UAE Surprises Bangladesh in Historic T20I Series Victory
The UAE national cricket team pulled off an unexpected comeback by winning the T20I series against Bangladesh, featuring a stunning performance by Alishan Sharafu and a notable finish from Asif Khan. This victory marks only the second time the UAE has secured a T20I series against a Full Member country, underlining the team’s spirit and resilience, as expressed by captain Waseem.
In a surprising turn of events, the United Arab Emirates has clinched the T20I series against Bangladesh, leaving many in the cricketing world astounded. Captain Muhammad Waseem and standout player Alishan Sharafu expressed pride in the resilience and camaraderie exhibited by the UAE team after the series concluded in Sharjah.
In an exciting match on Wednesday night, the UAE successfully chased down 162 runs, requiring a final over finish spurred by an impressive, unbeaten partnership of 87 runs off just 51 balls from Sharafu and Asif Khan. Sharafu scored 68 runs not out off 47 balls, while Asif contributed a solid 41 runs off 26 deliveries, demonstrating composure even as the required run rate continued to climb.
The pivotal moment occurred during the 16th over when Sharafu and Khan struck three sixes, that shifted the momentum to the UAE’s side. Sharafu sealed his Player of the Match performance with a well-placed boundary. When asked about his game strategy, Sharafu explained the simplicity of their approach, stating, “The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible. Everything just worked out in the end.”
The series initially consisted of two matches, but after dropping the first game, both teams agreed to add a third match, which granted added motivation for the Emirati players. Recognizing this surge of enthusiasm, Sharafu noted the optimistic spirit within the team, saying, “I’m sure everyone’s pumped up (over in the dugout). Once that third game was announced, everyone was optimistic in the dressing room that we could go 2-1 up in the series.”
With this win, the UAE achieved a significant milestone, marking only the second time they have claimed a T20I series victory against a Full Member team, the previous occasion being a win against Ireland in 2021. This accomplishment stands out particularly given the team’s lack of experience, notably having fielded five uncapped players before the series began.
Waseem, who not only captained the side but also earned Player of the Series honors, expressed pride in the team’s performance. “(I’m) very happy they did very well throughout the series,” he said during a post-match broadcast. He highlighted the positive mindset within the team, stating, “We were not losing our hopes, and we were giving hope to everyone. We can chase every score in Sharjah, or against every team, and we are used to it here.”
Waseem emphasized the significance of their win, remarking, “I’m very happy we have made history. This series means a lot to us. It’s very helpful for us in the future. And I’m very happy with the performance of the boys. The way Asif (Khan) played, Alishan (Sharafu), Rahul Chopra, and the way Haider (Ali) bowled, and the other bowlers. I’m very happy with the performance of my whole team.
The historic victory of the UAE cricket team against Bangladesh reflects not only their determination but also an impressive display of skill, especially from players like Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan. This triumph holds great potential for the future of UAE cricket, showcasing the depth of talent despite the relative inexperience of the roster. As they celebrate this uncommon achievement, the players aim to build on this momentum in upcoming tournaments.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
