A last-ball run out allowed Afghanistan to secure a thrilling one-run win over Canada in the first one-day international of their three-match series in the UAE.

Canada appeared to have paced their pursuit of 290 for victory to perfection as captain Ashish Bagai (91 not out) played a central role, and entered the last five overs needing just 25 runs.

Some tight bowling meant eight were needed off the final over, and with Bagai brought on strike from the first delivery Canada were favourites to reach the target.

However Mohammad Nabi continued the good work he'd done with the ball in previous overs, and allowed just three runs from the next four balls to leave Canada needing four runs off the final delivery. Khurram Chauhan managed two runs, before Bagai was run out attempting a match-levelling third.

Earlier Afghanistan had sped to 289 for six in their 50 overs on the back of superb centuries from Noor Ali and Mohammad Shehzad.

The next match in the series also takes place at Sharjah, where it will be played on Thursday.