DUBAI, Feb 13 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 the UAE to 100-9 off their 20 overs — Mohammad Nabi taking 3-17 — and then reaching their target in 19.3 overs with opener Noor Ali topscoring with 38 not out.

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, were to 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.

Result

UAE 100-9 off 20 overs (Saqib Ali 24; Mohammad Nabi 3-17, Amirwais Ashraf 2-15); AFGHANISTAN 101-6 off 19.3 overs (Noor Ali 38 not out, Ashgar Stanikzai 26; Silva 2-14, Fayyaz Ahmed 2-14).—AFP