UAE pick up historic win against Tigers to level T20I series

In an nail-biting affair, UAE beat Bangladesh by two wickets in the second T20I, chasing down Bangladesh's 205 for 5 at Sharjah to pick up a historic win against a Test nation. The win sees UAE level the T20I series 1-1 with the third match to be played on May 21 at the same venue.

Haider Ali, playing just his second T20I, held his nerve in a final over bowled by Tanzim Sakib to take UAE over the ropes. The left-hander was the only recognized batter left when he hit a six off Shoriful Islam over deep point to keep UAE in the game. Shoriful conceded an overthrow boundary in last delivery of 19th over to ensure they need 12 off the last over. More drama was left for the last over.

Sakib started his final over with a wide and was then hit for six by Dhruv Parashar. With four needed off four deliveries, Sakib's slower found the mark, castling Parashar.

Comedy of errors ensued when UAE, needing 3 off two deliveries found a lifeline as Sakib bowled a high full toss which was called a no-ball. The penultimate ball of the innings was hit over point by Haider and amidst the confusion between the batters, an even more confused Tawhid Hridoy did not throw the ball at first opportunity as the batters completed two runs to take UAE over the ropes.

UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem lit up the Sharjah stadium with glittering strokeplay, taking a particular liking to debutant Nahid Rana. The UAE openers matched Bangladesh opening pair's flair, scoring 68 in the Powerplay.

The opening pair produced a 107-run partnership before Tanvir Islam managed to break the stand. Waseem ensured that Rana went for 32 in his first two overs as the youngster failed to keep his line and length.

Waseem blitzed a 42-ball 82 and with UAE looking good for a win, Shoriful managed his scalp to cause a slump. UAE slumped from 148 for 2 to 177 for six in the space of 17 deliveries before the chaotic final few overs saw them hold their nerve for a momentous win.

Earlier after being sent to bat, Tanzid Tamim led the way with a 25-ball 50 for Bangladesh while Liton Das held up one end at the top before contributions from Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali saw Bangladesh post

Bangladesh made four changes to the lineup as Najumul Hossain Shanto came in for injured Parvez Hossain Emon and Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana replaced Sheikh Mahedi, Hasan Mahmud and Mustafizur Rahman.

Tanzid Tamim made the most of his second opportunity this series as Bangladesh notched 66 runs without loss in the Powerplay. The left-hander failed to connect properly and was holed out at backward square-leg for 58 off 31 deliveries in the 10th over which saw the opening stand between Liton and Tanzid end at 90 runs. Tigers reached 100-run mark with Shanto getting off the blocks quickly however UAE stemmed the flow of runs with Liton falling for 40 off 32 deliveries.

Shanto, having started brightly, struggled with his timing late on as he departed for 27 off 19. Towhid Hridoy meanwhile had provided the boost to the innings with a 24-ball 45 while Jaker Ali struck 18 off 6 as Tigers reached 205 for 5.