AFG vs UAE Match Preview
AFG vs UAE: Sharjah, UAE – Afghanistan will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates in what promises to be an exciting T20 encounter at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 5th. The match, scheduled for an 08:30 PM start, will see a formidable Afghan side, fresh off impressive performances, take on the hosts who will be eager to prove their mettle in familiar conditions.
Afghanistan enters this contest with a wave of confidence, having recently secured victories against stronger opposition. Their players are in fine form, and they will be looking to continue their winning momentum. For the UAE, this match presents a crucial opportunity to test their skills against a top-tier associate nation and fine-tune their preparations for upcoming tournaments.
AFG vs UAE Match Details
AFG vs UAE Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has historically been a paradise for spinners, and this encounter is expected to be no different. The pitch is known to be on the slower side, with the ball gripping the surface, making it challenging for batsmen to play expansive strokes freely. As the match progresses, the wear and tear on the wicket will likely offer even more assistance to the spinners.
Captains winning the toss might be inclined to bat first, as setting a target on this pitch can be advantageous. A score in the region of 160-170 could be considered a competitive total. The relatively shorter boundaries will still offer some respite to the batsmen who are willing to take calculated risks.
AFG vs UAE Weather Report
The weather in Sharjah on match day is expected to be hot and humid. The temperature is forecasted to be around 39°C during the day, cooling down slightly in the evening. There is no prediction of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The high humidity could lead to dew becoming a factor in the second innings, potentially making it slightly more challenging for the bowlers to grip the ball.
AFG vs UAE Head to Head
Afghanistan has historically held a significant advantage over the UAE in the T20 format. Out of the 12 T20 Internationals played between the two sides, Afghanistan has emerged victorious on 9 occasions, while the UAE has managed to win 3. This dominant record will undoubtedly give the Afghan side a psychological edge heading into this clash.
AFG vs UAE Possible Playing11
Afghanistan (AFG): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra (wk), Ethan D’Souza, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Junaid Siddique
AFG vs UAE Match Prediction
Given their current form, superior head-to-head record, and the spin-friendly conditions that perfectly complement their bowling attack, Afghanistan will start as the firm favorites to win this match. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi could prove to be a handful for the UAE batsmen on the Sharjah surface.
However, the UAE will be playing in their backyard and will be well-acquainted with the conditions. If their key players like skipper Muhammad Waseem and the hard-hitting Asif Khan can fire, they have the potential to challenge the Afghan side.
Ultimately, Afghanistan’s all-round strength and experience are likely to see them through in this encounter.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match.
