The UAE cricket team celebrated their first victory in the Twenty20 World Cup, defeating Canada by five wickets in a Group D clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Key performances by Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan propelled the team towards a successful chase of 151 runs.
Initially struggling at 66-4 in the 13th over, the UAE rally was led by an impressive 84-run partnership between Aryansh and Sohaib. This crucial contribution allowed the team to secure the win with just two balls remaining, highlighting their resilience under pressure.
Aryansh Sharma remained unbeaten with a stellar 74 runs, while Sohaib Khan added a rapid 51 off just 29 balls, which included four sixes. Their efforts marked a significant turnaround for the UAE after a shaky start in the chase.
Earlier in the match, Canada set a competitive total of 150-7 after opting to bat first. Notable contributions came from Harsh Thaker, who scored 50 runs, and Navneet Dhaliwal, who added 34 runs, giving Canada a solid foundation.
UAE’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Junaid Siddique, who claimed five of Canada’s seven wickets, finishing his spell with impressive figures of 5 for 35 in four overs. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Saad Bin Zafar made early inroads into the UAE batting lineup, taking three key wickets and putting Canada in a favorable position.
Despite the early setbacks, Aryansh’s determination shone through as he reached his fifty off 41 balls, ensuring the UAE had a fighting chance. Sohaib followed suit with a brisk knock that steadied the innings before he fell in the final over.
With this win, the UAE climbed to third place in their group, surpassing Afghanistan, while New Zealand and South Africa remain at the top with four points each from two matches.