New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) After leading his team to its first victory in the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan expressed his contentment following a five-wicket triumph against the United Arab Emirates in a Group D encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He conveyed optimism for his team’s prospects in the ongoing competition.

The seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was pivotal in the match, achieving figures of 4-15, limiting the UAE to a score of 160/9. He later contributed with a vital 40 runs off 21 balls, clinching the win with four balls to spare. Ibrahim Zadran also showcased his talent with a solid 53 runs, while Sohaib Khan was the standout performer for the UAE, scoring 68 even in defeat.

“It’s gratifying to finish with a victory; winning at the World Cup is crucial, and I’m hopeful for the future of our campaign,” Rashid stated during the post-match presentation. “Our bowling in the final 10 overs was impressive, but we faltered in the initial phase. We must enhance our consistency in the opening overs.”

Rashid commended Zadran’s assertive batting style, particularly after the early departure of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. “We all recognize his aggressive nature; it’s essential for players like him to remain at the crease, as it benefits the team significantly,” Rashid noted.

He acknowledged the invaluable experience within the squad, highlighting players such as Mohammad Nabi, Omarzai, and Mujahed Ur Rahman. “We still harbor hopes of advancing to the next stage, but regardless of the outcome, we aim to play positively and make our nation proud,” Rashid added.

Omarzai, named Player of the Match, shared his strategy on the slightly damp pitch. “I’m thrilled with my performance. The wicket was a bit sluggish, so I focused on bowling a hard length which proved effective. I concentrated on rotating the strike and capitalizing on any loose deliveries,” he explained, expressing a desire to replicate his success in the next match.

The UAE's captain, Muhammad Waseem, conceded that his team fell short by approximately 10-15 runs. “It was a competitive match, and my team fought valiantly. We were perhaps 15 runs short, having given away a few extra boundary balls which proved costly. Despite early wickets, Alishan and Sohaib executed commendable innings,” he reflected.

“We felt we were a few runs short, and the timing of our dismissals was unfortunate. We are eager for victory; our fielding was exceptional, and I’m pleased with the effort. Looking ahead to our next game against South Africa, we’ll have new strategies to showcase our skills on the global stage,” Waseem concluded.