DELHI: United Arab Emirates posted 160 for 9 in 20 overs against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, giving Afghanistan a chaseable target at the innings break in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash.
UAE’s total was built largely around Sohaib Khan’s 84 off 57 balls, an innings that held their batting together as wickets fell regularly at the other end. He dominated the scoring through the middle overs, finding the boundary often enough to keep UAE competitive despite limited support in partnerships.
Afghanistan’s standout performer was Azmatullah Omarzai, who ripped through the UAE line-up with 4 for 15 in his four overs, repeatedly breaking stands and ensuring UAE never fully accelerated in the death overs.
The final stretch produced a brief late push, with Sohaib striking a six late in the innings as UAE tried to maximise their finish, but Afghanistan’s attack largely kept the scoring in check and forced UAE into a series of wicket-losing strokes.
Afghanistan will feel the target is within reach, but the conditions and UAE’s total suggest a chase that will still require smart Powerplay management and calm batting through the middle overs.
