Gurbaz century helps Afghanistan crush UAE in first T20

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): Afghanistan have trounced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 72 runs in the first match of the T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The UAE won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat. Afghanistan posted 203 for three wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 100 off 52 balls, his maiden century in T20Is. Captain Ibrahim Zadran chipped in with 59 off 43 balls.

Chasing a target of 204 to win, the UAE were behind the asking rate all along after losing openers Shah and Waseem. They were restricted to 131 for the loss of four wickets.

Vriitya Aravind appeared to take up the gauntlet when he hit an impressive 70 from 64 balls but lacked the support required against a disciplined Afghanistan attack.

Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan as he claimed two wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmad picked one each.

Gurbaz was adjudged as the Man of the Match for scoring an incredible 100 off just 52 deliveries, striking seven fours and as many sixes.

The two sides will meet in their second T20 on Sunday at the same venue.

kk/mud

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