Afghanistan Stun UAE, Join Bangladesh In Elite List With Most T20I Wins At A Single Venue

Afghanistan equals Bangladesh's record  [Source: AFP]

On Friday, Afghanistan pulled off a thrilling four-run win against UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The victory not only gave them three straight wins in the ongoing T20I tri-series but also helped them enter the record books. 

Notably, with his win Afghanistan matched Bangladesh’s elite record of winning 20 T20I at a single venue.

Batting first, Afghanistan scored 170 for 4 in 20 overs. Captain Ibrahim Zadran led from the front with a solid 48 runs (35), including three fours and three sixes. He shared a 98-run opening stand with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who contributed 40 runs. 

Later, Karim Janat’s quick-fire 28 from just 14 balls, along with unbeaten knocks from Gulbadin Naib (20*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (14*), powered Afghanistan to a competitive total.

In response, UAE started brightly against them, thanks to captain Muhammad Waseem’s 44 off 29 balls. However, after he was dismissed, the pressure mounted. Asif Khan almost turned the game around with a fearless innings of 40 from 28 balls, smashing boundaries at will.

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With 14 runs needed in the final over, UAE seemed within touching distance of victory. However, Afghan pacer Fareed Ahmad held his nerve and dismissed Asif on the very last ball to seal a dramatic win. UAE ended at 166 for 5.

Afghanistan Join Bangladesh In Rare T20I Club

Notably, the win was special for Afghanistan as it marked their 20th T20I win at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. They are now only the second team after Bangladesh to achieve this feat. Bangladesh hold the top spot with 24 wins in Mirpur, Dhaka. 

However, Afghanistan stand out as the first team to record 20 wins on a foreign ground, making the achievement even more historic.

Pakistan and South Africa follow on this list, with Pakistan winning 18 matches at Dubai International Stadium and 16 in Lahore, while South Africa have 14 wins at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium.

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