UAE win a thriller against Bangladesh to level T20I series
Muhammad Waseem and Muhammad Zohaib added 107 for the opening wicket
The pulsating contest swung like a pendulum until the final delivery. But in the end, the hosts had the last laugh, capitalizing on Bangladesh's string of errors. From overthrows at crucial moments to poor bowling and missed fielding opportunities, the visitors left the door wide open.
Bangladesh to play additional T20I against UAE on May 21
9 hrs ago
With 29 runs needed off the last two overs, pacer Shoriful Islam gave Bangladesh hope by picking up a wicket off the first ball of the 19th over. However, the rest of the over was a nightmare. He leaked 17 runs in the remaining five balls, including a massive six from Haider Ali and a botched run-out attempt that turned into a boundary via an overthrow.
Needing just 12 runs off the final over, Tanzim Hasan Sakib began with a wide. After a single by Haider, Dhruv Parashar smashed a six off a full toss, putting UAE in pole position.
With four runs required from four balls, Tanzim bowled Parashar to give Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. But debutant Matiullah took a single, and a no-ball from Tanzim made things even easier for the hosts. Haider then sealed the win with a couple, taking UAE to an incredible 2-wicket victory. A direct hit from Towhid Hridoy on the last ball might have forced a super over, but it wasn’t to be.
The win levels the three-match series 1-1, with the decider scheduled for Saturday, May 21.
Chasing 206, UAE got a flying start thanks to an explosive knock of 82 from opener Muhammad Waseem. He partnered with Muhammad Zohaib to give Bangladesh’s bowlers a torrid time in the powerplay. Tanvir Islam finally broke the stand by dismissing Zohaib for 38.
BCB proposes extra T20I against UAE
18 May 25
Waseem, however, continued his onslaught before falling to Shoriful, swinging the momentum briefly in Bangladesh’s favor. But the game continued to twist and turn right up to the last over, culminating in a memorable win for the hosts, celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Sharjah crowd.
Earlier, Bangladesh put on a batting masterclass, posting 205 for 5 – their fourth-highest total in T20 internationals – thanks to a blazing fifty from opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and strong support from Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy.
After losing the toss, the Tigers got off to a flying start with the opening pair of captain Litton Das and Tamim adding 90 runs in just 9.1 overs. Tamim led the charge with an aggressive 59 off 33 balls, smashing eight fours and three sixes before getting out.
Litton, who had struggled in the first match, returned to form with a steady 40 off 32 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and one six. At No. 3, Najmul Hossain Shanto, replacing the injured Parvez Hossain Emon, made a handy contribution of 27 off 19 balls, including two fours and a six.
Hridoy provided late impetus with a powerful 45 off 24 balls, which featured three sixes and two fours, helping Bangladesh cross the 200-mark.
The team made four changes from the first match. Emon, who scored a century in the previous game, missed out due to a groin injury. Although declared fit before the match, he was rested as a precaution, with Shanto taking his place.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was unavailable due to IPL commitments, making way for Shoriful. Nahid Rana replaced Hasan Mahmud, while Rishad Hossain came into the side in place of Sheikh Mahedi.
Originally planned as a two-match series, the bilateral contest has now been extended to a three-match series after both boards agreed.
