UAE and Bangladesh Set for Series Showdown on Wednesday

SHARJAH: A dazzling half-century by Captain Muhammad Waseem propelled the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a historic first-ever victory against Bangladesh in the second T20I of their three-match series, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After being put in to bat, the visiting team managed a competitive score of 205/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to contributions from several batsmen.

Tanzid Hasan led Bangladesh’s batting lineup, scoring a notable 59 off 33 balls, which included eight boundaries and three sixes.

Hasan also forged a 90-run opening stand with skipper Litton Das, who contributed a steady 40 runs from 32 balls.

In the middle order, Towhid Hridoy added crucial runs towards the end, scoring 45 off 24 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes.

Muhammad Jawadullah stood out as the most successful bowler for the UAE, claiming three wickets for 45 runs in his spell of four overs, while Saghir Khan took two wickets.

Chasing a formidable target of 206, the home team secured the win on the second-to-last ball of the innings. Haider Ali scored the winning run off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, capitalizing on a fielding error.

Captain Waseem anchored the UAE’s innings, scoring a top score of 82 from 42 balls, including nine fours and five sixes.

However, following Waseem’s dismissal in the 15th over to Shoriful Islam, the home side still needed 58 runs from 31 balls with five wickets remaining.

The middle order, led by Haider Ali’s unbeaten 16, demonstrated resilience and made vital runs to guide their team to their first-ever victory against Bangladesh in international cricket.

For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful each took two wickets, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Tanvir Islam claimed one wicket apiece.

This two-wicket victory allowed the UAE to tie the three-match series against Bangladesh at 1-1. The decisive third T20I is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Wednesday.