UAE shock Bangladesh to script historic series win as Alishan Sharafu shines with the bat in decider

Sharjah: On a ground where many of UAE’s cricketing dreams first took shape, a new chapter was written in bold strokes on Wednesday night. Under the Sharjah lights, Alishan Sharafu calmly soaked up the pressure and steered his team to their first-ever Twenty20 series win against a Test-playing nation — a momentous 2-1 triumph over Bangladesh.

The 22-year-old opener, once known more for promise than polish, is now putting finishing touches on wins — literally. Asif Khan’s power-hitting may have stolen the back-end spotlight, but it was Alishan’s composure at the crease that held the chase together after an early wobble.

After Bangladesh posted a par 162 for 9 on a tricky surface — thanks largely to Haider Ali’s crafty left-arm spin — UAE’s top order was tested early when captain Muhammad Waseem fell cheaply. Historically, that spelled trouble. But not this time.

Alishan showcased maturity well beyond his years. He stitched together crucial partnerships — first with fellow youngster Muhammad Zohaib, one of five debutants blooded during the series, then Rahul Chopra — before handing the reins to veteran Asif Khan, who finished with a blistering 41 not out off 26 balls.

But the platform? That was all Sharafu.

“The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible,” said Alishan, named Player of the Match. “When Waseem got out early, it was another opportunity for us to step up. Asif and I just kept things ticking, picked our boundaries, and stayed calm.”

It was calmness hard-earned. Just a year ago, Alishan was pulled aside for a stern talk by coach Lalchand Rajput and skipper Waseem after throwing away his wicket with victory in sight against Scotland. He’s never forgotten the lesson.

“Since then, I’ve tried to bat as deep as possible and finish the game if the situation allows,” he said, echoing Rajput’s relentless push to instill the Mumbai ‘Khadoos’ culture in the UAE batting unit — where grit, not flair, defines success.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das was gracious in defeat, pointing to the dew but acknowledging UAE’s superior temperament. “They didn’t panic. Credit goes to them,” he said.

The bowlers laid the foundation earlier in the evening. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali spun a web around Bangladesh’s middle order, reducing them to 84 for 8 before late cameos helped the visitors limp past 160.

“He’s been exceptional all series,” Waseem said of Haider. “This win belongs to the whole team — the bowlers, the youngsters, and especially Alishan. We’ve made history. This series means a lot to us — it will help us a great deal going forward.”

For Rajput, who has overseen India’s World Cup-winning Under-19 team and Afghanistan’s rise, the ingredients for UAE’s own transformation are clear: belief, discipline, and players like Alishan willing to buy into a long-term vision.

“It’s a great feeling,” Rajput said. “We had our chances even in the first game but didn’t finish. This time, the boys held their nerve. We fight till the last ball — and today, we got our reward.”