The United Arab Emirates cricket team has etched its name into the history books, clinching a remarkable come-from-behind T20I series victory against Bangladesh in Sharjah. Alishan Sharafu, the young batting star, credited the unwavering spirit of the UAE dressing room for this unprecedented triumph, which marks the nation’s first-ever T20I series win over a Full Member side.
A Series That Redefined UAE Cricket
The three-match series began with Bangladesh asserting their dominance, defeating UAE by 27 runs in the opening game. Yet, the hosts refused to be written off. In a thrilling turnaround, UAE chased down a daunting 206 in the second T20I, leveling the series and setting the stage for a dramatic decider.
Key Moments from the Series
1st T20I: Bangladesh won by 27 runs, putting UAE on the back foot.
2nd T20I: UAE chased 206 to win by two wickets, keeping the series alive.
3rd T20I: UAE sealed the series with a convincing seven-wicket victory, chasing 163 with style.
The Decider: Sharafu and Team Shine Bright
In the final match, UAE’s bowlers set the tone, with debutant Haider Ali delivering a stunning spell of 3 for 7 to restrict Bangladesh to 162/9. Despite losing captain Muhammad Waseem early in the chase, the team’s composure never wavered. Muhammad Zohaib contributed a brisk 29, but it was Alishan Sharafu’s unbeaten 68 off 51 balls that anchored the innings and steered UAE home.
Sharafu’s partnership with Asif Khan, who hammered 41* with five sixes, proved decisive. Their unbroken 87-run stand dismantled Bangladesh’s hopes and ensured UAE’s place in the record books.
“The plan was simple, to play as many balls as possible. We had to rotate the strike and get the odd boundaries. Everyone was optimistic once that third game was announced. We believed we could win the series,” Sharafu reflected after the win.
The Spirit That Drove UAE’s Success
Sharafu was quick to highlight the collective belief and unity within the UAE camp. Even after the initial setback, the team’s optimism never faded. The dressing room buzzed with confidence, especially among the younger, uncapped players who stepped up under pressure.
Captain Muhammad Waseem echoed these sentiments, dedicating the victory to his teammates and family. He praised the exceptional performance of debutants like Haider Ali and credited the entire squad for their resilience and teamwork.
What Set UAE Apart?
- Belief in the face of adversity
- Emergence of young talent
- Composure under pressure
- Strong leadership from Waseem and Sharafu
Bangladesh’s Response and What Lies Ahead
Bangladesh captain Litton Das acknowledged his team’s shortcomings and praised UAE’s performance, noting that the hosts “didn’t panic much” and executed their plans better. For Bangladesh, the loss serves as a wake-up call ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, while for UAE, it signals their readiness to compete with the best on the global stage.
Conclusion
UAE’s historic T20I series win over Bangladesh is more than just a cricketing achievement—it’s a testament to the power of belief, unity, and youthful exuberance. Alishan Sharafu’s praise for the team spirit encapsulates what makes this squad special. As UAE cricket continues its upward trajectory, fans can look forward to more inspiring performances from this determined group.
FAQs
1. Who was the standout performer for UAE in the T20I series against Bangladesh?
Alishan Sharafu was the standout, scoring an unbeaten 68 in the decider and anchoring the chase, while Haider Ali impressed with a 3-wicket haul on debut.
2. How did UAE come back after losing the first T20I?
UAE bounced back by chasing 206 in the second match and then winning the final game with a composed run chase, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
3. What did Alishan Sharafu say about UAE’s victory?
Sharafu credited the team’s belief and unity, highlighting the optimistic atmosphere in the dressing room and the collective effort behind the win.
4. Why is this series win historic for UAE?
It’s UAE’s first-ever T20I series victory over a Full Member nation, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.
5. What impact does this win have for UAE cricket?
The victory boosts UAE’s confidence ahead of global tournaments and demonstrates their ability to compete with established cricketing nations.