In a historic achievement, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured their first-ever victory over Bangladesh in any cricket format by triumphing with a thrilling two-wicket win in the second T20I match held in Sharjah.
Facing a challenging target of 206 runs, UAE completed the highest successful run chase by an Associate Nation versus a Full Member team, driven by an explosive 82 runs from captain Muhammad Waseem, along with a strong contribution from the lower order.
Bangladesh’s Solid Start
Bangladesh, batting first, set a robust total of 205/5, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim leading the charge with an exciting 59 runs from 33 balls, supported by Litton Das’s steady 40. A late innings boost from Towhid Hridoy (45 off 24) along with notable contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto (27) and Jaker Ali (18 off 6) ensured a healthy total.
Tanzid’s aggressive start, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, shaped the innings. However, UAE’s bowlers, especially Saghir Khan (2-36) and Muhammad Jawadullah (3-54), managed to limit Bangladesh’s scoring rate during the closing overs.
UAE’s Record-Breaking Chase
UAE responded aggressively. Waseem and Muhammad Zohaib unleashed their batting prowess, accumulating 107 runs in just 10.1 overs, establishing a record for the highest opening partnership for UAE in T20 internationals. Waseem’s outstanding innings, featuring nine boundaries and five sixes, was pivotal in the chase.
“I’m ecstatic! Victory against Bangladesh feels amazing. I’m thrilled with our performance and consistently believed we could chase down this score due to our knowledge of Sharjah’s conditions,” Waseem said following the match.
Despite facing setbacks with wickets falling in the middle overs, contributions from Asif Khan (19 off 12) and Alishan Sharafu (13 off 9) kept UAE in contention. A crucial moment unfolded in the penultimate over, where Bangladesh’s five overthrows lessened the target to 12 runs from the final six deliveries. Haider Ali (15* off 6) and Dhruv Parashar (11 off 7) maintained their composure, clinching the victory with one ball remaining.
Key Moments of the Match
UAE’s formidable power hitting was a game-changer, as they blasted 13 sixes compared to Bangladesh’s nine. The extra runs (10) conceded by Bangladesh due to wides and no-balls were detrimental. Bangladesh’s captain, Litton Das, acknowledged his team’s flaws: “Losing is tough, yet we batted well on this pitch. We fell short in the fielding and middle-overs bowling.”
The defeat was especially harsh for debutant Nahid Rana, who conceded 50 runs in his four overs, but indicated potential for improvement. “Playing on a smaller ground with dew is challenging; you need to adjust your plans,” Litton added, expressing understanding for his bowlers’ struggles.
The series will be decided in the next match on May 21st, with both sides eager to secure the trophy. Waseem commented: “We believed we could chase it down, and I aimed to play my natural game.”