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Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 witnessed the most bizarre ODI at the venue where hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged victoriously by the barest of margins. After a fantastic bowling display to bundle out Namibia for 91, it was supposed to be an easy run chase but it was far from a comprehensive win. 17-year-old Aayan Afzal Khan showed nerves of steel as UAE avoided an embarrassing loss at the hands of Namibia at their home.
Record broken
UAE chased down the target in 33 overs with just one wicket in hand. They broke the 41-year-old record held by Pakistan for the lowest total to win a men's ODI by just one wicket. In 1982, Pakistan chased down 107 against West Indies with just one wicket. However, it was a rain-curtailed game at Brisbane as the target of 178 was reduced to 107 from 30 overs.
Record missed
Had Namibia bowlers pulled off a win, they would have broken the record for the lowest total defended in ODIs. In 1985, India managed to defend 125 against Pakistan by bundling the arch-rivals for 87.
UAE bowlers dominate
Earlier, UAE skipper Chundangapoyil Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first. Namibia were reduced to 29/5 in the 16th over. Crucial contributions from wicketkeeper-batter Zane Green (24) and Ruben Trumpelmann (30) helped Namibia post 91. For UAE, Zahoor Khan, Afzal Khan and Karthik Meiyappan took three wickets each.
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The unlikely collapse
In the run chase only two of UAE's top six batters could score in double digits. Aayan led the charge but started to run out of partners. In the 29th over, Hazrat Bilal's wicket made Namibia the favourites. But Zahoor played eight dot deliveries and guarded his wicket as if his life depended on it.
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Aayan – the hero
In the 33th over, Aayan decided to finish the game. He started off with a six in Ben Shikongo's over. After four dot deliveries, He hit a four to seal the game and guide UAE to a record-breaking win. He remained unbeaten for 35 off 54 deliveries and was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his heroics.
