The UAE secured a surprising T20I series victory over Bangladesh by chasing 162 runs in the final over. Key performances from Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan led to a thrilling win. The added incentive of a third match bolstered team morale following an initial loss. This series marked a historic moment for the UAE, showcasing both resilience and promise from lesser-experienced players.
In a stunning turn of events, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a remarkable T20I series victory against Bangladesh, much to the delight of their fans. The Emirati squad, led by Captain Muhammad Waseem, demonstrated resilience, completing a thrilling chase on Wednesday night by running down Bangladesh’s target of 162 runs in the final over. A standout performance came from Alishan Sharafu, who scored an unbeaten 68 off 47 balls, alongside Asif Khan, who contributed 41 runs from 26 balls, forming an impressive 87-run partnership.
As the pressure mounted and UAE’s required run rate surpassed ten per over, Sharafu and Khan expertly handled the pace attack from Bangladesh. With aggressive but calculated batting, they struck three sixes in one over that significantly swung momentum in favor of the hosts. Sharafu wrapped up a memorable performance with a boundary, earning the Player of the Match award. In a post-match interview, he attributed the success to basic technical strategies, confessing, “The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible. Everything just worked out in the end.”
Initially a two-match series, the UAE and Bangladesh agreed to add a third match, giving the Emiratis a chance to fight back after losing the first game. Sharafu expressed the team’s excitement following the announcement of the additional game, mentioning, “I’m sure everyone’s pumped up (over in the dugout).” This collective drive to overcome the 1-0 deficit proved essential as they triumphed, marking just the second occasion where the UAE has clinched a T20I series against a Full Member nation, the first being a similar success against Ireland in 2021.
The victory is particularly impressive given that the UAE team features several players with no prior international experience, naming five uncapped players at the series start. Captain Waseem, who was also awarded Player of the Series, praised his teammates for their efforts throughout. He stated, “I’m very happy we have made history. This series means a lot to us and it’s very helpful for us in the future.” Waseem remained optimistic, reinforcing the notion that the team had not lost hope during challenging moments.
The UAE’s recent T20I series win against Bangladesh is a significant achievement, marking a successful comeback from an initial defeat. Led by the commendable efforts of players like Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan, the Emiratis exhibited determination and collaboration. This win not only reflects their growth as a team but also sets a promising tone for the future, particularly with the inclusion of several new players. The impact of this victory will resonate within the team as they look to build on this success in future competitions.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
