Afghanistan vs UAE: Timeline of Rivalry & Upcoming Showdowns
Introduction
Though relatively recent, the cricket rivalry between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already produced memorable clashes. From high-scoring T20 duels to milestone-making performances, their encounters have showcased explosive cricket and emerging stars. This timeline guides you through key matchups, turning points, and what’s next on the schedule.
Rivalry Timeline: Afg-UAE Key Encounters
| Date / Period | Match / Highlight |
|---|---|
| December 29, 2023 | Afghanistan chased down UAE’s 131 to win by 72 runs — Gurbaz ton. |
| December 31, 2023 | UAE took a close game by 11 runs in the second T20I. |
| Early January 2024 | Afghanistan secured the T20I series 2–1 against UAE in UAE. |
| February 2023 | In a UAE tour by AFG, a 3-match series ended 2–1 in favor of Afghanistan. |
| November–December 2014 (ODI) | UAE won the four-match ODI series in UAE 3–1. |
| Ongoing rivalry stats | In T20Is, Afghanistan has 9 wins vs UAE’s 3, across 12 matches. |
Highlights & Milestones
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Dec 29, 2023: Rahmanullah Gurbaz blasted a century, helping AFG chase 132 for a commanding 72‑run win.
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Early 2024: Afghanistan clinched the 3‑match T20I series during their UAE tour (2–1).
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2014 ODI Series: UAE edged Afghanistan 3–1 in the one-day format.
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Overall T20I dominance: AFG enjoys a 9–3 advantage in the head-to-head record.
Recent Recap: Men’s Tri-Series (August–September 2025)
The ongoing T20I Tri-Nation Series in Sharjah features Afghanistan, UAE, and Pakistan, as part of Asia Cup preparation.
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Match 3 – Sep 1, 2025: Afghanistan beat UAE by 38 runs. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal starred with the bat; Rashid Khan became the most prolific T20I wicket-taker.
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The tri-series includes rounds through September 7, culminating in a final.
Upcoming Match Details
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Next Clash: Afghanistan vs UAE is scheduled again in the Tri-Nation Series—likely Match 5 on September 5, 2025, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
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The Asia Cup, starting September 9, 2025, will feature both teams in the UAE.
Quick Summary
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The rivalry spans formats: ODIs in 2014, T20Is since 2023.
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Afghanistan leads both in head-to-head and recent form.
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Gurbaz’s ton and Rashid’s wicket milestone are standout highlights.
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Cricket’s spotlight continues on them as they gear up for more action in the 2025 tri-series and Asia Cup.