The UAE had a great chance to play in the Asia Cup 2027, but they lost to Nepal in the ACC Premier Cup, which has denied them an opportunity. UAE had an unbeaten run to the final, but Nepal proved to be too good for them, claiming a 44-run victory in the summit clash.
Resurgent UAE
However, they were able to quickly put that disappointment behind them as they have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Malaysia at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
In the second match of the three-match series earlier today (September 16), Malaysia set UAE a target of 160, riding on a superb 90-run stand for the second wicket between skipper Syed Aziz Mubarak (65) and opening batter Nazmus Sakib (37).
At 111/2 in the 13th over, Malaysia were looking good to get to somewhere close to 200, but pacer Ibrar Ahmad put the brakes on the Malaysian innings with figures of 4/13. He was well aided by fellow pacer Khuzaima Tanveer, who finished with 2/25.
UAE batters finish off job
The UAE batters took very little time to get going as they had raced to 53/1 in the powerplay. Opener Adeeb Usmani starred for the UAE with an unbeaten 75 off just 45 to ensure there were no hiccups in the chase.
He put on 76 off 45 with skipper Harpreet Singh Bhatia (32) to help UAE chase down the target with 14 balls and seven wickets to spare.
Tanveer shines in 1st T20I
In the first T20I, played at the same venue, the UAE chased down a modest 145 by six wickets, riding on Tanveer’s unbeaten 68* off 29. He had earlier chipped in with a couple of wickets with the ball as well.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played on September 17 (Thursday) at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.
Brief scores:
Malaysia 156/9 in 20 overs (Syed Aziz Mubarak 65, Nazmus Sakib 37; Ibrar Ahmad 4/13) lost to UAE 157/3 in 17.4 overs (Adeeb Usmani 75*, Harpreet Singh Bhatia 32; Virandeep Singh 2/33) by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Adeeb Usmani
UAE lead 3-match T20I series 2-0
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