The UAE may have managed a much improved batting performance, but they were no match for Mohammad Shahzad at his big hitting best as Afghanistan made it two wins from two in the tournament.

Batting first after winning the toss, UAE started well in the powerplay, Faizan Asif & Mohammad Shahzad dealing almost entirely in boundaries, apart from a maiden over from Dawlat Zadran. They reached 58 without loss at the end of the six over powerplay.

With more fielders out in the deep, the runs dried up. Mohammad Shahzaz scored 43 from just 28 balls before he was caught going for one big shot too many. The spinners then proceeded to put something of a strangle on the Afghan run scoring as the run rate began to dry up.

Shaiman Anwar was looking set for a fifty before he holed out for 35, and the UAE reached 164-6 from their 20 overs.

As good as the innings from the UAE Mohammad Shahzad was, the one from his Afghan namesake was even better. He hit the ball all round the ground including some huge sixes, one of which sailed right out of the ground. He brought up his fifty in just 24 balls, and eventually scored 74 from 37 balls before he was caught.

Asghar Stanikzai and Samilullah Shenwari then took the Afghan team home, Stanikzai hitting some big sixes of his own. He finished the game and secured the 8 wicket win with a six hit straight over the bowler's head.

Both teams have a day off tomorrow and will resume action on Sunday with Afghanistan playing Scotland and the UAE taking on the Netherlands, both matches being played at the Grange.