Parvez Hossain Emon etched his name in Bangladesh's record books with a stunning century, the second by a Bangladeshi batsman in international T20s, and also broke the national record for most sixes in an innings.
His heroics powered Bangladesh to their first victory in Sharjah, as they defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 27 runs.
A beaming Parvez was named Player of the Match. Chasing a target of 192, the host UAE needed 60 runs in the final six overs, but disciplined death bowling from Mustafizur Rahman and errors from the Emirati batsmen ensured Bangladesh defended their total.
Bangladesh will play the final match of the series on the day after tomorrow, having started the series with a win.
Earlier in the day, after losing the toss and being put in to bat in the first T20I of the two-match series, Bangladesh posted a formidable 191 for 7, largely thanks to Parvez Emon's blistering innings. In reply, the UAE batsmen kept pace for a while but lost wickets at regular intervals, eventually falling short and being bowled out for 164.
The UAE had a strong start to their chase, scoring 38 runs without losing a wicket in the first three overs.
Pacer Hasan Mahmud provided the breakthrough in the fourth over, dismissing the dangerous-looking Mohammad Zohaib (9 off 9 balls).
Mustafizur Rahman further eased Bangladesh's nerves in the next over, picking up a wicket with his first delivery, as Alishan Sharafu (3) was caught behind.
Opener Waseem Hamid then formed a crucial partnership with Rahul Chopra, making the UAE look comfortable in their chase.
Waseem reached his half-century in just 32 balls and looked set for a big score, but he was eventually caught by Mustafizur off Tanzim Sakib at short fine leg, ending the 62-run stand off 42 balls. Young pacer Tanzim Sakib then dismissed Rahul Chopra.
Shakib Al Hasan tightened Bangladesh's grip on the match by dismissing both set batsmen in consecutive overs. Rahul (35 off 22, with 5 fours and 1 six) was caught at point while attempting a big shot off a slower delivery.
Despite picking up wickets, Sheikh Mehedi and Tanvir Islam bowled somewhat erratically. Tanvir finally got a wicket in his final over, with Dhruv Parashar (3 off 7) giving a catch. Hasan Mahmud and Mustafizur then struck quick blows, pushing the hosts further behind.
Needing 34 runs in the final over, the UAE lost two wickets and could only manage 6 runs. A middle-order collapse meant the hosts fell short despite showing early promise.
Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, taking three wickets. Mustafizur, Tanzim Sakib, and Sheikh Mehedi each claimed two wickets.
Notably, Parvez Emon became only the second Bangladeshi batsman after Tamim Iqbal to score a century in international T20s. He reached his quick-fire fifty in just 28 balls and then accelerated to reach his hundred in another 25 balls, completing his century in 53 balls – the fastest T20I century for Bangladesh.
