In a momentous night at the Sharjah Stadium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) etched their name in cricketing history with a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the third and final T20I. With this victory, UAE sealed the three-match series 2-1—marking their first-ever bilateral series triumph against a full-member Test-playing nation.
Haider Ali shines with the ball to keep Bangladesh in check
After winning the toss, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem chose to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface. Bangladesh, who were under pressure to clinch the decider, posted 162/9 in their 20 overs—a total that looked competitive but not beyond reach. Jaker Ali stood out for the visitors with a composed 41-run knock, anchoring the innings after regular fall of wickets.
However, it was UAE’s disciplined bowling that kept Bangladesh in check. Youngster Haider Ali was the standout performer with figures of 3/7, picking crucial wickets in the middle overs to halt Bangladesh’s momentum. His economical spell was pivotal in restricting the opposition under 170.
Sharafu shines as UAE register historic series win
Chasing 163 for victory, UAE showed no signs of nerves in their most important chase yet. Opener Alishan Sharafu played the innings of his life, remaining unbeaten on 68 and guiding his team home with nine balls to spare. His classy knock was laced with smart strokeplay and calm under pressure, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
The chase was built on solid partnerships, with UAE losing only three wickets. Sharafu’s composure, combined with sensible contributions from the middle order, ensured UAE never lost control of the game. Their batting approach was calculated, showing maturity beyond expectations from an associate side.
This victory marks a watershed moment for UAE cricket. Not only did they defeat Bangladesh convincingly in the series decider, but they also became the first UAE side to clinch a bilateral series against a Test-playing nation. Captain Waseem, who was consistent throughout the series, was named Player of the Series.
Also READ: Big names miss out as Pakistan announces squad for upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh
Here is how fans reacted:
Alishan Sharafu starred with the bat in UAE’s seven-wicket win in the T20I series decider against Bangladesh.
The stylish right-hander hit five 4s and three 6s in his 47-ball unbeaten 68! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/NnOXRoiyCO— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) May 21, 2025
UAE WON THE T20I SERIES VS BANGLADESH BY 2-1. 🤯
– A great moment in UAE cricket! pic.twitter.com/ZtdY1KCi8Z
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 21, 2025
They’ve only gone and done it!
UAE clinch the T20I series against Bangladesh. Alishan Sharafu and Haider Ali outstanding
From no-hopers in ODIs to world-beaters in T20Is. Could do some damage at the Asia Cup (if it happens) later this year
📸@EmiratesCricket pic.twitter.com/61SueXulVd
— Paul Radley (@PaulRadley) May 21, 2025
It was a great day for cricket.
First, Ireland beat Windies. Later, UAE silenced Bangladesh.
Unbelievable stuff! pic.twitter.com/LGmXA1PWf8
— Merovaeous (@Merovaeous) May 21, 2025
2024 – USA🇺🇸 beat Bangladesh🇧🇩 2-1
Series began on 21st May2025 – UAE🇦🇪 beat Bangladesh🇧🇩 2-1
Series ended on 21st May pic.twitter.com/VKOL2irUIM— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) May 21, 2025
Congratulations @EmiratesCricket
The Bangladesh team is losing to the newly formed UAE cricket team, this is the standard of their cricket. And then they complain about not being included in the IPL. Instead of playing cricket, Bangladeshis should go fishing.#Bangladesh #UAE pic.twitter.com/p3Cv1hHldb
— देश की बेटी इंदु (@Congress_Indira) May 21, 2025
UAE CREATE HISTORY IN SHARJAH DEFTEATED BANGLADESH IN T20 SERIES.( 2-1)#UAEVSBAN pic.twitter.com/IjVCSpXs23
— Zohaib (Cricket King)🇵🇰🏏 (@Zohaib1981) May 21, 2025
UAE secure a historic triumph over Bangladesh with a spectacular performance in the final T20I 👏#UAEvBAN 📝: https://t.co/fIsWpDDnK3 pic.twitter.com/uibf3Gv9Pl
— ICC (@ICC) May 21, 2025
🚨 HISTORY MADE IN SHARJAH! 🚨
UAE clinches the T20I series against Bangladesh for the FIRST TIME ever! What a breakthrough moment for UAE cricket. This win is just the beginning — watch this space! 👏🔥#Cricket #T20Cricket pic.twitter.com/soKWSpZvLy
— Naseem Akhtar (@iamnaseem_1) May 21, 2025
Don’t boast UAE’s this victory as a historic one against a Test playing nation.
Bangladesh is a complete disrepute in the name of a “Test Playing Nation”. Anybody with their infrastructure would’ve given better results.#UAEvBAN
— Saptak Sanyal (@SanyalwithStats) May 21, 2025
🚨 HISTORY BY UAE AT SHARJAH 🚨
UAE WON THE T20I SERIES AGAINST BANGLADESH, A HISTORIC MOMENT. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/uOtG7Ucla9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 21, 2025
#Bangladesh lost series against associate nation like UAE .
Now they are going to lose against China .Shameless cricket playing nation.
ICC should remove their full mem status
And make a rule if any associate nation wins a series against ban they get full mem status#BANvsUAE— Grand league guru (@GrandLeagueGuru) May 21, 2025
UAE have defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in a T20I series pic.twitter.com/I2c4g36pP1
— Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177) May 21, 2025
This is Amazing..!! UAE (@EmiratesCricket ) beat Bangladesh (@BCBtigers ) 2-1 in a bilateral international t20 cricket series. Congratulations UAE. Thoroughly deserved. 🇦🇪🇦🇪☝️
— alpansh banerjee (@mesmerizer_alp) May 21, 2025
Bangladesh and Windies struggling against UAE & Ireland respectively 😭
— Udit (@udit_buch) May 21, 2025
Also READ: Andrew Balbirnie’s ton powers Ireland to a historic win over West Indies in 1st ODI
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