Celebrations erupted at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday as the UAE national team celebrated their inaugural T20 series victory against a full-member Test-playing nation after defeating Bangladesh in the third T20I.
The match was won single handedly by Alishan Sharaf who scored 68 runs off 47 balls including 5 fours and scored 3 sixes and was awarded man of the match. Asif Khan also contributed scoring 41 not off 26 balls and hit 5 sixes. Khan and Sharaf managed to chase the target of 163 with 3 wickets in hand.
Skipper Muhammad Waseem (9) had an off day with the bat as well, but with the pressure building, Sharafu salvaged the innings with an explosive performance smashing Bangladeh for seven wickets accompanied by stunning half centuries. This victory came only two days after in a nail biting two wicket victory over the same opponents at the same venue which made the win even sweeter.
The Bangladeshi bowling attack temporarily reduced the UAE batting line up to 3, headed by seamer Mohammed Shahzan who bagged 4/19.
On the UAE’s side however the star was left arm spinner Haider Ali who had an incredible 3 wickets for just 7 runs across 4 overs, positioned himself as the top for the UAE in the victory.
The visitors were unable to recover from the three significant blows as they only managed 162 runs for 9 wickets, a total that the UAE successfully chased down to secure the biggest victory in their cricketing history.
On his first International series, players like Haider proved to be crucial in the deciding clash of the series.
“Taking the wicket of Das was huge and so is his captain and several other players too of big international stature. He knows how to build a partnership,” Haider explained.
“Before the game, I mentioned to captain Waseem bhai that we need to attack Litton Das. If we get him out early, it severely hampers their chances. So, I am happy I managed to get him out and he didn’t score too many.”
The UAE bowled relatively well but were unfortunately dealt a bad hand when Waseem was struck off early.
Ignoring all possible distractions however, Sharafu soldiered on, finishing with an impressive innings and getting the UAE’s win.
“Infinite possibilities for the outcome tried to plan for all but I didn’t so from over one things turned out great,” Shirafu explained after being the man of the match.
“Waseem bhai has been brilliant throughout the series, and losing him early today was quite challenging. But to be fair, it was yet another chance for all the others around him to ingratiate themselves.”
Despite the ‘shocking’ loss, Skipper Waseem, who was named the man-of-the series for his 145 runs in three matches, had no emotion.
“Really, I am very excited that we have made history. This series is very special to us. It is quite good for us in the future,” he stated.
“And also for the boys’ performance. The way Asif batted, Alishan, the way Haider bowled, the other bowlers, I am very happy with the performance of the whole team. This is something I don’t have words for this,”
In other news, bowling hero Haider expressed his gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board for their endless support.
“I think credit must go to our cricket board. They have provided us with a lot of support and superb facilities,” he said.
Highlights
“Without their dedication, we as a team have improved and today we won a T20 series against a test-playing nation like Bangladesh,” said hero Haider.
“I must also recognize the efforts of the club teams in the UAE. This victory is for them as well. The clubs have supported the players a great deal.”