MD Aftab
Muhammad Fawad
Nasir Faraz
Jahanzeb Bhatti
Syed Haider Wasi Shah
Rayan Khan✱
Rahim Khan Muhammad
Muhammad Rohaan
Lahiru Sandaruwan
Aryaman Sharma
Muhammed Aniq
Hasith Fernando
Shahrukh Amin
Muhammad Asif
Faisur Rahman
Alam Khan Sahar
Ahmad Ali Khilji
Prashan Silva
Sayam Khan
Gagan Boodagoda
Farman Ullah
Abu Dhabi vs Ajman T20 Frid delivered a nail‑biting finish at Karwan Cricket Ground on Friday evening, as Hasith Fernando's explosive 37 off 16 almost turned the tide for the hosts, but Nasir Faraz's composed 36 sealed a 14‑run win for Abu Dhabi.
Match Summary
The toss was won by Ajman, who elected to bowl first under clear skies and a warm 31.1 °C temperature. Abu Dhabi posted a respectable total of 169‑9 in 20 overs, thanks to a solid top‑order partnership and a late surge from Faraz. The innings was anchored by a disciplined spell from Lahiru Sandaruwan, who claimed 3 for 24, and Muhammad Rohaan, who kept the run‑rate in check with 1 for 34 in his four overs.
Ajman's chase began brightly, with openers providing a steady start, but it was Hasith Fernando's blistering cameo—37 runs off just 16 balls—that gave them hope. Despite his heroics, Ajman fell short at 155‑8, unable to overcome the required run‑rate in the final overs. Sayam Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, finishing with 3 for 26.
The final scoreboard read: Abu Dhabi 169‑9 (20.0 overs) beat Ajman 155‑8 (20.0 overs). The win moves Abu Dhabi further ahead in the Emirates D20 League 2026 standings.
Key Performances
Nasir Faraz (Abu Dhabi) – 36 runs off 33 balls. Faraz’s steady strike rate of 109 and a crucial boundary in the death overs helped Abu Dhabi edge past the 150‑run mark.
Lahiru Sandaruwan (Abu Dhabi) – 3/24 in 4 overs. His disciplined line and length restricted Ajman's middle order, especially during the crucial powerplay.
Sayam Khan (Ajman) – 3/26 in 4 overs. Khan’s early breakthroughs kept Ajman in the hunt, but the pressure in the final overs proved too much.
Hasith Fernando (Ajman) – 37 runs off 16 balls. Fernando’s aggressive intent was the highlight of Ajman's innings, showcasing his ability to change games in a flash.
Turning Points
The match swung on two pivotal moments. First, Sandaruwan’s early wicket of Ajman's number three broke a promising partnership, forcing the hosts to rebuild under pressure. Second, the final over bowled by Rohaan, where he delivered two dot balls and a crucial wicket, halted Ajman's surge and sealed the victory for Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the weather played a minor role; the clear conditions with 54% humidity meant the ball travelled true, favouring both batters and bowlers equally.
Series Implications
With this win, Abu Dhabi extends its dominance in the head‑to‑head record, now leading 8‑2 over Ajman in all‑time encounters. The three‑point cushion in the Emirates D20 League 2026 table puts them in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs.
Ajman, however, can take solace from Fernando’s explosive display, which signals that their batting firepower remains potent. Their next fixture will be crucial to keep their campaign alive.
Cricket fans searching for the Abu Dhabi T20 score, checking Ajman cricket today, or following the Emirates D20 League 2026 live score will find this match a testament to the high‑octane excitement the league promises.