UAE Defeat Bangladesh to Win Maiden T20I Series

Bangladesh may have kicked off the series with a convincing win, but the UAE bounced back to clinch their first-ever T20I series win. 

The momentum shifted in the second match when the UAE leveled the series 1-1. In the final match, the UAE won the toss but opted to bowl first, limiting the visitors to 162 runs in just 20 overs. Haider Ali led the charge with control and consistency, claiming three key wickets. 

He got great support from other bowlers who applied pressure through tight spells. However, Muhammad Waseem had a tough outing, struggling to find his rhythm. He conceded runs at an economy rate of 27.60, the highest among the bowlers.

The UAE bowlers targeted Bangladesh’s top order. During the powerplays, the visitors lost key batters like Hossain, Litton, Tawhid, and Mahedi Hasan—all within the first six overs for just 49 runs. After the collapse, Tanzid Hasan and Shamim Hossain tried to stabilize the innings, contributing 40 and 9 runs respectively. 

Jaker Ali, the last wicket to fall, emerged as Bangladesh's top scorer with 41 runs. The innings finally wrapped up with Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful remaining unbeaten, adding a valuable 34-run stand that helped Bangladesh reach their target.

In response, the UAE batting unit showed composure and resilience during the chase, needing just five batters to comfortably reach the 162-run target. Opener Muhammad Waseem contributed a modest nine runs before falling early. Muhammad Zohaib followed with a speedy 29, but his stay was cut short in the 7th over by bowler Rishad Hossain.

The turning point came when Alisha Sarafu and Asif Khan took charge, forming an unbeaten 87-run partnership. Sarafu anchored the innings with a solid 68, while Khan supported with an unbeaten 41, guiding the UAE to victory at 166 for 3 in 19.1 overs. Bangladesh's bowlers claimed three wickets, each successful bowler taking one, while the rest of the attack remained ineffective.