In a shocking turn of events, the World number 3 T20I team New Zealand found themselves in trouble against the UAE. The associate team beat New Zealand by 7 wickets to register their first home victory against a Test-playing nation. The history was created on Saturday at Dubai International Stadium.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to field, the home side displayed exceptional prowess with the ball, setting the stage for their remarkable triumph. Mohammed Jawadullah led the way by using the new ball effectively and playing through pain. He replaced senior fast bowler Junaid Siddique and quickly got rid of New Zealand’s top scorer, Tim Seifert.
Aayan Khan, another young left-arm bowler, displayed impressive maturity despite his age of 17. He bowled well in the early overs and took three wickets for only 20 runs. This strong performance helped the UAE control the match. Despite Mark Chapman’s efforts with 63 runs, New Zealand only managed to score 142-8. This was because of the UAE’s strong bowling and fielding skills.
Kiwi bowlers failed to make an impact on UAE’s run chase
In their turn to bat, the UAE faced early difficulties as Kiwi pacer Tim Southee bowled a wicket-maiden over. However, Muhammed Waseem and Vriitya Aravind helped their team recover with a partnership of 40 runs for the second wicket. Even though the visiting bowlers tried to fight back, Waseem continued to hammer them. He reached his half-century in just 27 balls, scoring 55 runs with four sixes. This helped the UAE get closer to victory.
In the end, Asif Khan and Basil Hameed guided the team to victory. Despite playing without their best batter and skipper, UAE kept their determination high and won the game from nowhere. It was the cherry on top that the team saw a huge number of supporters in the stands for the first time in a bilateral series. After the game, the young team also said that they could beat any other team in the world.
Here is how fans reacted to the UAE’s victory:
Everyone to UAE : pic.twitter.com/BkIWAnqt3p
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) August 19, 2023
Hum Puri Second Hand Indian Team Kharidti aur Record Banati ? pic.twitter.com/mxAgwzo9R2
— Kunal Kharalkar (@kunalspits) August 19, 2023
New Zealand inspired from Pakistani Team
— Anshu Chauhan (@chauhandwarrior) August 19, 2023
That too with no Rohan Mustafa in the squad. Big big win for UAE.
— Gaurav Gulati (@gulatiLFC) August 20, 2023
Congratulations UAE. Good to see other nations coming up the ladder. Well done ?
— Naveen (@_naveenish) August 19, 2023
Incredible achievement ?
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) August 19, 2023
Wow???
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) August 19, 2023
NZ in the mud ???
— MM10 (@Har_uki_) August 19, 2023
Congratulations UAE
Well done— Mayank Goel (@indiangalactico) August 19, 2023
Congratulations UAE! pic.twitter.com/iFuDs2BHtN
— Sammy Alex M. (@alexcrypto22) August 19, 2023
Part time cricketer NZ ko pel de rahe fir bhi NZ final khelgi WC mein ?
— Gagan?? (@1no_aalsi_) August 19, 2023
Asli wali NZ ya khelne ke liye inko ese hi dedi koi?
— Abhay ?? (@InfinityAbhay) August 19, 2023
UAE's victory over New Zealand by seven wickets surely spiced up the T20I series, now standing at an exciting 1-1! ????
— AskClues ?? (@AskClues) August 19, 2023
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) August 19, 2023
— The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) August 19, 2023
