UAE create history in Sharjah, down Bangladesh for first-ever T20I series triumph

UAE team after the historic series win. (Pic credit: UAE Cricket)

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The United Arab Emirates created history on Wednesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium , sealing their first-ever T20I bilateral series triumph over Bangladesh with a convincing seven-wicket win in the final match of the three-game series. The victory gave UAE a 2-1 series result, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cricketing journey.Alishan Sharafu struck the winning boundary through covers to cap off a dominant chase of 163 and sparked euphoric celebrations among his teammates. The win not only gave UAE their maiden series victory over a Full Member nation in T20Is but also dealt Bangladesh a heavy blow less than a year before the ICC T20 World Cup.After the win, Player of the Match Sharafu said, “The plan was simple, to play as many balls as possible. We had to rotate the strike and get the odd boundaries. Everyone was optimistic once that third game was announced. We believed we could win the series.”The series began with a 27-run defeat for UAE, but the hosts staged a remarkable comeback, chasing down 206 in the second T20I to level the series.In the decider, UAE’s bowlers laid the foundation with a clinical display after electing to field. Young left-arm spinner Haider Ali was the star with the ball, rattling Bangladesh’s top order and finishing with figures of 3 for 7.Despite cameos from Tanzid Hasan (40 off 18), Jaker Ali (41 off 34), and Hasan Mahmud (26* off 15), Bangladesh were restricted to 162/9, thanks to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.In response, UAE lost skipper Muhammad Waseem early, and Muhammad Zohaib contributed 29 before falling. But Sharafu (68* off 51) stood tall, anchoring the innings with elegance and composure. He found a reliable ally in Asif Khan (41*), as the duo stitched an unbeaten 87-run partnership that dismantled Bangladesh’s hopes.Asif’s twin sixes in the penultimate over brought UAE to the brink, and Sharafu fittingly finished the job to etch UAE’s name into the record books.UAE captain and Player of the Series Waseem was emotional after the historic win and said: “Very happy with this victory... This series means a lot. The uncapped players did really well—Haider Ali was exceptional. To be honest, we didn't lose our hopes. First time I am receiving this trophy; I want to dedicate this award to my son.”“Definitely our performance wasn't up to the mark... UAE bowlers played really well. Their batters didn’t panic much, so credit goes to them,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted his team fell short.

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