The 1st T20I between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bangladesh (BAN) delivered an action-packed game filled with excitement and standout performances. Held in front of an energetic crowd, both teams had their moments of brilliance. Here’s a full breakdown of the match.
Toss and Team Strategy
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. This strategic decision allowed them to set a target on a dry pitch that offered some bounce early on. Their goal was to post a strong total and put the UAE under pressure during the chase.
Bangladesh’s Innings: A Confident Start
Openers Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar gave Bangladesh a promising start. Liton was aggressive from the outset, hitting clean boundaries and scoring 45 runs off just 28 balls. Soumya provided balance with a composed 38 runs, rotating the strike efficiently.
The pair built a 70-run opening stand, putting UAE on the back foot. However, UAE’s bowlers, especially Rohan Mustafa, tightened their lines and slowed the scoring rate through the middle overs. This shift forced Bangladesh’s batters to take more risks.
Despite the slowdown, Afif Hossain injected momentum in the death overs. His quick 30-run cameo helped Bangladesh reach a respectable 165/6 in 20 overs, setting a solid target for UAE to chase.
UAE’s Chase: A Brave Attempt
Chasing 166, UAE got off to a rocky start. Bangladesh’s pacer Taskin Ahmed removed Muhammad Waseem early, unsettling the top order. The hosts struggled to find rhythm as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Captain CP Rizwan brought some stability. He teamed up with Basil Hameed in the middle overs and stitched together a much-needed partnership. Their 50-run stand gave UAE a glimmer of hope.
However, as the required run rate climbed, the pressure mounted. Bangladesh’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Taskin was exceptional, finishing with figures of 3/24, while Mustafizur Rahman kept things tight at the death.
Match Highlights and Key Performers
- Player of the Match: Liton Das (45 off 28)
- Top Bowler (BAN): Taskin Ahmed – 3/24 in 4 overs
- Top Bowler (UAE): Rohan Mustafa – 2/26 in 4 overs
- Top Scorer (UAE): CP Rizwan – 42 runs off 35 balls
Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Top Batter | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 165/6 | Liton Das (45) | Taskin Ahmed (3/24) |
| UAE | 153/8 | CP Rizwan (42) | Rohan Mustafa (2/26) |
What’s Next?
With this win, Bangladesh takes a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. The second match will be crucial for UAE as they look to bounce back. Bangladesh will aim to seal the series and experiment with their squad depth.
Fans can expect another exciting contest with high stakes and thrilling moments.
