Karim Janat blitz saves Afghanistan after thrilling T20I series finale against UAE

A brutal late-overs assault by Karim Janat swept Afghanistan to a T20 international series win over the UAE in Abu Dhabi.

The all-rounder struck a remarkable, 21-ball half-century to spare the Afghans a shock loss at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The UAE were in the ascendant after thrashing their more illustrious rivals the previous night to level the series, after Thursday's loss in the opener.

They were handily placed in the decider, too, until Janat’s arrival at the crease in the 14th over of the run-chase sparked a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, and gave the Afghans a six-wicket win.

Defeat was particularly harsh on Muhammad Waseem, who could hardly have done any more to script what would have been a stunning success for the hosts.

It is tempting to suggest Waseem picked up exactly where he left off the night before, when he destroyed the Afghan bowlers in making 91. In truth, though, he has scarcely let up over the course of his T20I career to date.

Although they have a packed schedule ahead, with 10 one-day internationals scheduled in the next 25 days, it is unclear when the UAE will return to play the 20-over format.

When they do, Waseem will be on the brink of history. If he makes 58 in that game, he will equal the record for the fastest batter to 1,000 career runs in T20I cricket.

His latest blitz was almost over before it had begun. He and Vriitya Aravind might have ended up with a second century partnership for the first wicket in the space of two nights, but initially they were out of sync.

Waseem might have been run out twice off the same delivery in the first over, as he and Aravind exchanged mixed messages about whether to go for a third run.

Having drilled two remarkable cover drives off Naveen-ul-Haq