The UAE pulled off one of their biggest wins in T20I history by shocking Bangladesh in the second game of the three-match series in Sharjah on Monday, May 19. Chasing a target of 206 — their highest ever in T20 internationals — the UAE leveled the series 1-1 with a memorable victory.
Bangladesh had beaten UAE in all four previous T20Is since 2016 and looked set for another win after scoring 205 runs in 20 overs. This came after UAE won the toss and chose to bowl. But UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem turned the game around with a brilliant 82 off 42 balls, guiding his team to a thrilling win at the famous Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
This 206-run chase was not only UAE’s highest but also the biggest successful chase by an associate nation against a full-member side in T20I history. It also marked the first time UAE had chased down a total of over 200 in a T20 match.
“I have no words. I am very happy we beat Bangladesh. Very happy with the performance. I was giving hope to everyone that we could chase this score because we know the conditions,” said captain and Player of the Match Muhammad Waseem.
All-Round Batting Display Powers Team Forward
Chasing a target of 206, UAE got off to a blazing start, scoring 68 runs in the first six overs. Muhammad Waseem led the charge with a quick 32, while his partner Muhammad Zohaib supported well with 30 off 23 balls. In the final two overs of the powerplay, bowlers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana were expensive, giving away 18 runs each.
The openers kept the momentum going even after the powerplay, taking UAE to 107 without loss at the 10-over mark. But soon after, both set batters were dismissed, Waseem for 82 and Zohaib for 38 and UAE found themselves at 148 for 3 after 15 overs.
Although no big partnerships followed, short but important knocks from Asif Khan (19 off 12) and Alishan Sharfu (13 off 9) kept the chase alive. With 29 needed from the last two overs, Bangladesh looked in control.
Haider Ali (15 off 6) and Dhruv Parashar (11 off 7) finished strongly for UAE, with 17 runs coming in the 19th over, helping them seal a thrilling win on the final ball. Bangladesh missed Mustafizur Rahman, while their top scorers were Tanzid Hasan (59), Litton Das (40), and Towhid Hridoy (45).
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