In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stunned Bangladesh to claim a historic 2-1 T20I series victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 21, 2025. The star of the show was 21-year-old Alishan Sharafu, a Kerala-born batting sensation, whose unbeaten 68 in the series decider earned him Player of the Match and cemented his status as UAE’s rising star. This landmark win, UAE’s first T20I series triumph against a Test-playing nation, has fans buzzing and the cricketing world taking notice.
The series kicked off with Bangladesh flexing their muscle, as Parvez Hossain Emon’s blistering century powered them to a 27-run victory in the first T20I. Undeterred, UAE roared back in the second match, chasing a mammoth 200-plus target with captain Muhammad Waseem’s explosive 82 and Sharafu’s steady 13. The stage was set for the third match, where Sharafu, hailing from Pazhayangadi, Kannur, delivered a masterclass. Tasked with chasing 163, UAE stumbled early, losing Waseem for a duck. But Sharafu stood tall, crafting an unbeaten 68 off 47 balls, studded with five fours and three sixes. His 87-run unbroken partnership with Asif Khan (41* off 26) sealed a seven-wicket win with five balls to spare, sending the Sharjah crowd into a frenzy.
Sharafu’s calm under pressure was pivotal. “I just wanted to face as many balls as possible and keep the chase alive,” he said post-match, praising Asif for his aggressive strokeplay. Social media erupted, with fans lauding his composure. One user called him “the future of UAE cricket,” while another celebrated his “Kerala roots shining on the global stage.” The Emirates Cricket Board hailed his “elegant 68*,” noting his ability to anchor the innings against a formidable bowling attack.
UAE’s bowling unit set the tone in the decider, with spinner Haider Ali’s remarkable 3/7 dismantling Bangladesh’s top order, restricting them to 162/9. Tanzid Hasan’s quickfire 40 off 18 wasn’t enough, as Saghir Khan and Matiullah Khan kept the pressure on. Sharafu’s batting heroics, combined with Ali’s wizardry, showcased UAE’s growing depth. “This win is about belief,” Waseem said, emphasizing the team’s unity despite their relative inexperience.
Sharafu’s journey from Kerala to UAE cricket stardom resonates deeply. Starting at Sharjah Cricket Academy, he debuted for UAE at 16 and has since become a linchpin. His performance against Bangladesh signals UAE’s readiness for bigger stages, like the upcoming Asia Cup. Fans are already drawing comparisons to regional greats, with one commenter noting, “Sharafu’s got the flair of a young Kohli!”
This victory isn’t just a scoreline—it’s a statement. UAE, often an underdog, has shown they can compete with the best. For Sharafu, it’s a stepping stone to greatness.
