UAE pull off historic chase to stun Bangladesh in Sharjah thriller

Bangladesh batesmen in the T20I against UAE. Photo taken from UAE cricket X profile. UNB_11zon

UAE stunned Bangladesh in a dramatic finish to the second T20I, chasing down a record 206 with just one ball and two wickets to spare at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday night.

The thrilling victory, powered by a 42-ball 82 from captain Muhammad Waseem, helped the hosts level the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing Bangladesh’s total of 205 for 5, Waseem set the tone with an explosive start, smashing nine fours and five sixes in a whirlwind knock.

He shared a 107-run opening stand with Muhammad Zohaib (38 off 34), which laid the platform for the biggest T20I chase ever achieved by an Associate nation against a Full Member side.

Despite losing wickets regularly after Waseem’s dismissal in the 15th over, UAE stayed in the hunt. Cameos from Asif Khan (19), Saghir Khan (8), and debutant Haider Ali, who finished unbeaten on 15, helped UAE inch closer.

With 12 runs needed in the final over, bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, the game turned on its head with a six, a wicket, and a no-ball before Haider sealed the win with a scrambled two off the penultimate delivery.

Earlier, Bangladesh had posted a strong total, thanks to Tanzid Hasan’s 59 off 33 balls and quick contributions from Litton Das (40), Towhid Hridoy (45), and Jaker Ali (18 off 6). Muhammad Jawadullah took 3 for 45 for UAE.

The match, which produced a combined total of 411 runs, also saw Bangladesh’s fielding fall apart in the closing moments, with overthrows and missed opportunities proving costly.

The series decider will be played on Wednesday at the same venue, with both teams eyeing a final conquest. - UNB