Islamabad, May 22, 2025: Alishan Sharafu unbeaten 68-run innings and a stellar bowling spell by Haider Ali, who bagged 3 wickets for just 7 runs, helped the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in third T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
With this victory, the UAE clinched the three-match series 2-1, marking their first-ever win over a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Bangladesh posted a total of 162 for 9 in 20 overs. Opening batter Tanzid Hasan gave a good start, however wickets kept falling at regular intervals. By the 14th over, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 84 for 8.
A much-needed 44-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Jaker Ali and Hasan Mahmud gave the innings some stability. Jaker top-scored with 41 from 34 deliveries, before falling to Saghir Khan in the 19th over. Hasan Mahmud remained unbeaten on 26 off 15 balls, while Shoriful Islam chipped in with a valuable 16 not out from just seven balls.
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Among UAE’s bowlers, Haider Ali stood out with remarkable figures of 3 for 7 in his quota of four overs. Saghir Khan and Matiullah Khan claimed two wickets each, while Dhruv Parashar and Akif Raja took one apiece.
Chasing 163, the UAE reached the target comfortably, finishing on 166 for 3 in 19.1 overs. Although skipper Muhammad Waseem was dismissed early, Alishan Sharafu anchored the innings with a composed 68 not out from 47 balls, which included five boundaries and three sixes.
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He was ably supported by Asif Khan, who remained unbeaten on 41 off 26 deliveries. Together, they put on an unbroken 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket, sealing a historic series win for the home side. On the bowling front for Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam picked up one wicket each.
