Despite a scare from 16-year-old rookie Aayan Khan, the visitors held strong throughout the pursuit. Bangladesh won the first T20I in Dubai by seven runs against the United Arab Emirates.
Bangladesh has achieved it with the help of Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both bailing them out of trouble once. The visitors won their first Twenty20 International in Bangladesh in front of a modest audience primarily made up of expatriate Bangladeshis.
Bangladesh’s Pride Was Spared By Afif Hossain’s 77
After being put in, Bangladesh rallied from 47 for 4, resisted Chirag Suri’s blazing batting start, and survived a scare from 16-year-old debutant Aayan Khan in the last three overs of the 159-run chase.
Shoriful Islam’s two wickets in the last over ensured victory for Bangladesh after an unbeaten 77 from Afif. Miraz contributed three wickets and two brilliant catches, including one off his own bowling.
Bangladesh’s Problems at The Gate Persist
All the talk regarding Bangladesh’s opening duo since their shortened training camp in Dhaka a couple of weeks ago was put to rest when Sabbir Rahman and Miraz walked out to bat first.
However, their partnership was short-lived, lasting just nine balls when Sabbir knocked Sabir Ali down to Basil Hameed at deep square leg.
Miraz did not appear too at ease either, as he was bowled for 12 runs off 14 balls (with two fours) in the fifth over when he top-edged one back to the quick bowler Zawar Farid.
In the middle, the returning Litton Das was similarly dismissed for 13 runs, despite a strong beginning in which he struck three boundaries.
With Yasir Ali out to Meiyappan’s opening delivery, Bangladesh’s already precarious situation worsened. The visitors’ innings completely unraveled when this delivery kept its line and sent them to 47/4 in the eighth over.
Since his Twenty20 International debut last year, Meiyappan has been nothing short of spectacular, racking up 16 wickets in only 10 matches. Earlier in the match, UAE was on the upswing as he had enticed Mosaddek Hossain off of the crease and had him stumped for three.
Mosaddek And Nurul Hasan Scored 81 Unbeaten Runs
Once again, Afif comes to the rescue, holding tight as wickets fall around him. It was anticipated of he to maintain his status as Bangladesh’s top run-scorer in T20Is this year, which he has done.
He controlled the 30 runs he and Mosaddek put up for the fifth wicket, and then he and skipper Nurul Hasan put on 81 runs without losing a wicket. In addition, fortune was on Afif’s side. On 2 and 63, he was knocked down at deep square leg.
However, he made good contact with the ball via the leg side, knocking it behind square frequently. He failed to consistently execute scoops and ramps.
The more direct bat strokes resulted in more runs being scored. He ended the game with three sixes and seven fours, so Bangladesh may be pleased that at least one batter is in fine form.
Suri’s Eyes Glow UAE’s Pursuit
Suri began out with a bang by hitting four fours in a row, but Bangladesh caught a break midway through. In the fifth over, Muhammad Waseem was out of his crease when a drive from Suri grazed the fingertips of bowler Shoriful on its way to the non-end striker’s stumps.
Waseem had a run-a-ball 15 with a four and a six, but it was clear that the home team needed more of a drive. Then, in the last over of the power play, Suri hit a six against Mustafizur Rahman.
He hit two fours by timing the ball behind square on the offside, and then hit a third with a swiveling pull as Mustafizur rounded the crease. After six overs, UAE was 43 for 1. That over yielded 14 runs.
Miraz Shows Up to The Gathering.
But when Miraz joined in, the pursuit quickly fizzled out. In the ninth over, he had Suri stumped for 24 runs off of 39 balls. The next over, he knocked out the dangerous Aryan Lakra for only 19.
Miraz, the outfield, had his turn after that. United Arab Emirates captain CP Rizwan attempted a through-point shot toward Mustafizur, but Miraz made a spectacular diving grab to his left.
When Shoriful knocked out Basil Hameed, Miraz was able to make his second spectacular catch of the game. Again, diving full length to his left, he stopped Vriitya Aravind’s leading edge off his own bowling.
After Mustafizur bowled Meiyappan in the 17th over, Aayan almost got Farid out with a straight shot from deep. With just two wickets remaining, UAE needed 35 runs in three overs.
Before little Aayan hit three fours in the following two overs, it appeared like the game was over. Mosaddek misplayed a sitter in the deep.
He and Junaid Siddique scored 14 and 10 runs, respectively, off the 18th and 19th overs. Even though Mohammad Saifuddin fumbled an even simpler opportunity at the cover, both fielders came through with a catch to seal the victory.
