United Arab Emirates suffered a late collapse and lost by 27 runs against Bangladesh in the first T2OI of their two-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 17.
UAE were right in the game as they needed just 61 to win off last seven overs with seven wickets in hand. However, Bangladesh showed maturity and their bowlers executed their plans to derail UAE's chase and the visitors avoided an embarrassing loss.
Earlier, UAE had won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Playing XIs:
United Arab Emirates (Playing XI): Muhammad Waseem(c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra(w), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Sanchit Sharma, Muhammad Zuhaib, Matiullah Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Jawadullah
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Litton Das(c), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali(w), Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh found their hero in Parvez Hossain Emon who scored his maiden T20I century. His 100 off 54 balls is now only the second century by a Bangladesh batter in T20Is. Apart from Emon, other batters endured faliures and Bangladesh reached 191/7 in 20 overs.
Left-arm paceman Jawadullah was the pick of the UAE bowlers with his four wicket haul for just 21 runs in four overs.
Captain Muhammad Waseem gave UAE a perfect start in the chase with a brisk half-century. Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan also played their part and just whenit looked UAE were crusing towards a win, Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib came up with top-class death bowling performance.
Despite needing just 61 to win in 42 balls with seven wickets in hand, pressure got the better of UAE and they were bowled out for 164.
The second and final match of the series takes place Monday on the same venue. Bangladesh are expected lose the services of Mustafizur Rahman who would be leaving for IPL 2025.
