Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE cricket team achieved a landmark triumph by securing their first-ever bilateral Twenty20 International (T20I) series win over Bangladesh, clinching the three-match series 2-1 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
In the decisive third T20I, UAE chased down Bangladesh’s target of 163 for a commanding seven-wicket victory late on Wednesday night. Alishan Sharafu, displaying maturity beyond his 22 years, remained unbeaten on 68 runs off 47 balls, scoring five boundaries and three sixes. He was ably supported by Asif Khan, who contributed an aggressive 41 not out off 26 deliveries, featuring five sixes. Their unbroken 81-run partnership off 51 balls ensured UAE reached the target with five balls to spare.
This is also a major highlight of the UAE’s performances under Lalchand Rajput, who took over the reins as national team coach last year. The team’s success reflects the progress of UAE cricket and its potential to challenge established cricketing nations, said Rajput in the post-match interaction as celebrations continued late into the night. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
“I think it’s a great moment for UAE cricket and I think it’s a changing phase,” Rajput said. “This is the first stepping stone and I’m sure you will see many more of these because this victory will go a long way in changing the players’ mindset.
“The way we chased, the way Alishan and Lala [Asif Khan’s nickname] played; that was fantastic. That’s what we want because it is important not to leave the composure at any moment. We just wanted to bat deep and that partnership between Alishan and Asif was important.”
Partnerships were the grey area in the first match when the UAE put up a valiant fight in chasing a huge total after Parvaiz Hossain Emon scored a century. Interestingly, a third match was added as a late change between the two cricket boards. The UAE had won the second match in which Bangladesh opted to rest Emon for a groin niggle and experienced bowler Mustafizur Rahman leaving the squad to play in the Indian Premier League.
Bangladesh did not get the start they wanted with Dhruv Parashar taking out the dangerman Emon and the top order collapsed. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali, who made his debut for the UAE with the first match, delivered a game-changing spell, claiming three wickets for just seven runs in his four overs. Pacers Matiullah Khan and Saghir Khan also made significant contributions, taking two wickets each. Rearguard action from Tanzid Hasan (40 runs) and Jaker Ali (41 runs) helped Bangladesh reach a respectable total of 162 for nine.
“Self-belief and mindset are the two important things when you compete at the highest level,” Rajput added. “When you play against a Test playing country, yes, they are more mature because they play more cricket. But we are not that far behind. That’s where confidence and self-belief is important and we showed that.”
