UAE Stun Bangladesh to Clinch Historic First T20I Series Win in Sharjah

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) created a landmark moment in their cricketing journey on Wednesday, May 21, by clinching their first-ever T20I series win against Bangladesh.

The historic triumph unfolded in Sharjah, where the hosts bounced back from a series-opening defeat to secure the next two matches and seal the series 2-1.

After a memorable run chase in the second T20I that levelled the series, it was the UAE bowlers who rose to the occasion in the decider. Bangladesh, put in to bat first, got off to a blazing start thanks to Tanzid Hasan, who hammered 40 off just 18 balls.

However, wickets tumbled at the other end, leaving the visitors in deep trouble at 57/5 by the end of the powerplay. Despite some resistance from Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam, the absence of senior pacers like Mustafizur Rahman was deeply felt, and Bangladesh managed only 162 runs-a subpar total on a surface expected to yield at least 180.

The standout performer for UAE with the ball was left-arm spinner Haider Ali. He delivered an exceptional four-over spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 7 runs, applying the brakes on the Bangladeshi batting lineup and tilting the game in the home team's favour.

In reply, UAE suffered an early setback with the dismissal of key batter Muhammad Waseem. However, Alishan Sharafu anchored the chase with a measured knock, pacing his innings smartly without taking unnecessary risks. His 144 strike rate may not have been explosive, but it was effective.

The finishing touch came from Asif Khan, who provided the firepower in the middle order with a blistering 41 off 26 balls, including five towering sixes. UAE chased down the target in the final over, completing a famous win.

Bangladesh missed the experience of Mustafizur and Taskin Ahmed, but their batting collapse in the decider was the real letdown. The side now heads to Pakistan for a shortened three-match T20I series, hoping to regroup quickly after this upset.