UAE will aim to address their middle-order struggles against spin when they face a wounded Afghanistan in a must-win Group D clash of the T20 World Cup on Monday.

The two teams enter the contest on contrasting notes. UAE edged past Canada to register their first victory of the tournament, while Afghanistan endured heartbreak in a thriller that went into two Super Overs — one of the most dramatic T20 contests in recent memory.

With South Africa and New Zealand holding the top two spots in the group with six and four points respectively, UAE’s qualification hopes depend not only on winning their remaining games but also on favourable results elsewhere.

Afghanistan, still searching for their first win, are in an equally precarious position. After coming agonisingly close in their last outing, they must secure convincing victories in their remaining matches and hope other results fall their way.

UAE were thrashed by New Zealand earlier in the tournament and looked set for another setback when Canada reduced them to 66 for 4 in the 13th over while chasing 150. Their middle order again faltered against spin before opener Aryansh Sharma anchored the innings with a composed 74 off 53 balls. Sohaib Khan’s counterattacking 51 off 29 deliveries then powered UAE to a dramatic turnaround.

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However, a far sterner challenge awaits against Afghanistan’s elite spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.

“I think we have to improve our batting in the middle overs, from the seventh to the 15th or 16th over,” UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said after the Canada win. “That’s the area we need to work on heading into the upcoming games.”

UAE’s bowling attack found rhythm in the previous match, with Junaid Siddique claiming a five-wicket haul. But containing Afghanistan’s explosive top order — including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai — will require a collective effort.

Gurbaz was sensational in the last match, smashing 84 off 42 balls to lift Afghanistan to 187 in regulation time. He then struck three successive sixes in the second Super Over, though Afghanistan ultimately fell short. Omarzai impressed with three wickets, while Rashid chipped in with two.

The match begins at 11 am.