to come in sha Allah. ❤️💯#AFGvUAE pic.twitter.com/D9aGW1vgne
— Rahmanullah Gurbaz (@RGurbaz_21) December 29, 2023
HUNDRED FOR RAHMANULLAH GURBAZ….!!!!
Hundred from 50 balls including 7 fours & 7 sixes in the first T20I against UAE – fantastic knock, ending 2023 on a high. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oJ2qp4njii
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 29, 2023
Rahmanullah Gurbaz becomes only the 3rd Afghan batter to smash a T20I century.
What an innings young man! pic.twitter.com/CXiBSMXk9r
— KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) December 29, 2023
Rahmanullah Gurbaz capped off 2023 with a spectacular century in the first T20I against UAE, showcasing brilliance with 7 fours and 7 sixes in a remarkable 52-ball innings.#UAEvAFG #RahmanullahGurbazpic.twitter.com/6qAG3o2qNz
— Swapnil Vats (@iamswapnilvats) December 29, 2023
100/50 Rahmanulla Gurbaz😍
Masha Allah Brilliant Batting👏#AFGvsUAE #AfghanAtalan #RahmanullahGurbaz pic.twitter.com/ORBuPXQX5A— Pathan Bhai (@PathanBhaiii) December 29, 2023
WHAT A KNOCK BY RAHMANULLAH GURBAZ…!!!!
He smashed 100 runs from 52 balls including 7 fours and 7 Sixes. His first T20I International Hundred – The Star of Afghanistan cricket. pic.twitter.com/VPDmYjiHNj
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) December 29, 2023
First T20 century for Rahmanullah Gurbaz 21
5️⃣2️⃣ Balls
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Runs
2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ strike rateCongratulations@RGurbaz_21 @ACBofficials pic.twitter.com/44rcguelKI
— faizullahtaniwal (@drfaiztaniwal) December 30, 2023
First one is always a special one, Scored his maiden T20I hundred and it came off in style with a bang Six. 💪💥
What an explosive knock this by Rahmanullah Gurbaz. 🔥
What a way to end 2023 on a high note, Well played @RGurbaz_21 👏👏#AFGvUAE #UAEvAFG #KKR pic.twitter.com/YINKYffm5f
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) December 29, 2023
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s maiden T20I century powers Afghanistan🇦🇫 to victory✌ @RGurbaz_21 @rashidkhan_19 pic.twitter.com/zN91abyl8D
— 🇦🇫HIKMAT KHAN 🇦🇫 (@HikmatK81939960) December 30, 2023
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