Sharjah, September 2 (H.S.): Afghanistan clinched their first victory of the Tri-Series by overpowering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a convincing 38-run win on Monday night, propelled by a historic feat from star spinner Rashid Khan. The 26-year-old Rashid etched his name in the record books, becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20 international cricket, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee.

Rashid claimed 3 wickets in the match, taking his tally to 165 T20I wickets and overtaking Southee's record of 164. His scalps included Ethan D’Souza (12), Asif Khan (1), and Dhruv Parashar (1), marking a monumental achievement in his illustrious career.

Earlier, Afghanistan set a formidable total of 188 for 4, thanks to strong batting performances from Ibrahim Zadran (63 runs off 40 balls, 4 sixes, 3 fours) and Sedikullah Atal (54 off 40, 3 sixes, 4 fours), who anchored an 84-run second-wicket partnership. Notably, Atal registered his maiden T20I half-century. Finishing the innings with a flourish, Karim Janat (23* off 10, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and Azmatullah Omarzai (20* off 12, 2 sixes) provided a late surge. For the UAE, Muhammad Rohid and Sagheer Khan picked up two wickets each.

Chasing a stiff target, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem blazed to 67 off 37 balls (6 sixes, 4 fours) for his 23rd T20I fifty, giving his side a flying start. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse; UAE managed only 150 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short despite the explosive opening.

This comprehensive win revives Afghanistan’s campaign in the Tri-Series. Pakistan, having already won both previous matches, will next face Afghanistan on Tuesday. Each team plays twice in the round-robin, with the top two sides advancing to the final on September 7 .

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar