Cricket followers within the UAE are in for a high-voltage contest as their nationwide T20I aspect is ready to host Bangladesh for the two-match T20I sequence. The matches are scheduled to happen on the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Could 17 and 19, marking UAE’s first T20I project of 2025.This brief however vital sequence will check the hosts in opposition to a full-member aspect, providing a beneficial alternative to gauge their progress in opposition to higher-ranked competitors.
Management reins handed again to Muhammad Waseem
After voluntarily stepping down from captaincy in October final 12 months to concentrate on his ODI batting, Muhammad Waseem has now been re-appointed as skipper. His management expertise throughout 26 T20Is between 2023 and 2024 made him the pure selection because the staff seems to rebuild after latest struggles within the Cricket World Cup League 2.
The choice comes at a time when UAE is searching for stability and spark on the prime, particularly with Waseem nonetheless being their most prolific T20I run-scorer. His return might show important in energizing the squad and setting the tone in opposition to a assured Bangladesh aspect.
Waseem’s dip in kind, notably in the course of the latest ILT20 and the ODI circuit, raised eyebrows. He hasn’t scored a T20I half-century since December 2024 and has just one fifty in ODIs over the previous two years. Nevertheless, his repute as one of many world’s highest T20I run-getters since 2021 stays intact. With the added duty of captaincy, Waseem now has some extent to show — each as a pacesetter and as a batter.
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A balanced squad that includes mixture of youth and expertise
UAE have introduced a 15-member squad, mixing youth and expertise, for the 2 video games in opposition to Bangladesh. Alongside Waseem and Chopra, gamers like Alishan Sharafu, Simranjeet Singh, and Asif Khan carry depth and firepower to the staff. The return of a number of skilled gamers offers hope for a robust outing at dwelling.
Notably, UAE final performed a T20I sequence in December 2024, the place they triumphed within the Gulf T20 Championship. Nevertheless, the upcoming matches in opposition to Bangladesh signify a substantial step up from regional competitors, the place they beforehand confronted groups like Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.
UAE squad for the T20I leg in opposition to Bangladesh:
Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Zuhaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Saghir Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Simranjeet Singh
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