In a historic achievement for UAE cricket, the hosts defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the third and final T20I to seal the series 2–1 on home turf. After losing the opening match, the UAE bounced back impressively to win the next two, including a dominant performance in the series decider.
The run-chase, however, wasn’t without a straightforward one. Skipper Muhammad Waseem, usually the cornerstone of UAE’s batting, was dismissed early by a superb delivery from Shoriful Islam. Muhammad Zohaib also fell cheaply, placing the responsibility on the middle order. Once again, the dependable trio of Rahul Chopra, Asif Khan and Alishan Sharafu rose to the occasion. It was Asif and Alishan who led the charge in the final match, stitching together a crucial 87-run stand for the fourth wicket. Alishan remained unbeaten on 68 from 47 balls, while Asif contributed a rapid 41 off 26, guiding the UAE to victory with five deliveries to spare.
Haider Ali dismantles Bangladesh batting line-up
Earlier, Bangladesh were sent in to bat and found themselves in early trouble. Centurion from the previous game, Parvez Hossain Emon, was dismissed first ball. Haider Ali then struck twice in quick succession, removing Towhid Hridoy for a duck and clean bowling Mahedi Hasan, leaving the visitors reeling. Tanzid Hasan Tamim tried to stabilise the innings with a brisk 40 off 18 balls, but his dismissal to Akif Raja halted the momentum. Despite the top-order collapse, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam added valuable lower-order runs, helping Bangladesh reach 162 for 9 on a tricky pitch.
Haider was the star with the ball, delivering a remarkable spell of 3 for 7 in four overs. The left-arm spinner’s early strikes left Bangladesh floundering at 84 for 8, which didn’t prove to be enough.
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