The United Arab Emirates’ rising batting talent, Sohaib Khan, extended his remarkable run of form in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, delivering another crucial performance to strengthen his side’s campaign.
The young batter followed his match-winning display against Canada with a composed and aggressive innings against Afghanistan, once again underlining his growing importance in the UAE batting lineup.
Playing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Khan scored an impressive 68 runs off 48 balls, anchoring the UAE innings after early setbacks.
Afghanistan had earlier won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that appeared to pay immediate dividends as their pace and spin combination dismantled the UAE top order.
The Afghan bowling attack struck early through all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, reducing the UAE to a vulnerable position inside the powerplay. Facing a mounting scoreboard pressure, Khan stepped in with composure and counterattacking intent.
Khan found solid support from fellow middle-order batter Alishan Sharafu, with the pair stabilising the innings through a crucial 84-run partnership for the third wicket.
Their stand shifted momentum in favour of the UAE, blending calculated stroke play with intelligent running between the wickets. Sharafu’s dismissal before reaching his century mark slightly slowed the innings, but Khan continued to hold firm at one end.
The UAE found themselves struggling again at 114 for five, but Khan showcased maturity beyond his experience.
He accelerated the scoring pace while maintaining control, reaching his half-century in just 37 balls. His innings featured six boundaries and four towering sixes, energising the UAE dressing room and giving the side a competitive total.
Khan was eventually dismissed by Omarzai while attempting to push the scoring further, but his effort guided the UAE to 160 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The innings not only highlighted his power-hitting capabilities but also reflected his ability to handle high-pressure match situations.
This marked Khan’s second consecutive half-century in the tournament, strengthening his credentials as one of the UAE’s most dependable T20 batters.
In just five T20 International appearances, he has already accumulated 140 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 144.32, signalling his potential as a future mainstay in the UAE squad.
Khan’s journey to international cricket is equally inspiring. Born in Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar, he relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2021 in search of better professional opportunities.
His rapid rise through domestic cricket ranks culminated in his international debut for the UAE in October 2025.
With consistent performances on the global stage, Khan is fast emerging as one of the UAE’s brightest cricketing prospects. His fearless approach and ability to deliver in pressure situations are likely to play a key role in shaping the team’s fortunes as the tournament progresses.