UAE delivered a demoralising blow to Bangladesh as they won the third T20I by seven wickets and clinched the series 2-1 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 21. The 15th-ranked UAE stunned Litton Das' side as the visitors missed the services of their star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman who signed for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) as their replacement player.
Bangladesh suffer batting collapse
Bangladesh suffered a batting collapse. Centurion of first game, Parvez Hossain Emon departed for a golden duck. While Tanzid Hasan contributed with an 18-ball 40 cameo, Bangladesh kept losing wickets at the other end. After Tanzid's wicket, same happened to wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali who contributed with a 34-ball 41. From 57/5, Jaker took Bangladesh to 128/9. In the slog overs, tailenders Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam went berserk and helped the visitors post 162/9. Mahmud scored 26 runs from 15 balls whereas Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten for a seven-ball 16. For UAE, Haider Ali stood out with three wickets for just seven runs in his quota of four overs.
Easy run chase for hosts
In the run chase, UAE lost their in-form captain Muhammad Waseem for a single-digit score to Shoriful. Muhammad Zohaib fell to Rishad Hossain for a 23-ball 29 whereas Rahul Chopra departed for a run-a-ball 13 to Tanzim Hasan Sakib. The fourth-wicket partnership between Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan ensured UAE get over the line with five balls to spare. Sharafu scored 68 runs from 47 balls, including five fours and three sixes whereas Asif smashed five sixes in his 26-ball 41.
While Sharafu was named 'Player of the match' over Haider, Waseem was adjudged 'Player of the series' for two fifties. Waseem thanked the coaching staff, lauded the newcomers and dedicated the award to his son.
"Very happy with this victory, congrats to our staff, management and board. I am very happy that we have made history. This series means a lot, happy with the way our boys played, have no words for this victory. The uncapped players coming in did really well. Haider Ali was exceptional on debut, he bowled very nicely. To be honest, we didn't lose our hopes. We are used to playing in these conditions. Very happy. First time I am receiving this trophy, I want to dedicate this award to my son," Waseem said.
After the T20I series defeat, Bangladesh will now travel to Pakistan for a five-T20I series.