The UAE clinched a historic T20I series victory against Bangladesh, defeating them by seven wickets in Sharjah. Bangladesh, having won the first match, lost the series after a two-wicket defeat followed by the recent loss. Key performances from Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan led the UAE, while Bangladesh struggled with early wickets and a modest total that proved insufficient.
In a stunning finish that shocked many cricket fans, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the final T20I match held in Sharjah on Wednesday. This victory was particularly bittersweet for Bangladesh, marking their second series loss to an associate nation in T20 matches. After winning the opener by 27 runs, they faltered in the second match by two wickets before succumbing in this decisive game, which had been a late addition to their schedule.
Key contributions from Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan, who scored unbeaten 65 and 45 respectively, enabled the UAE to chase down a target of 163 runs with five balls remaining. Bangladesh’s bowlers tried to restrict the flow of runs, but were ultimately unable to defend their modest total against a confident UAE side.
Bangladesh’s innings began on a shaky note. Sent to bat first, they faltered at 84-8 at one point before Jaker Ali Anik and Hasan Mahmud rescued them slightly by sharing a crucial partnership. Jaker managed to score 41 runs off 34 deliveries, and Hasan contributed an important 26 off 15 balls. Their effort helped the team to post a total of 162 runs, leaving the UAE a reachable target.
The UAE bowlers were relentless, with Dhruv Parashar striking early by dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon for a golden duck in just the second over. Haider Ali added to the hospitalities by claiming three wickets, restricting Bangladesh’s batting line-up significantly. When Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who looked promising with 40 runs from 18 balls, departed, Bangladesh was left reeling.
It is crucial to note that this series was originally set as a two-match affair; however, the Emirates Cricket Board agreed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to add a third match, which proved to be historic. For Bangladesh, who rank higher in T20I assessments, this loss was unexpected and showcases a worrying trend, following their prior defeat in a series against the USA last year prior to the T20 World Cup.
The series was tied at one match each as both teams entered this game. The UAE, eager to claim their first victory against a Test-playing nation, and Bangladesh, facing a need to avoid further embarrassment, provided an electrifying atmosphere for this concluding match. The two teams made several roster changes heading into this decisive game, with both seeking new strategies for victory.
In conclusion, the UAE’s performance not only secured a historic series win but also highlighted significant challenges for Bangladesh in their T20 format, where they need to reassess their batting stability. This series will be a stark reminder for Bangladesh to recalibrate and regain their footing as they prepare for future international challenges despite being ranked higher than the UAE.
The UAE’s win in the T20I series against Bangladesh marks a significant achievement for the associate nation, while also signalling a need for thorough reflection on Bangladesh’s performance. After facing a series of batting collapses and ultimately a second defeat to non-Test-playing teams, Bangladesh has important lessons to learn moving forward. With this historic win, the UAE demonstrates their growing stature in international cricket and the potential for future successes against higher-ranked teams.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
