Bangladesh secured a 27-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the first T20I in Sharjah on Saturday, with Parvez Hossain Emon hitting a stunning century and the bowlers delivering under pressure in the closing stages.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 191 for 7, with Emon anchoring the innings superbly. The left-handed opener scored 100 off just 53 balls, combining timing, power and maturity to steer his side to a commanding total. His knock gave the visitors the perfect platform in their first match under new full-time T20I captain Litton Das.
The UAE responded positively and were well in the game at 131 for 3 after 13 overs. Skipper Muhammad Waseem led the way with a composed 54 from 39 balls, while Rahul Chopra chipped in with 35 off 22. Their 62-run third-wicket stand kept the home side firmly in the hunt.
Momentum continued with Asif Khan, who blasted 42 off 21 balls, hitting four sixes and three boundaries. His assault included three consecutive sixes off Sheikh Mehedi Hasan and brought the equation down to a very manageable run rate.
But the tide turned in the penultimate over when Hasan Mahmud dismissed Asif, triggering a dramatic collapse. The UAE lost their last five wickets for just 10 runs and were bowled out for 164 with four balls to spare.
Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were excellent in the death overs, using variations and pace smartly to restrict the UAE batters. The win gave Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the two-match series and a strong start to Litton’s captaincy.
The teams will meet again on Monday at the same venue for the second and final T20I. Bangladesh will aim to wrap up the series with a clean sweep, while the UAE will look to bounce back and draw level.