The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a historic T20 series win against a Test-playing nation, defeating Bangladesh 2-1 after a dominant performance in the deciding third match.
This victory follows their comeback win in the second match, which many had initially dismissed as an upset.
On Wednesday (May 21), Bangladesh set a target of 162 runs for the UAE. However, the hosts chased down the target with 7 wickets and 5 balls to spare, securing the series win.
Chasing 163, the UAE suffered an early blow when their aggressive captain, Muhammad Waseem, was caught at first slip for 9 runs off 6 balls in the second over.
Despite losing their first wicket for just 14, the UAE batting lineup excelled in the powerplay, reaching 50 for 1 in six overs. Rishad Hossain provided a breakthrough in the eighth over, bowling Muhammad Zuhaib for 29 off 23 balls.
Alishan Sharafu and Rahul Chopra then attempted to build a partnership, adding 21 runs off 20 balls before Tanzim Sakib broke their stand, having Rahul (13 off 13) caught by Shamim Patwari.
However, Alishan continued to lead the charge, reaching his fifty off 38 balls with a six off Rishad. He then partnered with Asif Khan to steer the team to victory, forging an unbroken 91-run stand off 52 balls for the fourth wicket.
Alishan remained unbeaten on 68 off 47 balls, while Asif contributed an aggressive 41 not out off 26 deliveries.
Earlier, Bangladesh's innings got off to a shaky start. Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored a century in the first match, was out for a duck on the first ball of the second over.
Captain Litton Kumar Das also failed to impress, departing for 14 runs off 10 balls, followed by Sheikh Mahedi's quick 2 runs off 9 balls.
Tanzeed Hossain Tamim held one end, batting aggressively but falling short of a fifty, bowled for 40 off 18 balls. Zaker Ali then tried to steady the innings with Shamim, but Shamim was caught out for 9 runs off 12 balls, leaving the Tigers in a precarious position at 69 for 6.
Rishad followed two balls later. Zaker Ali continued to fight alongside Tanzim Sakib, who hit 12 off 6 before being caught on the boundary. Hasan Mahmud then joined Zaker at the crease.
Their partnership helped Bangladesh cross the 100-run mark. However, Zaker was unable to reach his fifty, being caught on the boundary after hitting a six in the 19th over.
Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud then continued to score valuable runs in the final overs, with Hasan contributing 25 off 14 balls and Shoriful remaining unbeaten on 16 off 7 balls, pushing Bangladesh's total to 162.
