SPORTS

DUBAI: Afghanistan's fairytale story in the world of cricket continued on Saturday as they defeated hosts United Arab Emirates to reach their first major tournament, the World Twenty20 finals in the West Indies which runs from April 30 to May 16.

The Afghans won by four wickets, restricting UAE to 100-9 off their 20 overs, in the super four stage of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

Saqib Ali with 24 runs was the top scorer for the UAE while Mohammad Nabi claimed three wickets for 17 runs for Afghanistan.

Chasing 101, opener Noor Ali with 38 not out and Asghar with 26 helped Afghanistan in reaching the winning target in 19.3 overs.

It is a remarkable feat by the Afghans - most of whom learnt to play cricket in refugee camps over the Pakistan border - as they were in the fifth division of the world cricket league just two years ago.

Afghanistan, who showed their talent when they came within one place of reaching the 2011 World Cup finals, will play either Ireland or The Netherlands - both of them are the joint holders from the previous tournament - in Saturday's final.

The winners of the final will be placed in Group C alongside India and South Africa while the losers will go into Group D with the West Indies and England