Afghanistan clinched a narrow four-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in a thrilling finish to their Twenty20 tri-series match on Friday.

Chasing 171 for a consolation win after three earlier losses, UAE needed 17 runs from the final over. Power-hitter Asif Khan brought the equation down to just five required off the last three balls, but Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad held his nerve brilliantly. He delivered two pinpoint fuller deliveries that yielded no runs, before dismissing Asif on the final ball — caught at long-off for 40 — to seal a dramatic win. UAE ended on 166 for 5, just short of their target.

With a spot in Sunday’s final against Pakistan already secured, Afghanistan rested six of their first-choice players, including captain Rashid Khan. Even so, they posted a solid 170 for 4, powered by a 98-run opening stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Zadran narrowly missed his third consecutive half-century, scoring 48, while Gurbaz made a composed 40. The pair fell on back-to-back deliveries, but Afghanistan maintained momentum through useful late contributions from Karim Janat (28) and Gulbadin Naib (20*), adding 56 runs in the final five overs.

For UAE, left-arm spinner Haider Ali was the standout with the ball, taking 2 for 23.

In response, UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem came out firing in the powerplay, smashing three sixes and two fours in a brisk 44 off 29 balls. His aggressive start kept the chase alive, but he fell trying to ramp debutant fast bowler Abdollah Ahmadzai in the 11th over.

Afghanistan’s spinners then tightened the screws. Sharafuddin Ashraf (1 for 20) and Noor Ahmad (1 for 23) bowled tight spells in the middle overs, slowing the scoring and increasing pressure on the UAE batters.

Despite Asif Khan’s late flourish and some nervous moments in the Afghan camp, Fareed Ahmad’s composure in the final over ensured Afghanistan remained unbeaten in the tri-series. Pakistan and Afghanistan both finished with three wins each, while UAE ended their campaign winless after four games — all lost while chasing.

Afghanistan and Pakistan will now meet in Sunday’s final, with momentum on both sides after a string of successful defenses.