‘Biggest shock of 2023 in last hours’ – Fans react as UAE beat Afghanistan by 11 runs in 2nd T20I
History has been recorded in the cricketing world as the UAE defeated the Afghanistan side in the second T20I game, which was played on December 31 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Dubai. UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem won the toss and invited the Afghanistan side to field first in the game.
After opting to bat first, the hosts had a great start as skipper Muhammad Waseem piled up 53 runs from 32 balls featuring four boundaries and three sixes and stitched the great stand with Lakra, who also hammered an unbeaten 63 runs from 47 balls featuring three boundaries and four sixes. However, following them, no other batters could pile up runs, which helped them post just 166/7 in the given 20 overs.
However, during the chase, Rahmanullah Gurbaz piled up 21 runs while Ibrahim Zardan departed quickly. Later, Mohammed Nabi scored 47 runs from 27 balls, but no other players could stand with him, which made them lose the second T20I by 11 runs.
We will try to play good cricket and win the series: Muhammad Waseem
Meanwhile, UAE captain Muhammed Waseem was ecstatic to win the game against a strong Afghanistan side. The 27-year-old skipper has revealed his skills to defend the target, which helps them beat visiting sides. In addition, the opening batter aims to win the third T20I to seal the series.
“It’s a good achievement by us. When I saw the wicket, I have faith on myself and on my boys. If we scored 150, the wicket was seaming last game. I was telling Aryan, don’t give wicket only, last game we gave wickets that’s why we couldn’t score much. After my wicket, he played a sensible knock. [on him being a safe catcher] Before I started playing, I was just a fielder for 2 years, did not bat or bowl that’s why. Preparation will be very simple, go with our plans and we will try to play good cricket and win the series,” Muhammad Waseem said at the post-match presentation.
Check out how fans have reacted to this win:
https://twitter.com/ksz399/status/1741515984702427587
Biggest shock of 2023 in last hours
— Sports Chronicle (@sportschr0nicle) December 31, 2023
Jate jate bhi 2023 kuch surprise degya
Started with Rinku Singh 5 sixes
Jadeja's magic finish
India lose to Australia— Bruce Stark (@Bruce_stark08) December 31, 2023
Congratulations UAE ✨
— HAMZA (@HamzaQri) December 31, 2023
https://twitter.com/anupamaasingh/status/1741522349713969529
I just hope whenever a lower rank team wins it shouldn't be called an upset. It's a prospect that the game is evolving, it's growing. That's what we want as fans. Historic day indeed ❤️
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) December 31, 2023