Omarzai’s Four-For Keeps UAE in Check as Afghanistan Restrict Rivals to 160/9

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling effort, spearheaded by an outstanding spell from Azmatullah Omarzai, ensured that the United Arab Emirates’ promising middle-order recovery did not blossom into a commanding total. In a Group D encounter of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, Afghanistan restricted the UAE to 160 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that appeared competitive but far from imposing.

On a surface that offered a hint of moisture early on, Omarzai delivered a match-defining spell of 4 for 15. Mixing his lengths cleverly and varying his pace with intelligence, the all-rounder cut through the lower half of the UAE batting line-up at a crucial stage. He was ably supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who claimed two key wickets, while Rashid Khan bowled a characteristically economical spell that applied sustained pressure through the middle overs.

Despite losing early wickets, the UAE showed resilience through a fluent third-wicket partnership between Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu. The pair added a valuable 84 runs, countering Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack with measured aggression and smart strike rotation. Their stand brought momentum back into the innings and laid the platform for the UAE to push towards a competitive total.

The innings began on a nervy note for the UAE. Opener Aryansh Sharma survived a tense moment on the very first ball, when an edge off the bat failed to carry to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. After a prolonged DRS check, the third umpire ruled him not out. However, the reprieve proved brief. On the fourth delivery of the over, a near-identical appeal followed, this time resulting in a dismissal after the review confirmed the faint edge.

Muhammad Waseem then injected early intent into the innings. He unfurled a powerful push past mid-on before following it up with a slog sweep that raced to the boundary at square leg after a misfield. Back-to-back boundaries suggested a promising start, but his stay was cut short when Mujeeb trapped him lbw. Replays showed the ball clipping the top of off stump, ending Waseem’s cameo just as he looked set.

UAE’s scoring rate lifted through the fourth and fifth overs, with Sohaib and Sharafu taking the attack to Afghanistan’s bowlers. Sohaib was particularly impressive against Ziaur Rahman, finding the boundary through backward point, edging one past the keeper, and then pulling confidently over square leg. A no-ball in the sequence only compounded Afghanistan’s frustration, allowing the partnership to gain further momentum.

Sharafu, meanwhile, found his rhythm against Mujeeb, lofting him straight down the ground and sweeping with authority. The duo combined to plunder 28 runs from successive overs, taking UAE to 55 for 2 at the end of the power-play and firmly shifting the momentum in their favour.

Afghanistan responded by tightening their lines. Mujeeb and Rashid operated with a slip in place, probing for edges and inviting the batters to make mistakes. Even so, occasional fuller deliveries allowed scoring opportunities. Sohaib capitalised by punishing Noor Ahmad with back-to-back boundaries and a towering six, while Sharafu also managed to clear the ropes against Rashid.

The crucial breakthrough came when Sharafu mistimed a lofted shot off Mujeeb and was caught at long-off, ending a promising knock of 40 and breaking the 84-run stand. From there, Afghanistan seized control. Omarzai returned to produce a decisive burst, squaring up Syed Haider and uprooting the top of off stump. Harshit Kaushik edged behind for a three-ball duck, and Muhammad Arfan was dismissed hit wicket off Rashid, who celebrated his landmark 700th wicket in T20 cricket.

Sohaib continued to anchor the innings and brought up his fifty with a lofted six over Rashid’s head, his second successive half-century at the venue. Alongside Haider Ali, he attempted a late flourish, taking 18 runs off the 18th over through a mix of inventive strokeplay and clean hitting. However, Omarzai returned to dismiss Sohaib, who top-edged a pull to the deep after slicing a boundary through point.

The final over saw further drama, with Haider and Junaid Siddique both run out as Afghanistan closed the innings tightly. In total, UAE managed 46 runs in the last five overs, but the steady loss of wickets ensured they could not fully capitalise on their middle-order surge.

With a target of 161, Afghanistan would feel confident, having executed their bowling plans with precision and discipline. Omarzai’s incisive spell stood out as the defining factor, underlining Afghanistan’s growing reputation as one of the most tactically astute bowling units in the tournament.

Brief Scores: UAE 160/9 in 20 overs (Sohaib Khan 68, Alishan Sharafu 40; Azmatullah Omarzai 4-15, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-31) against Afghanistan.