Sheikh Nahayan: Series win against Bangladesh will boost UAE players’ self-belief

Dubai: The Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, has congratulated the UAE men’s team on their historic series win over Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The Muhammad Waseem-led UAE side stunned their experienced rivals by winning the last two matches of the three-match T20I series, sealing the triumph with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the decider. A stunning bowling performance by Haider Ali (three wickets for seven runs) and an unbeaten 87-run fourth-wicket partnership between Alishan Sharafu (68 not out) and Asif Khan (41 not out) led the way.

Sheikh Nahayan said: “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the outstanding performance of the UAE men’s team in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The team played brilliantly throughout the series, while the support staff put in the hard yards to make the victory possible.

"I want to congratulate the entire squad and wish them the very best in their upcoming international assignments. The ECB will continue to provide the best possible facilities and exposure to our immensely talented players. UAE continues to impress in the T20I format, and the Bangladesh series win is another glorious chapter in our cricketing history.”

The UAE added Bangladesh to their growing list of Test-playing scalps on Wednesday night, clinching a dramatic win to register their fourth T20I victory over a Full-Member nation — following previous triumphs against the West Indies, Afghanistan and New Zealand.

“In the recent past, the team has defeated formidable Test-playing opponents like Afghanistan and New Zealand. This series win will give immense confidence and self-belief to our players and prepare them to take on bigger and more established opponents,” Sheikh Nahayan added.

Left-arm spinner Haider Ali claimed three wickets to restrict Bangladesh to an under-par 162 for nine on a tricky surface. After the dependable Waseem fell early, young Alishan Sharafu showcased maturity well beyond his years to guide the UAE to a series win on a pitch that had changed considerably due to the heavy dew.

He stitched together crucial partnerships — first with fellow youngster Muhammad Zohaib, one of five debutants blooded during the series, then with Rahul Chopra — before giving the finishing touches in the company of veteran Asif Khan.