UAE Scripts History in Sharjah, Clinches First-Ever T20I Series Win Over Bangladesh
In a watershed moment for Emirates cricket, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) etched their name in the history books on Wednesday at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, securing their maiden T20I bilateral series victory against Bangladesh, a Full Member nation. With a commanding seven-wicket triumph in the decider of the three-match series, UAE clinched a 2-1 result, igniting celebrations across the cricketing fraternity and marking a monumental step in their journey on the international stage.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. For a nation often considered an underdog in world cricket, defeating a seasoned side like Bangladesh—less than a year before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024—sends a powerful message about UAE’s growing prowess in the shortest format. This series win not only boosts their confidence but also reshapes their reputation as a formidable Associate nation.
The series itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a disappointing 27-run loss in the opener, UAE roared back with a stunning chase of 206 runs in the second T20I, showcasing resilience and tactical brilliance to level the contest. The stage was set for a thrilling finale, and the hosts did not disappoint. Electing to bowl first in the decider, UAE’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, restricting Bangladesh to 162/9 despite aggressive cameos from Tanzid Hasan (40 off 18), Jaker Ali (41 off 34), and Hasan Mahmud (26* off 15).
Young left-arm spinner Haider Ali emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order with a mesmerizing spell of 3 for 7, earning well-deserved accolades for his composure under pressure. Supported by disciplined bowling and agile fielding, UAE ensured the target remained within reach—a testament to their strategic depth.
In the chase, early setbacks with the loss of captain Muhammad Waseem and a quick contribution of 29 from Muhammad Zohaib threatened to derail UAE’s hopes. However, Alishan Sharafu, the star of the night, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 68 off 51 balls. His elegance and grit, combined with a match-defining unbeaten 87-run partnership with Asif Khan (41*), steered UAE to victory. Asif’s twin sixes in the penultimate over brought the crowd to its feet, while Sharafu sealed the historic win with a boundary through the covers, sparking euphoric celebrations.
Reflecting on his match-winning knock, Sharafu, named Player of the Match, shared, ‘The plan was simple—to play as many balls as possible, rotate the strike, and pick the odd boundaries. We were optimistic going into the decider and truly believed we could win this series.’ His words encapsulated the team’s unwavering belief and determination.
Captain Muhammad Waseem, who was also adjudged Player of the Series, couldn’t hide his emotions post-match. ‘This victory means everything to us. The uncapped players stepped up—Haider Ali was exceptional. This is the first time I’m lifting a trophy, and I dedicate this to my son,’ he said, his voice thick with pride. Waseem’s leadership throughout the series, coupled with his contributions on the field, has been instrumental in UAE’s rise.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, were left to rue missed opportunities. Captain Litton Das graciously admitted, ‘Our performance wasn’t up to the mark. UAE’s bowlers were outstanding, and their batters stayed calm under pressure. Full credit to them.’ The series loss serves as a wake-up call for Bangladesh as they gear up for bigger challenges ahead.
This historic triumph for UAE is more than just a series win—it’s a symbol of their relentless pursuit of excellence. With players like Sharafu, Haider Ali, and Waseem leading the charge, the Emirates are proving they belong on the global stage. As the cricketing world turns its attention to the T20 World Cup, UAE’s performance in Sharjah will undoubtedly inspire many. Can they carry this momentum forward and make a statement on the biggest stage? Only time will tell, but for now, the Emirates are celebrating a victory that will be remembered for generations.