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SHARJAH: Afghanistan stand-in captain Ibrahim Zadran has expressed his confidence ahead of the UAE T20 tri-series final against Pakistan, set to be played on September 7 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan edged UAE by four runs in a last-ball thriller on Friday in the last league fixture of the T20I tri-series.
The game eventually went down to the wire with the UAE requiring 17 off the final over. However, Fareed Ahmad held his nerve under pressure and sealed a win for Afghanistan.
Fareed went for a four and six off the first two balls and a double on the third to leave the equation with UAE requiring five off three balls. Yet, Fareed came back with two excellent yorkers and eventually got rid of Asif Khan on the last ball.
In batting, Ibrahim Zadran starred with 48 off 35 balls, earning him the player of the match award.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Ibrahim, who was captaining in place of regular skipper Rashid Khan, highlighted the playing XI and hailed the bowlers for securing a narrow win.
“It was a good win to finish the group stage. We wanted to give a chance to the guys who didn’t get one in the previous game. UAE were playing well and looked like they might win, but credit to our bowlers for [pulling it back],” he said.
He emphasized conditions and expressed confidence ahead of their final showdown against Pakistan on Sunday.
“When you look at the conditions, you have to take responsibility and back your skills. I just go out there, enjoy myself, and give my 100 percent. Thankfully, I got the result today.
“It’s been a good series. Now we’re set to play Pakistan. We’ll prepare for the Asia Cup and go in with high energy and intensity,” he concluded.
READ: Asif’s heroics in vain as Afghanistan clinch last-ball thriller against UAE
