Afghanistan pulled off a victory over the United Arab Emirates to keep their World Cup hopes alive. They won the clash by 5 wickets at Harare on Tuesday.

Winning the toss UAE decided to bat first. They lost all their wickets in 43 overs while posting 177 runs on the scoreboard.

UAE dealt a quick blow in the beginning as their score became 18 for 3. However, opening batsman Chirag Suri tried to salvage some pride for his side and made 22 runs before returning to the pavilion.

Shaiman Anwar and Mohammad Naveed restored UAE’s innings and added 64 and 45 runs, respectively, to the team total. Muhammad Usman was the only 4^th batsman for the UAE to go past 10 runs as he scored 13. Rashid Khan dismissed all of these four batsmen including the last wicket of Qadeer Ahmed.

Dawlat Zadran scalped 3 wickets while Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket apiece.

Coming on to chase the easy target, Afghanistan found it hard to settle things their way in the beginning. They lost 5 wickets while registering their first 54 runs.

Afghan opener Gubadin Naib stood firm at the other end and kept the score ticking while the rest of the batsmen found it difficult to face the UAE bowling attack. However, Najibullah Zadran finally overcame the difficulties and shared a 124-run unbeaten stand with Naib.

Naib and Najibullah prevented further wicket-loss and helped Afghanistan cruise to a victory while picking up a half-century each. Naib made 74 runs and Zadran amassed 63 runs as Afghanistan sealed the match with 93 balls remaining.

United Emirates will take on Zimbabwe in their next match on March 22. Afghanistan will face Ireland in their last match on the very next day.