UAE are currently hosting New Zealand in a three-match T20I series. While the visitors beat the hosts in the first T20I on August 17 to go up 1-0, the hosts bounced back in style to etch history and level the series 1-1 on August 19 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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The Muhammad Waseem-led side registered a seven wicket win over New Zealand, courtesy captain’s knock of 55 off 29 deliveries. Notably, with this win, UAE registered their first win over New Zealand and also their first in Dubai. Waseem who played at the strike rate of 189.66 was well supported by Asif Ali, who missed a half-century by two runs. Meanwhile, the UAE skipper took to Twitter to credit this win to his role model and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
While he also credited his teammates, who made this win possible, Waseem in his post also wrote, “A special thanks to my role model, @babarazam258, for inspiring me to exceed what I can achieve & push for excellence.”
Speaking of the match, UAE won the toss and invited Tim Southee-led New Zealand to bat first. The visitors posted 142/8 in their inning of 20 overs, courtesy 63 off 46 deliveries from Mark Chapman. However, the visitors failed to restrict the hosts as blistering attack from UAE skipper led them to register a historic win.
The two sides will lock horns in the series decider on August 20, Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 pm IST.