The UAE cricket team claimed a surprising T20I series victory against Bangladesh, thanks to stellar performances from Sharafu and Waseem. Chasing down 162 runs, a key partnership between Sharafu and Asif paved the way for an exciting win, making it the UAE’s second series triumph against a Full Member. The team’s determination and the inclusion of new players showed their future potential.
SHARJAH, May 22 — In a thrilling T20I series finale, the UAE team pulled off a surprising victory against Bangladesh, with notable contributions from Captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu. On Wednesday night, the team successfully chased down Bangladesh’s total of 162 runs, clinching the series after initially falling behind. A remarkable unbeaten partnership between Sharafu and Asif Khan, scoring 87 runs off just 51 balls, was critical to this victory.
Sharafu finished with an impressive 68 runs not out off 47 deliveries, while Asif supported him with a solid 41 not out from 26 balls. Their calculated batting and strategic mix of singles and boundaries were essential, particularly under the pressure of a rising required run rate. The decisive moment came in the 16th over, featuring three sixes that changed the momentum in favor of the Emiratis. Sharafu sealed the win with a well-placed boundary, earning his Player of the Match accolade.
In a post-match interview, Sharafu attributed their success to a simple game plan: “The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible. Everything just worked out in the end,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of keeping the scoreboard moving and rotating the strike, especially after Asif joined him at the crease.
Originally, the series was just two matches, but a third was added after UAE lost the first game, which seemed to energize the team. Sharafu noted the boost in morale, saying, “I’m sure everyone’s pumped up (over in the dugout). Once that third game was announced, everyone was optimistic that we could go 2-1 up in the series.” The UAE’s comeback mirrors their only previous T20I series win against a Full Member, which was against Ireland back in 2021.
This achievement is particularly remarkable since the UAE team included five players making their international debut. Captain Waseem, who also received the Player of the Series award, expressed pride in his team’s performance. He remarked, “(I’m) very happy they did very well throughout the series. We were not losing our hopes.”
Waseem further highlighted the significance of the win, stating, “I’m very happy we have made history. This series means a lot to us. It’s very helpful for us in the future. And I’m very happy with the performance of the boys.” His praise extended to the entire team, recognizing how well Sharafu, Asif Khan, and the bowlers contributed to their successful campaign.
The UAE’s stunning victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh marks a significant achievement for a team that fielded several inexperienced players. With standout performances from Sharafu and Waseem, plus an energized team spirit, they showcased resilience and skill. These wins are not just important for their current morale but also provide momentum for future competitions. The series serves as a testament to the potential of the UAE cricket team, indicating a bright road ahead as they continue to grow and gain experience.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
