In one of the most unexpected results in recent T20I history, the United Arab Emirates stunned Bangladesh by two wickets with just one ball remaining in Sharjah, chasing down a daunting target of 206. This marks the first time Bangladesh have suffered defeat against the UAE in any format, making it a landmark moment for the associate nation.
UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem delivered a career-best performance, smashing 82 runs off just 42 balls. His explosive opening stand of 107 runs with Muhammad Zohaib laid the perfect foundation for the record-breaking chase. Even when UAE were reduced to seven wickets down with 29 runs needed from the final 11 deliveries, they held their nerve to script a memorable victory. Bangladesh clearly felt the absence of pace ace Mustafizur Rahman.
Earlier, having been put in to bat, Bangladesh posted what seemed a winning total of 205. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das added 90 for the first wicket, followed by three partnerships worth over 30 runs each, setting up a strong platform.
Waseem speechless after UAE’s win
After collecting the Player of the Match award, Waseem said: I don’t have words. Am very happy. I was giving hope to everyone that we can chase this down. That these are conditions we know. We were going with the gameplan. I was playing my natural game. I was trying to play long. I have no words to say. We were hoping we will get a six in the last over. We will go with our strength in the last game.
Bangladesh’s captain Litton Das, leading the side in a T20I series for the first time, didn’t shy away from critiquing his team’s performance—particularly their fielding and the expensive spell by Nahid Rana, who gave away 50 runs in four overs.
“Any loss hurts.The wicket was good to bat on,” Litton admitted. “When they batted, there was dew. We could have fielded better. Dew was a big factor here. We had to plan for different batters. We are expecting better from Rana. Still, we will sit and come back better. I will try my best in the last game.”
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