Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s century powered Afghanistan to clinch a 72-run win over United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the first T20I match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. After profitable the toss, UAE opted to discipline first however their resolution didn’t go of their favour after the hosts’ bowling assault did not maintain a verify on Afghanistan’s run price in Sharjah. Afghan opener Hazratullah Zazai (13 runs from 16 balls) did not make a mark however Gurbaz (100 runs from 52 balls) shined towards the UAE bowling assault to put up 203/3 for the Afghans. Ibrahim Zadran (59 runs from 43 balls) additionally performed a vital function by making a stable partnership with Gurbaz.

Maiden T20I Century! A Magnificent Innings By Gurbaz #UAEvAFG pic.twitter.com/RKkVCbaG5Q

— FanCode (@FanCode) December 29, 2023

On the opposite hand, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique and Aayan Khan have been the one wicket-takers for the host.

In the run chase, Vriitya Aravind (70* runs from 64 balls) performed an unbeaten knock within the second inning however couldn’t make a stable partnership along with his teammates.

Meanwhile, the Afghan bowling assault displayed a top quality efficiency to defend the goal. Fazalhaq Farooqi scalped two wickets in his four-over spell and gifted 19 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmad took one wicket every of their respective spells to seal a 72-run win within the first match of the three-game sequence.

Gurbaz was named the ‘Player of the Match’ after his onslaught within the first inning.

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