The UAE national team leveled the T20 international series against Afghanistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night after Muhammad Waseem smashed 91 in 50 balls to take the team to a nine wicket win.
Waseem’s masterful display included taking 22 off the second over bowled by Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, the mystery spinner who is an Indian Premier League star.
He brought up his half century in just 22 balls and celebrated by lofting the next delivery, off seamer Naveen-ul-Haq, straight back over the bowler’s head for his fifth six in the space of his first 23 balls.
He departed when in sight of what would have been a third century in T20 internationals, when he drilled a catch at Rashid Khan, the Afghan captain, off the bowling of Karim Janat. His innings included seven sixes and eight fours, The National reported.
The win was one of UAE’s finest ever in the short format, given the status of their opposition, who had been comfortable winners in the first match between the sides on Thursday.
The series will reach its climax on Sunday night when the sides play the third game at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, starting at 6pm.
ILT20 dates for 2024
Earlier Saturday, the Emirates Cricket Board announced the dates for the second season of the ILT20 next year.
The competition will start on Saturday, 13 January 2024, retaining the same 34-game format as its opening season, which was won by Gulf Giants last Sunday.
