August 20, 2023
2 mins read

UAE stuns New Zealand with Muhammad Waseem’s 55

UAE were 44/2 at the end of the powerplay thanks to Vriitya Aravind’s 21-ball 25, but Waseem was yet to take charge at that point of time….reports Asian Lite News

Skipper Muhammad Waseem led from the front with a 29-ball 55 as UAE scripted a stunning win over New Zealand in the second T20I here on Saturday to level the three-match series.

After restricting the Black Caps to 142/8 with Aayan Afzal Khan claiming 3-20 and Muhammad Jawadullah taking 2-16, the hosts rode on a superb knock by their skipper to 144/5 in 15.4 overs to win by two wickets with 26bballs to spare.

Waseem started off in a cautious manner, getting to 16 off 13 balls before going berserk. The opener slammed four fours and three sixes and raced to his fifty off just 27 balls as UAE made a strong start in pursuit of 143.

UAE were 44/2 at the end of the powerplay thanks to Vriitya Aravind’s 21-ball 25, but Waseem was yet to take charge at that point of time.

In the first over after Power-play, Waseem started to show more intent, smashing Mitchell Santner down the ground for a four and then hammering a six off Kyle Jamieson in the next over. He hit a four and a six off Cole McConchie before hoisting Santner for a six to get to his fifty off a mere 27 balls.

Waseem fell soon after his fifty, but the opening wasn’t quite enough for New Zealand to put pressure on the hosts.

Asif Khan played a mature hand in the company of Basil Hameed as the duo put on a stand that further frustrated the Kiwis. While UAE weren’t still marching to a win, that changed in the 15th over when Asif Khan hit James Neesham for two fours.

He followed it up with a six off Tim Southee in the first ball next over to put UAE on the brink of a memorable win. Two more fours followed as UAE celebrated a remarkable win, their first T20I win over a Test-playing nation other than Ireland and Afghanistan.

Earlier, New Zealand once again lost early wickets as Tim Seifert fell in the third over and Aayan Khan picked up the wickets of Mitchell Santner, promoted to No.3, and Dane Cleaver off back-to-back deliveries.

Mark Chapman stood tall for the visitors even as the UAE bowlers chipped away at the other end. Chapman made 63 off 46 balls and was only dismissed in the final over, but aside from Neesham’s 17-ball 21, he hardly found any support.

The par total of 142, their lowest against a non-Test playing nation, wasn’t quite enough to put off a spirited UAE side.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 142/8 in 20 overs (Mark Chapman  63; Aayan Afzal Khan 3-20, Muhammad Jawadullah 2-16) lost to United Arab Emirates 144/2 in 15.4 overs (Muhammad Waseem 55, Asif Khan 48 not out; Tim Southee 1-32). by 2 wickets.

ALSO READ: Ireland confident in challenging India

Previous Story

New Mascot Duo to energise ICC world cup events

Next Story

India imposes new export duty on onions

Latest from Sport

Stokes: Don’t Write India Off Yet

Stokes added that his side’s sole focus is limited to the India series and not thinking beyond. Ahead of the first Test of the five-match series, England captain Ben Stokes said that

Headingley Heat or Swing Trap

Jaffer pointed out that Joe Root is undoubtedly the main guy that India should be looking to dislodge, even as others, including skipper Ben Stokes, are in indifferent batting form…writes Niharika Raina

Full Carse Ahead

Carse is adamant he will be taking the five-game series against India as an opportunity to show the different skills he brings to the table. England quick Brydon Carse is relishing the

Pant Stays Cool

Pant, who is set to continue at No. 5 in the batting order, also confirmed a major reshuffle As India braces for a much-anticipated five-match Test series against England starting June 20

Men to Watch

Here are the players who could have a massive role to play in their side’s fortunes in the coming months. The start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle represents a chance
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE summons Israeli, Swedish ambassadors

UAE government has informed envoys of both Israel and Sweden

Jordan leverages Arab Travel Market to boost tourism industry

Arab Travel Market a key platform for promoting tourism in