Star batter Muhammad Waseem is set to lead UAE once again in the upcoming two-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The matches will be played at Sharjah on May 17 and 19, marking UAE’s return to T20I cricket since their Gulf T20 Championship win last December.
Waseem had stepped down from captaincy last October to focus more on his ODI batting. In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra had taken charge of the T20I side. However, the Emirates Cricket Board has now handed the leadership reins back to Waseem, banking on his experience and proven track record.
UAE’s Most Successful T20I Batter
Since making his international debut in 2021, Muhammad Waseem has established himself as UAE’s most successful T20I batter. He remains the top run-scorer for UAE in T20Is since 2021. Though he hasn’t scored a half-century since his fifty against Qatar last December, his consistent performance and aggressive style continue to make him a key player.
UAE’s Recent Struggles
The UAE team has recently seen a slump in form. In the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, they suffered two losses each to both the Netherlands and Scotland. Their only win came against Scotland, where Rahul Chopra scored a century, and Simranjeet Singh picked up four wickets—highlighting individual performances amid the team’s struggles.
Big Test Against Bangladesh
This series presents a significant challenge for the UAE. Bangladesh is a seasoned team in international cricket, and this contest will test UAE’s rebuilding phase. It will also be an opportunity for players like Aryansh Sharma, Ethan Dsouza, and Sanchit Sharma to prove their mettle.
Full UAE Squad for Bangladesh T20Is:
- Muhammad Waseem (Captain)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Aryansh Sharma
- Asif Khan
- Dhruv Parashar
- Ethan Dsouza
- Haider Ali
- Matiullah Khan
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Muhammad Zohaib
- Muhammad Zuhaib
- Rahul Chopra (Wicketkeeper)
- Saghir Khan
- Sanchit Sharma
- Simranjeet Singh
