Azmatullah Omarzai Shines as Afghanistan Keeps Super Eight Hopes Alive

Azmatullah Omarzai's stellar performance led Afghanistan to a crucial victory against the UAE in a Group D match of the Twenty20 World Cup. His all-round brilliance kept Afghanistan's slim chances for a Super Eight spot alive. New Zealand appears set to join India, South Africa, and West Indies in the next stage.

Afghanistan clung to their fading hopes of making the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round brilliance fashioned their five-wicket victory against the United Arab Emirates in a Group D match on Monday.

The win keeps Afghanistan's slim chances alive, as group leaders South Africa, defending champions India, and West Indies have already advanced. New Zealand is also likely to progress with a match in hand against Canada.

Sohaib Khan led a UAE recovery to 160-9, but Omarzai's 4-15 and 40 not out secured Afghanistan's first win, despite early umpire drama involving TV umpire Paul Reiffel.

(With inputs from agencies.)