Waseem leads UAE to historic win over New Zealand

Skipper Muhammad Waseem led the charge for UAE in a spectacular manner, guiding his team to a remarkable victory over New Zealand in the second T20I held in Dubai on Saturday. This victory allowed UAE to level the ongoing three-match series.

Waseem began his innings with caution, accumulating 16 runs from 13 balls before unleashing his aggressive side. With an impressive display of batting prowess, the opener smashed four fours and three sixes, rapidly reaching his half-century in just 27 balls. This explosive performance propelled UAE to a strong start in their pursuit of the target of 143.

At the end of the powerplay, UAE stood at 44/2, thanks in part to Vriitya Aravind's contribution of 25 runs off 21 balls. However, it was Waseem who was yet to fully assert his dominance at that juncture. After the powerplay, Waseem shifted gears and displayed more aggression. He struck a boundary down the ground against Mitchell Santner and followed it up with a six off Kyle Jamieson in the subsequent over. Additionally, he dispatched Cole McConchie for a four and a six and later hit Santner for another six, securing his fifty in just 27 deliveries.

Unfortunately, Waseem's innings ended soon after reaching his fifty, but his impactful start was not enough for New Zealand to build pressure on the UAE side. Asif Khan played a composed innings alongside Basil Hameed, frustrating the New Zealand bowlers further. Although the victory was not yet assured, a turning point came in the 15th over when Asif Khan hit two boundaries off James Neesham. He continued his aggressive approach, hitting a six off Tim Southee in the following over, bringing UAE closer to their memorable triumph. A couple more fours followed, and the UAE team celebrated an exceptional victory. This win marked their first T20I victory over a Test-playing nation other than Ireland and Afghanistan.

In the first innings, New Zealand encountered early setbacks as Tim Seifert was dismissed in the third over. Aayan Khan then took consecutive wickets, removing Mitchell Santner and Dane Cleaver. Despite the UAE bowlers chipping away at the New Zealand lineup, Mark Chapman showcased resilience, amassing 63 runs off 46 balls. However, apart from a brief contribution of 21 runs from 17 balls by Neesham, Chapman lacked substantial support from the rest of the team.

Although New Zealand posted a total of 142 runs, their lowest against a non-Test playing nation, this score was insufficient to deter the spirited UAE side, who exhibited remarkable determination and skill to secure their victory.