Bangladesh cricket slumped to a new low on Wednesday evening as they succumbed to a humbling T20 International series defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates, losing the third and final match by seven wickets in Sharjah. The result marked Bangladesh’s second T20I series loss to an associate nation, following last year’s embarrassing reverse to the United States.
What began as a two-match series was extended to a decisive third fixture – a move that proved fatal for the visitors. The UAE, unfazed by the occasion, were dominant with both bat and ball, cruising to their target of 163 with five deliveries to spare. Alishan Sharafu struck a composed unbeaten 65, while Asif Khan added 45 not out in a commanding run chase.
Bangladesh had claimed victory in the opening match by 27 runs, but signs of fragility emerged during their narrow two-wicket defeat in the second encounter. Their collapse in the series decider laid bare deeper concerns, with the Emiratis proving the superior side across all departments.
Opting to bat first, the Tigers were left reeling at 84 for 8 inside 14 overs. A disciplined and spirited bowling performance from the hosts saw the Bangladeshi top order capitulate. Off-spinner Dhruv Parashar struck with the first ball of the innings to remove Parvez Hossain Emon for a golden duck, setting the tone for what followed.
Left-arm spinner Haider Ali was the pick of the bowlers, producing a sensational spell of 3 for 7 from his four overs, claiming the key scalps of Liton Das, Towhid Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan. Pacer Raja Akif Ullah Khan bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who had threatened with a brisk 40 off 18 balls, further derailing the innings.
It was left to Jaker Ali Anik (41 off 34 balls) and Hasan Mahmud (26* off 15) to salvage some pride, with Shoriful Islam adding a quick-fire unbeaten 16. A 26-run final over helped Bangladesh post a total of 162 for 9, but even that late surge failed to apply pressure.
In response, the UAE were composed and clinical. Sharafu anchored the innings with maturity, while Khan played the perfect foil. Bangladesh’s bowlers – Shoriful, Tanzim Sakib and Rishad Hossain – each claimed a wicket, but never threatened to swing momentum in their favour.
Bangladesh’s shortcomings were glaring: an inability to adapt, a lack of intensity, and a persistently fragile middle order. The loss comes just a year after their 2-1 series defeat to the USA – another associate nation – ahead of the previous T20 World Cup.
While the UAE celebrated a landmark series triumph, the result is likely to spark serious introspection within the Bangladesh camp. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, urgent questions will be raised regarding team selection, strategy, and overall direction. If left unaddressed, further embarrassment on the global stage may well await the Tigers.