Afghanistan end UAE hopes

Afghanistan secured a place at the ICC World Twenty20 2010 after a dramatic four-wicket win over the UAE at Dubai Sports City.

The victory completes a remarkable journey up the ranks of international cricket, having been in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 only two years ago, and has set up the prospect of facing the likes of India, South Africa or the West Indies in the Caribbean.

A disciplined Afghan bowling display saw the UAE crumble to 11-3 with Shapoor Zadran and Mirwais Ashraf putting the UAE batters under lots of early pressure.

Saqib Ali (24) was once again in great form as he led the recovery but he was one of three victims for Mohammad Nabi (3-17) who again bowled a wonderful spell of spin as the UAE reached 100-9 off 20 overs.

In reply, Afghanistan lost two early wickets as it was reduced to 16-2 but Noor Ali and Nowroz Mangal then led the fightback with a disciplined partnership of 32.

Asghar Stanikzai (26) then showed some more aggression, until he fell with 14 required off 13 balls. Two boundaries in the penultimate over moved it within one run of the victory which it sealed in the final over of the game.

The loss to Afghanistan ended UAE's hopes of qualifying for the world championship.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.