Fight till the last ball – coach hails UAE’s never-say-die spirit as hosts target series win against Bangladesh

Dubai: Lalchand Rajput saw it coming. Even after their struggles in the Netherlands, he believed UAE cricket was turning a corner. On Monday in Sharjah, his team proved him right — holding their nerve to chase down 205 and stun Bangladesh in a historic T20 win that Rajput says could “change the mindset” of the squad for good.

It was UAE’s first-ever victory over Bangladesh in T20 internationals — and their fourth win against a Test-playing nation, after earlier triumphs over West Indies, New Zealand and Afghanistan. With the three-match series now level at 1-1, the hosts have the chance to clinch a rare series win over a full-member nation in Wednesday’s decider.

Rajput, a former India international and experienced coach, said the win was built on trust, preparation and the lessons learnt from recent defeats.

“It’s a great feeling because beating a Test-playing country is always special,” he said. “Even in the first game we had chances, but couldn’t finish it. This time the boys held their nerve. It was a tense game, and I give full credit to the players for showing that belief till the end.”

Team effort seals the chase

The chase was led by captain Muhammad Waseem’s blistering 82, but it was the lower order that saw the game home. A vital 25-run eighth-wicket stand between Dhruv Parashar and Haider Ali brought UAE within touching distance, and a composed finish under pressure from debutant Ali — including a six off a free hit in the penultimate ball — sealed the two-wicket win.

“We don’t give it up till the end,” Rajput said. “That’s something we’ve tried to instill across formats. You fight till the last ball. That attitude made the difference.”

Waseem, named Player of the Match, echoed his coach’s words, saying the players “always had belief” and were determined to chase down the target, knowing the conditions at Sharjah.

New mindset, new goals

UAE’s recent struggles in the 50-over League 2 campaign have exposed shortcomings in game awareness and consistency, but T20 cricket remains their strongest format. Rajput believes the momentum from this win can translate across formats if the team builds on their new mental approach.

“Mindset is everything,” he said. “Beating a team like Bangladesh boosts your confidence to another level. This win changes our dressing room. When we go back to League 2, we’ll take this belief with us.”

The Emirates Cricket Board has also increased its focus on domestic development, running two-day matches among 45 players to sharpen skills and decision-making under pressure. While the long road to consistency remains, Monday’s result was a much-needed signpost of progress.

Chance for history

The final match of the series will be played on Wednesday, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested a third T20I amid uncertainty around their Pakistan tour dates. Bangladesh are expected to play five T20Is in Pakistan starting May 27.

For UAE, this bonus fixture now offers more than match practice. It’s a chance to finish what they started and notch a landmark series win.

“Winning is infectious,” Rajput said. “Now we’ve tasted it, the players will want more.”