Gill Scripts History at Edgbaston, Surpasses Gavaskar and Azharuddin’s Records

In a historic upset, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Bangladesh by two wickets in a nail-biting finish at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 19, 2025, leveling the three-match T20I series at 1-1. Chasing a formidable 206, UAE, led by captain Muhammad Waseem’s explosive 82 off 42 balls, clinched their first-ever T20I victory against Bangladesh with one ball to spare, setting the stage for a series-deciding third match on May 21.

Bangladesh’s Record-Breaking Batting

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a commanding 205/5 in 20 overs, driven by Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s whirlwind 59 off 33 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes. Tamim’s fourth T20I fifty came in just 25 balls, including a six off spinner Haider Ali to mark the milestone. Despite his dismissal in the 10th over, Bangladesh maintained momentum with a 90-run opening stand alongside Litton Das, who scored 40 off 32 balls, surpassing his previous best as captain.

Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 45 off 24 balls, laced with powerful strokes, and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 27 off 19 balls propelled Bangladesh past 200. Jaker Ali Anik’s quickfire 18 off 6 balls added late impetus. UAE’s Muhammad Jawadullah claimed 3/45, while debutant Saghir Khan took 2/36, but Bangladesh’s aggressive batting set a daunting target.

UAE’s Explosive Chase

UAE’s chase began with fireworks as openers Waseem and Muhammad Zohaib amassed 107 runs in 10 overs. Waseem’s 82, studded with nine fours and five sixes, included a monstrous six off Tanvir Islam that cleared the stadium. Zohaib contributed 38 off 34 balls before falling to Tanvir Islam. Bangladesh fought back with quick wickets, dismissing Zohaib and Rahul Chopra (2 off 4) in the 11th and 12th overs, leaving UAE at 110/2.

Despite Waseem’s departure at 148/3 in the 14.5th over, caught off Shoriful Islam, UAE’s lower order showed resilience. Asif Khan’s aggressive cameos, including two sixes off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, kept the chase alive. With 29 runs needed off the last 11 balls, Dhruv Parashar’s composure proved crucial. In the final over, needing 12 runs, Parashar smashed a six off a Tanzim full-toss, followed by a no-ball. Haider Ali sealed the victory with two runs off the penultimate ball, surviving a run-out scare after a fumbled throw by Hridoy.

Bangladesh’s Fielding Woes

Bangladesh’s chances were hampered by sloppy fielding, including multiple dropped catches—most notably Hridoy’s miss of Waseem at 63—and poor ground work. Captain Litton Das later attributed the loss to these errors and dew, which aided UAE’s batting. He expressed disappointment but backed debutant Nahid Rana, who struggled, conceding runs at a high rate, to bounce back in the next game.

Waseem’s Heroics Earn Accolades

Waseem, named Player of the Match, credited UAE’s success to their familiarity with Sharjah’s conditions and adherence to their game plan. His 82, coupled with contributions from Parashar (six in the final over) and others, underscored UAE’s depth. Every UAE batter from No. 7 onwards hit at least one six, showcasing their aggressive intent.

Series on the Line

UAE’s historic win, celebrated jubilantly at Sharjah, marked a golden moment in their cricketing journey, as noted by local media and fans on X. Bangladesh, stunned by their first loss to UAE in any format, now face a must-win third T20I on May 21 to clinch the series. The defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in fielding and death bowling, as the Tigers aim to regroup under Litton’s leadership.