May 22, 2025 - In the third and final T20, UAE beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets to win the series 2-1. Bangladesh batted first and made 162 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. UAE chased the target, losing 3 wickets in 19.1 overs. UAE batsman Alishan Sharafu was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 68 runs.

This is the second time UAE has won a T20 series against a full member team. Earlier, UAE defeated Ireland 2-1 in 2021. Now UAE has made history again by beating Bangladesh 2-1.

The series was originally planned as a two-match T20 series, and Bangladesh had already won the first match. So, it was almost impossible for them to lose the series. Even if UAE had won the second match, the series would have ended in a draw. However, owing to uncertainty over the upcoming Pakistan tour, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to add a third match to the series. This decision changed the game in UAE's favour and Bangladesh lost the series 2-1.

This defeat is being seen as a very embarrassing moment for the team. The BCB’s decision was literally like shooting itself in the foot!

The UAE versus Bangladesh T20 series began on May 17 with the latter winning the first match by 27 runs and taking a 1-0 lead. After this, Bangladesh's key fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman left for India to play in the IPL.

In the second T20I, UAE pulled off a thrilling win by chasing down a big target of 206 runs with 2 wickets and just 1 ball remaining. This win brought excitement back into the series and set up a decider.

In the third T20I, Bangladesh batted first and posted 162 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Tanjid Hasan and wicketkeeper Jaker Ali scored 40 and 41 runs respectively. UAE bowler Haider Ali was the star with the ball, taking 3 wickets for only 7 runs in 4 overs, including 1 maiden.

UAE chased the target of 163 with ease, winning the match by 7 wickets with 5 balls to spare. Alishan Sharafu remained unbeaten on 68 runs and was supported by Asif Khan, who scored 41. Sharafu was named Player of the Match.