Jawad, Naseer star as UAE beat Afghanistan by 11 runs in second T20

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

Muhammad Jawadullah and Ali Naseer's brilliant bowling performance helped UAE pulled off a dramatic 11-run victory over Afghanistan in the 2nd T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, proving their mettle against the more fancied opponents.

Opting to bat first, UAE rode on a fiery knock from captain Muhammad Waseem (53 off 32), who bludgeoned 4 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 165.62.

Aryan Lakra's unbeaten 63 off 47 balls provided able support, pushing the hosts to a respectable 166/7.

Afghanistan's bowling attack, spearhead by Azmatullah Omarzai and Qais Ahmad (two wickets each), kept things tight but couldn't prevent the UAE from posting a challenging total.

Chasing 167, Afghanistan succumbed to the stupendous bowling efforts of Jawadullah and Naseer, who ripped through the batting order with four wickets apiece.

Only Mohammad Nabi (47 off 27) and Hazratullah Zazai (36 off 27) offered any real resistance, but their efforts proved insufficient. With their bowlers dismantling the Afghanistan chase, UAE secured a stunning victory, restricting their opponents to 155.

Junaid Siddique and Akif Raja also picked up a wicket each. For his exceptional bowling performance, Naseer was adjudged the "Player of the Match."