The UAE cricket team achieved a historic T20I series victory against Bangladesh, winning the final match after a thrilling chase. Key players Sharafu and Asif Khan led the charge, showcasing remarkable teamwork and resilience after initially losing the series opener. This series marks only the second time the UAE has won against a Full Member team.
The UAE cricket team has achieved a surprising victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh, with a comeback win celebrated vividly by the players and fans alike. On Wednesday night in Sharjah, this final match concluded in thrilling fashion, as the hosts successfully chased down a target of 162 runs in the last over, underscored by a strong partnership between Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan. Sharafu scored an impressive 68 not out from 47 balls, while Khan contributed 41 not out from 26 deliveries, turning the tide of the match even as the required run rate climbed perilously high.
During key moments of the match, the pair electrified the game with their strategy, showcasing a mix of calculated singles and well-placed boundaries. In one significant over, they struck three sixes that propelled the UAE into a winning position. Sharafu, who received the Player of the Match accolade, credited a straightforward approach to his performance. “The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible. Everything just worked out in the end,” he remarked during the post-match interview.
This series was initially intended to consist of two matches, but after falling behind 1-0 on Saturday, both teams agreed to schedule a third game. There was palpable energy in the UAE dressing room as Sharafu reflected on the team’s renewed spirit and motivation. “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. And I think everything just worked out for us after that,” he stated.
Remarkably, this series marks only the second time in history that the UAE has won a T20I series against a Full Member, the first being in 2021 against Ireland. The accomplishment is particularly notable given that the UAE squad featured five uncapped players at the onset of the series. Team captain Muhammad Waseem, who was also named Player of the Series, expressed his pride in his teammates. “(I’m) very happy they did very well throughout the series. We were not losing our hopes, and we were giving hope to everyone,” he said.
Waseem emphasized the team’s capability to chase down any score in Sharjah, illustrating the confidence they built throughout the series. He added, “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.”
With this landmark achievement, the UAE cricket team not only celebrates a significant moment in their athletic journey, but also looks forward to future competitions with strengthened confidence and optimism.
In summary, the UAE’s stunning win in the T20I series against Bangladesh marks a significant milestone, reflecting the team’s resilience and ability to come back under pressure. The contributions from key players, particularly Sharafu and Asif, were crucial in clinching the victory in the third match. Captain Waseem’s leadership and the team’s collective spirit played pivotal roles in achieving this historic series win, encouraging further hopes for future success in international cricket.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
